244 POULTRY AND WILD BIRDS 
The fancy pigeons kept for amusement are chosen for their ornamental 
appearance and are usually too small for meat purposes. For squab 
raising such varieties as the Homer are considered the most valuable. 
Pigeons are quite hardy and are not subject to disease. Their blood 
being 50 degrees warmer than that of man, they can stand severe weather, 
and any building that is dry can readily be converted into a suitable house 
for them. If a special dove cote is built, it may be set on posts to raise 
it at least a few feet from the ground and put it out of reach of rats, 
weasels, and other enemies. 
Pigeons are grain eaters, and are fed such things as whole corn, cracked 
corn, wheat, field peas, and millet. Their rations should be varied, as 
they’ easily. -tire of a monotonous diet. 
PIGEONS 
Their popularity as pets is well deserved. The beauty of their plumage 
can hardly be excelled in the whole realm of bird society ; and their charm- 
ing family relations cannot fail to command our admiration. In some 
breeds the male and female mate for life, a most exceptional practice 
among birds. Their affection for each other and for their young, so effec- 
tively expressed in their cooing, is a matter of common observation. The 
raising of a family, or of an endless succession of families, seems to be the 
great aim and object of their life and the source of all their joys. The 
female lays but two eggs for a sitting, but in some breeds a pair will raise 
from 7 to 12 broodsina year. The eggs hatch in from 16 to 18 days, and 
both parents share in the labors of incubation by taking turns in sitting on 
the eggs. 
