BREEDING 89 



erwise have died. It requires about seventeen 

 days for pigeon eggs to hatch. 



In selling mated pairs it must be remem- 

 bered not to sell those in milk, as there is a 

 chance of injuring the pigeons so that they will 

 never breed again. 



Pigeon raisers, to be successful, must be gen- 

 tle and kindly disposed, willing to spend many 

 hours in studying their charges. I learned to 

 recognize every pigeon in my flock. Every 

 face seemed to have a different expression, in 

 which I could read their joys and sorrows. 



It is indeed a thankless employment selling 

 pigeons for breeding. As I have already stated 

 it is purely optional with pigeons whether they 

 breed or not. 



It is always a lottery when you sell mated 

 pairs whether they will be happy in their new 

 quarters and wiUing to raise a family. But this 

 the pigeon raiser cannot make the buyer believe 

 or understand, and if his mated pairs do not set 

 to work nest-building he immediately accuses 

 the seller of rank deception. Whereas, the 

 fault may lie entirely with his own manage- 

 ment and treatment of his purchase, or the 

 birds may be afflicted with incurable homesick- 

 ness for their friends and surroundings. This 

 Is the reason I invariably advise the purchase 



