The Feather's Practical Pigeon Book 



what they may; and, strange to say, resuhs are often 

 more satisfactory, as far as increase in numbers is con- 

 cerned, than when they receive the best of care. 



Having- provided the loft or house, as it may be, seen 

 that it is well painted or whitewashed, and guarded 

 against the admission of rats, mice, and cats, we turn 

 our attention to the necessary furniture for the conveni- 

 ence of the pigeons. This need not be abundant, nor 

 elaborate in its character, but should be movable, and 

 constructed so as to admit of economy and cleanliness 

 in its use. First will be needed a hopper, or hoppers, 

 for I believe it economy where you have several kinds 

 of feed to have a hopper for each kind, as each pigeon 

 has a dififerent taste, some preferring corn to wheat or 

 peas, and, again, others preferring peas to either wheat 

 or corn. 



If the three are mixed together in one hopper, the , 

 bird that likes peas will throw out with his bill, as far 

 as possible, the other kinds of grain to get at his favorite 

 morsel, and naturally much of the food thrown on the 

 floor will be trodden under foot and wasted. If a hopper 

 is provided for each kind of grain, the pigeon will find 

 what it wants without trouble and will waste but little. 

 These hoppers can be cheaply constructed, and of any 

 pattern that may suggest itself. They can be made self- 

 feeding, or consist of a simple open trough, and only 

 such- a portion of food placed in them each day as will 

 be likely to be used on that day. Self-feeding ones are 

 the most desirable for those who can not be regular in 

 their visits to their pets, as it keeps a supply of food 

 constantly ready for their use, a feature very desirable 

 when old birds are feeding their young. B'ut when one 

 has time for frequent daily visits to his lofts "or aviaries 

 and can watch the food supply closely, I believe the open 



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