The Feather's Practical Pigeon Book 



of natural gravel to perfection. With the varied "menu" 

 presented herewith^ the novice can form something of 

 an idea of what his pigeons will enjoy, and while it is not 

 at all necessary that he should supply to them the whole 

 list, he can make from this his selection, and feed what 

 seems to be most to their taste, and what agrees with 

 them best. Be cautious about over-feeding. Keep them 

 in just such a condition that they will enjoy their meals 

 when furnished them and then with, if possible, a little 

 outdoor exercise, they should be healthy, active, and 

 contented. 



Birds kept continually confined need a little more 

 careful watching than those that can have daily exercise, 

 to see that they do not suffer from close confinement. 

 If the loft is roomy they can get considerable exercise 

 right in the loft, but if quarters are contracted, the 

 chances for disease and vermin are greater than if at 

 liberty. Above all things, let the quarters be what they 

 may, do not overcrowd. Where possible, I would ad- 

 vise the use of a 'raised platform for feeding; here the 

 various grains can be placed, and be eaten from the 

 feeding-dishes or hoppers, or scattered about. 



If grain is fed directly from the hand, this platform 

 can be swept clean before feeding and it will be found a 

 much nicer way than to feed on the floor. One must 

 be governed in feeding by the time at one's disposal.. 

 If only able to visit the birds twice a day, food must be 

 supplied to last from one feeding-time to the other, but 

 if able to visit the loft several times each day, then the 

 feeding each time can be in limited quantities and the 

 chance to vary the food much better. If one is situated 

 so as to have a roomy area built on the ground, a plat- 

 form can be erected there and on dry days the birds fed 

 there. The gravel, water, and other supplies can all be 



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