CHAPTER III. 



THE PIGEON HOUSE. LOFT, AND AVIARY. 



I SUPPOSE the majority of pigeon fanciers who commenced their pnraiiit 

 when yonng, began by keeping a few common birds or flying tumblers 

 in boxes fixed to some wall out of reach of cats or other enemies. This 

 was the way I began the fancy, and some narrow escapes I had when up 

 the ladder inspecting what was going on inside my pigeon locker ; and I 

 would strongly advise all guardians of pigeon-keeping boys who have 

 no other means of housing their pets than in wall boxes, to see that they 

 are not only well secured to the wall — for I have known them to give way 

 from improper fastening — but fixed at no great distance from the ground. 

 Keeping really good pigeons in wall boxes is almost out of the question 

 for little control over the birds can be exercised, and sooner or later, if 

 the young fancier means advancement in his pursuit, he must find ways 

 and means for the better housing of his pets. 



When no other means of keeping pigeons than in wall boxes is con- 

 venient, then they should be made of larch or other durable wood, and 

 well jointed, so as to allow the wind no entrance, except from the holes 

 at which the birds go out and in, and they ought to be fixed in the most 

 sheltered position available. To keep pigeons in boxes facing the east or 

 north is unnecessary cruelty ; for even if a wall is so exposed, the boxes 

 can be fastened, so that the fronts need not face the cold exposure. 



The box space necessary for each pair of all small pigeons, such as 

 tumblers and turbits, is about 12in, by 12in., and lOin, high. This is 

 the measurement inside, and, in addition, there is the landing board, 

 which will project about 4in. Unless each pair is provided with two 

 such apartments, there will be little peace in the colony, for pigeons do 



