CHAPTER FOUR. 

 THE MOULT. 



So important do I consider the moult that I propose 

 to deal with the subject at some length. 



Many run away with the idea that the moult is a 

 disease. It is nothing of the kind ; it is simply a natural 

 function. 



Nature ordains that almost all animals and birds shall, 

 partially or totally, annually renew the fur or feathers 

 that serve as a coat or covering. 



If this renewal did not take place, after a time the 

 feathered tribe would be denuded of feathers and unable 

 to fly. 



Birds suffer from many ailments during the moult ; 

 it is a very trying period, as the drain on the system to 

 supply the necessary sap or blood to the growing feathers 

 is very great. In consequence of this, when the time is 

 due ailments are contracted, but this in no wise proves 

 that the moult is in itself a disease. 



In the case of all pigeons I look upon a good first 

 moult of a young bird as an augury that the pigeon is 

 sound. On the other hand, any check, tardiness, or irre- 

 gularity in the moult is a sign of weakness. 



Climatic influences very considerably affect the moult. 

 An enormous percentage of parrots imported from abroad 

 die during the first year of their importation into this 

 country. This is due to the fact that the first moult they 

 make in this country falls at a difficult season of the 

 year. When once, however, they have passed through this 

 first moult little or no difficulty is experienced. 



For this reason I find that the best pigeons to export 



