THE PIGEON BOOK 45 



The feathers should be close-fitting and the ground- 

 colour clear and clean. 



In self-coloured birds the bars should stand out clear 

 and well. Any dulness of one colour against the other 

 is an indication that all is not right. 



Pigeons' feet should be moderately cool, and the colour 

 of the legs and feet clear and bright. 



When the colour of the feet is pale and dull, combined 

 with dull plumage, it is a sure sign all is not well. 



The eye is an important factor from which health or 

 condition can be judged. 



The experienced fancier can learn much from the eyes 

 of his pigeons. They appear to speak to him and tell 

 him just how the subject feels. Immediately the birds 

 become sick the eye indicates the trouble sooner than 

 anything. A clear bright eye is the surest indication of 

 health, and as soon as a fancier can understand reading 

 the health of his pigeons through the optic organs he has 

 learnt much. 



Clear white wattles and hard clean cere are also good 

 indications of health. 



Birds that keep clean in the wattle when feeding their 

 young are generally all right inside; but birds that go 

 greasy on the beak and dirty in front must be watched, 

 particularly if in addition the plumage loses colour and 

 sheen. 



Now let us examine the mouth and throat. 



In young and old the most common disease amongst 

 pigeons is throat trouble. 



Open the beak, examine the throat well, and look for 

 a small yellow spot. 



If these or yellow growths are to be found anywhere 

 in the mouth it is a certain indication that the blood is 

 diseased. 



