THE PIGEON BOOK 8i 



be cleaned with a small stiff toothbrush and a little warm 

 water. When the wattle becomes coarse in some varieties 

 there are those who file it down by means of a fine emery 

 cloth, but I look upon this as faking, and when carried 

 too far cruel to the bird. 



Until the beginner has had some little experience I do 

 not advise him to undertake the washing of his subjects. 

 It is a very delicate operation and requires considerable 

 practice. Well do I remember the first pigeon I washed. 

 The soap dried into the webbing of the feathers, and it 

 looked more like a porcupine than a pigeon. 



The best way to gain practical experience in washing is 

 by taking a lesson or two from an expert. Carefully copy 

 his methods and practise for a time on birds of small 

 value. If it is necessary to wash a pigeon before show 

 it should be done three or four days beforehand, so that 

 the feathers have recovered their natural sheen by the 

 show day. 



The materials necessary should consist of a good, clean, 

 open pan, a plentiful supply of luke-warm water, and 

 some soft towels for drying. 



I like white curd soap, and have also found Scrubb's 

 bath ammonia a good agent. 



Having made a nice lather you gently cleanse the 

 feathers, taking the tail, wings, and flights separately, 

 rubbing gently in until all the dirt is removed. This is 

 the easiest part of the process. It is the straightening out 

 and getting the feathers right after that takes the time 

 and wants practice. 



Having removed the dirt, rinse in two or three clean 

 waters one after the other, squeeze out all liquid from 

 the feathers, and then gently dry with your warm towels. 

 Take care to have everything ready before you start, for 

 the operation needs to be quickly performed. 



