33 



in a loft. It is even better to have more than two nests 

 for each pair, as this gives them some liberty of choice and 

 often saves quarreling betvi^een two couples. 



As pigeons mate for life, it is very important that only 

 mated and married pairs are kept together. If an odd cock 

 or an odd hen is letf in a loft, there are family troubles 

 without end ; and the quarrels which arise from this cause 

 result in broken eggs and squabs killed in the fights. 



Sauabs One Week Old. 



It sometimes happens that a pair will not produce young. 

 This is because the hen is barren. In such a case the hen 

 should be disposed of and a new mate for the cock furnished. 

 It is best to shut the two in a box with a wire partition 

 between them until they become acquainted with each other, 

 after which they will usually mate, although they do not 

 invariably do so. 



