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ALWAYS FEED INDOORS. 



Never feed pigeons out of doors, as any feed left over 

 is likely to be damaged by the weather ; and in bad weather 

 they must be fed indoors, so it is best to feed them there 

 always. 



ECONOMICAL FEEDING. 



The pigeon-breeder should always feed his birds, so he 

 will know that it is properly done. If at any time any of 

 the grain from a previous feed is left in the troughs, the 

 ration should be reduced a little. If the troughs are 

 emptied in a way that shows the birds have not plenty to 

 eat, add a little to the quantity given to them. 



Pigeons which are feeding squabs require more feed than 

 those not working, as they must eat enough for themselves 

 and for the squabs also. 



HOW SQUABS ARE FED. 

 Squabs are fed by the parents in a most peculiar way. 

 The old birds, male and female, eat the grain and drink 

 water freely. This is partially digested until it is formed 

 into a milky liquid mass. Then the squab puts its beak 

 inside that of the parent bird and the parent by a peculiar 

 jerking motion of the head and neck "pumps" this liquid 

 food into the crop of the young bird. This feed is called 

 "pigeons' milk" and is very nutritious, young squabs grow- 

 ing more rapidly than any other kind of young birds. 



BREEDING HABITS. 



The breeding habits of pigeons are peculiar. When a 

 male has selected the female he desires for his mate, there 

 follows a course of true love-making in which the male 

 struts around his favorite, cooes to her and evidently tries 

 to show her what a grand bird he is. The female, if at- 



