74 



when they are not breeding, do not mind cold weather, but 

 breeding birds should have a tight house on account of the 

 squabs. See to it that the ventilation is attended to. 



TESTING PIGEON EGGS. 



If you want to know whether an egg is going to hatch after 

 the hen has been sitting for some time look through it. If 

 it is clear, it will not hatch and might as well be thrown 

 away. If it is partly clouded, the egg will hatch but not for 

 several days. If it is dark all over eXcept at the large end, 

 the young bird will hatch in three or four days, or it has 

 died. To find if it is alive, put some water in a pan having 

 it as warm as the hand can be held in it without burning. 

 Set the pan down and let the water become still, then put 

 the doubtful egg in to the water, little end down and let 

 it float. If the bird is alive, it will struggle in the egg and 

 cause it to bob around in the water. Testing eggs is not 

 necessary unless it is noticed that a certain setting has been 

 set on for a suspiciously long time. 



SELECTING A SltB. 

 In selecting a site for the home of pigeons, as much 

 care and judgment should be exercised as in choosing the 

 location of one's own home. An unhealthy location for man 

 would most likely prove unhealthy for the birds. A damp 

 place, or one exposed to extremes of heat, sold, or wind, is 

 to be rejected. The spot selected should be well drained, 

 should be facing the south or east, should be free from' 

 obstructions which shut out the rays of the morning sun 

 and be sheltered either by trees or buildings from the north 

 and west winds. Such a place, with a shallow stream of pure 



