CHAPTER X 

 MOULTING 



Explanation of the Moult — Separation of Males and Femal"S During 

 the Moult — Care During the Moulting Period. 



There is a period in each year when all of the feathered tribe 

 shed their feathers and take on new ones. This process o: 

 shedding is natural and is what is known as moultijif-. The 

 moult comes during the last of the summer months and it is 

 during this time that the birds undergo a terrible bodily strain. 

 Therefore, every precaution should be taken, on the part of the 

 breeder, to keep his birds in the ver\- liest condition possible at 

 this season of the year. The \\'rit('r lias ah\ ays been very liberal 

 in feeding hemp seed and golden millet during the moult and 

 has found these two grains of great value in toning up the birds. 



Some breeders advise the separation of the males and females 

 during the moult, preferring to keep them from lireeding during 

 this time. This may well be practiced on a small scale but 

 where one is operating a large commercial squab plant it would 

 be unwise indeed to attempt such a thing. Not all birds will 

 breed during ihe moult but those that do should be carefully 

 cared for and not stinted in their feed. 



The first feathers to be moulted are usually the wing feathers, 

 then the tail feathers and lastly the body feathers. During the 

 moult a pigeon, like a chicken, usually presents a most tm- 

 sightly appearance but the novice need not be alarmed as this 

 is nature's method of giving each bird a new set of feathers. 



During the moult the l)irds should receive more than usual 

 attention. Their lofts slionld li(> kept in a sanitary condition, 

 plenty of fresh health grit provided, a lump of rock Sdlt should 



