114 



PROFITABLE PIGEON BREEDING 



invariably tear the fletili. Tins operation is repeated until they 

 have all been killed and picked. Never kill a great many at 

 one time and pnt them in a jjile. As they are picked they are 

 thrown into the tub of ^^•ater mentioned above. Each squab has 

 its crop thoro\iphl\' washed out by forciuu; water down its throat. 

 Tliis is easily done with the aid of a stream from a garden hose 

 nozzle. The stream can be regidated at the spigot or at the 

 nozzle so that it will work niceh'. After the crojj is filled with 

 water take the scpiab's head in t!ie left hand, its feet in the right 



SQUABS READY FOR THE COOK 



hand and shake it up and down. If there is any feed in the 

 crop it will become loosened b>- this motion and mix with the 

 water. Let the head drop, still holding the bird by the feet. 

 Water and grain will come out of its mouth. A couple of such 

 operations will usually remove all grain. Next wash the bird 

 all over carefully, removing all foreign matter, blood, filth, etc.. 

 from its feet and body. As soon as all the srjuabs have received 

 their final wasliing we invariably pack them in ice and freeze 

 them before sbijiiiing. This gives them a good start. 



For shipment use a clean wooden box that is entirely free 



