THE IDEAL PIGEON HOUSE 39 



cooling off too quickly. The stuffy, impure atmos- 

 phere in a house will affect the birds, making them 

 listless, while their appetites fall off. Such birds fail 

 to feed their squabs properly. By inat- 



tention to ventilation, canker, cholera or roup, if once 

 established, will find much more inviting conditions 

 in which to work than where the house is properly 

 ventilated and disinfected. 



Much danger lies in the opposite condition, if there 

 is too much ventilation, or where drafts strike the 

 birds. Frequently, cases of cold and canker are trace- 

 able to a knot hole or crack in a board through which 

 cold air has blown directly on the squabs. How best 

 to secure the proper amount of ventilation and to 

 avoid cold drafts on one hand and impure air on the 

 other is quite a problem. 



In this chapter (pages 24 and 26) full descriptions 

 of sliding windows and doors are given. The exit 

 holes are kept open constantly, day and night, at all 

 seasons, except when closed temporarily to catch a 

 bird. The windows facing the south are kept closed 

 during the cold season, but are opened in warmer 

 weather, except when storms occur. The doors and 

 windows in the gables play an important part in ven- 

 tilation. The gable window, against which the wind 

 is blowing, should never be open, but the opposite one 

 open fully. The same is true of entry doors. 



By exercising care in these details a well ventilated 

 house can be secured and free from strong currents 

 of air. The birds breathe pure, fresh air at all times 

 and never appear listless. Their bright eyes, strong 

 and hearty appetites attest their good health. Such 

 birds take good care of their young, while the squabs 

 reflect the good qualities of their parents. 



