CHAPTER III. 



The Best Squab Raisers 



Very few pigeons, other than Homers, are used by 

 practical squab breeders. As yet, no pigeon has been 

 found combining the excellent qualities possessed by 

 the Homer. An ideal bird is shown in Fig. 6. The 

 Homer is alert, erect of carriage, bright-eyed, full- 

 breasted, square-shouldered, large-throated ; is a good 

 feeder, not lazy, cares well for its young and is very 

 prolific, sturdy and of vigorous constitution. Large- 

 throated birds are necessary in squab raising. Many 

 squabs of some varieties are choked to death during 

 feeding because the pieces of feed are too large for 

 their throats. This happens usually as the parent is 

 parsing from the "pigeon-milk-stage" and begins feed- 

 ing full grain only. Such casualties seldom occur with 

 Homers. 



The necessity of birds having sound, vigorous con- 

 stitutions is apparent. Squabs from such stock can 

 be expected to exhibit the good qualities of their 

 parents. It is likewise clearly understood that in 

 order to win first prizes in races, ranging from 500 to 

 1,000 miles, birds must not be deficient in strength, 

 speed and endurance. 



The best squabs for market. — To be profitable 

 breeders, the parents must be good feeders and care 

 well for their young. It must be remembered that 

 squabs stay in their nests until they are four or five 

 weeks old and all their feed must be given them by 

 their parents. Squabs must be marketed before leav- 

 ing the nest because they lose flesh rapidly as soon as 



13 



