568 COMMERCIAL POULTRY RAISING 



right leg, and the females on the left leg, to distinguish the sex 

 of the birds in the pens. 



The mating-pen is a separate compartment through which new 

 pairs are added to the regular lofts. In it the young pigeons, 

 males and females, are placed, also the doubtful pairs. Here the 

 young birds reach maturity, and after an interesting courtship 

 they choose partners. This is usually indicated by the male 



Fig. 341. — Runt cross pigeon. 



driving and pecking at the female. If properly mated, the pair 

 will start to erect their nest, and they will be found together at 

 night, whereas unmated members of the pen generally remain 

 alone. 



Discerning Sex. — It takes a very keen observer and one in- 

 timately versed in pigeon ways to discern the sexes before pair- 

 ing, and even after the courtship has started experienced breeders 



