DOMESTIC PIGEONS 233 



flat surfaces, rather than for clasping round objects, perches 

 should be arranged in accordance. 



Every loft has its own particular arrangement of nest 

 boxes, which are built to suit conditions. There are a few 

 points, however, in which all should agree. As pigeons, 

 when in proper breeding condition, usually have well-grown 

 young in one nest and eggs in another, it is necessary that 

 each pair be provided with two sites. This is best accom- 

 plished by dividing the available space into compartments, 

 say three feet long. Each compartment is then subdivided, 

 forming two smaller inner chambers. Here may be placed 

 shallow earthenware pans, obtainable from all dealers, or 

 small wooden boxes, in which the birds will build their 

 nests. The partition dividing the compartments should be 

 high enough to prevent the young in one nest from disturb- 

 ing the parent engaged in incubation in the other. If con- 

 ditions ^re suitable, it is best to build nesting compartments 

 on the floor, thus avoiding the danger of injury to the young 

 birds by falling from the nest. Where this is not feasible, 

 they can be erected in tiers along the walls. Each pair will 

 select and hold its own domain, jealously defending it 

 against all comers. 



It is an excellent plan to arrange the compartments so 

 that they can be closed temporarily with wire netting. They 

 are then useful for confining the pairs at mating time. 



Sea sand, clean and free from clay, is the best material 

 for covering the floor. Sawdust is used by some, but it 

 blows about, especially if thinly spread, and is likely to be 

 picked up, with injurious effect, by young birds. If the 

 sand is gone over with a very fine rake and worked through 

 a sieve, once a week or so, the loft will always be clean. 



If a flight is to be attached, this may be made of any 

 size desired, but equal care must be taken to make it vermin 

 proof, unless the birds are to be fed inside and can be 



