DOMESTIC PIGEONS 239 



emerge a few hours later. If the parents are known to be 

 steady, it is a good plan to examine the nest at hatching 

 time, as squabs often get into difficulties which are easily 

 remedied. If one appears to be having trouble in extracting 

 itself, it may be gently assisted, but should never be taken 

 entirely from the shell. If the smaller portion can be 

 removed without causing the lining membrane to bleed, this 

 may be done, but the part containing the remainder of the 

 yolk sac should be left. 



For several days after hatching the squabs are fed on 

 soft, thoroughly digested food, known as " pigeon milk." 

 This is formed in the crop of each parent, and is present a 

 day or two before the hatching is due. The chick is fed by 

 regurgitation, as soon as it emerges, the act being performed 

 by whichever parent happens to be on duty at the moment. 

 After three or four days have passed small grains are mixed 

 with the " milk," and at a week old the squab is fed entirely 

 on grain. 



Most breeders who keep and mate their birds systemati- 

 cally ring each squab with a seamless band, bearing year 

 and date. This is placed on the leg when the squab is four 

 or five days old, by pressing together the three forward toes 

 and passing the band over them and up the leg far enough 

 to clear the hind toe. Once in position, it never can be 

 removed except by cutting, and serves to identify the bird 

 throughout its life. 



Pin feathers begin to appear at five or six days old and 

 soon the squab is covered with growing plumes. It is at 

 this time that the most insidious enemy of the young pigeon 

 — canker — appears. Canker is a mixed infection, of rather 

 mysterious origin, but probably is formed by a vegetable 

 parasite. It is laid to various causes — dampness, inbreed- 

 ing, heredity, etc. — but moldy grain no doubt is the true 

 source of the trouble. At any rate, when the young bird 



