254 



PRACTICAL POULTRY PRODUCTION 



Figure 249. — Maltese pigeon. Figure 250. — Hungarian. 



the Maltese in type, having rather long legs and long necks, 

 and carry a handsome plumage of black and white and 

 yellow and white. They are not generally kept for squab 

 breeding purposes, but are regarded as very good breeders. 



MANAGEMENT 



Pigeons always mate in pairs and usually remain so 

 throughout life, unless one of the birds dies or becomes 

 permanently injured. A mating can be broken up and 

 other birds mated if desired. Pigeons are usually mated 

 at from 4 to 8 months of age. The hen pigeon usually 

 lays two eggs in 3 days before she starts to sit. It is not 



Figure 251. — Homer pigeon. 



Figure 252. — Carneau pigeon. 



