Pigeons Birds 
the trough with its narrow bottom about 1% inches 
above the bottom of the trough. The hopper 
should have a hinged cover, to prevent the wast- 
ing of the food. Wires about two inches apart 
should extend from the edge of the trough to the 
sides of the hopper. Food may be placed in this 
hopper and it will fall below into the trough as fast 
as it is eaten out. 
Several of these filled hoppers and troughs should 
be placed where the pigeons have access to them. 
Care should be taken that mice do not get into the 
food; placing the hopper upon the platforms 4 to 6 
inches square, supported on zinc-covered posts is 
one way to accomplish this. 
It is necessary for the health of the birds to give 
them plenty of salt; often a piece of dried codfish is 
tacked to the wall, but more often a lump ofrocksalt 
which is moistened occasionally, is placed near the 
food troughs. 
Gravel is necessary to the digestion of pigeons; if 
they are allowed to fly freely they will get it for them- 
selves, but in confinement we must supply this need. 
Crushed oyster shells, mixed with coarse sand, and 
some charcoal, seems often more acceptable to the 
birds than the gravel. 
NESTING 
At this time coarse hay should be placed where 
the birds may get it. This should be cut in pieces 
about 4 inches long. Stems of tobacco, cut about 
the same length should also be given, to assist in 
warding off lice. The hen pigeon lays two eggs, 
usually with one day between. She sits from three 
or four o’clock in the afternoon until about ten the 
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