FARM POULTRY PROBLEMS 159 



efficient in scraping the type of nests previously mentioned. 

 The floors should be cleaned monthly. 



Killing, Cooling, Packing, and Shipping.— The period of 

 mcubation of pigeon eggs is about 17 days, and the squabs are 

 ready for market at about 4 weeks of age. When the body 

 feathers under the wings are just past the pin feather stage, 

 squabs are ready to kill. At this time they have no pin 

 feathers and pick easily. If they are left a few days longer, 

 they will be flying, which is not desirable. Squabs should be 

 collected in the morning before feeding the old birds, as this 

 insures empty crops and leaves them in better condition for 

 killing. From 18 to 22 squabs may be dry picked in an hour. 

 The feet are slipped into a wire which is bent to hold their 

 legs apart. The neck may be held by one finger while picking. 

 As this is likely to prevent free bleeding, a better method is to 

 fix a small can with a sharp prong on the inside of the can 

 over which the beak is hooked. This stretches the neck ou1 , 

 holds the squab, and the can catches the blood. Free bleeding 

 and clean picking is desired by marketmen. White-skinned 

 squabs are worth more on the market than those with dark skin. 



A killing room is desirable where much killing is to be done. 

 A cement floor which can be cleaned readily, and removable 

 cans, boxes, and shelves for holding the squabs, are important. 



After the squabs are picked they may be hung in a cool 

 place or placed in cold water to cool. 



Squabs may be shipped in egg cases or other carriers. An 

 egg case will hold 10 dozen squabs without ice. During 

 warm weather a layer of ice (cracked) is placed on the bottom, 

 then a layer of squabs, followed by more ice and squabs. 

 Barrels are used with good results. 



Express shipments should be made. Special rates may be 

 obtained in certain cases from express companies on squab 

 shipments. 



Prices of Breeders and Market Squabs. — Prices for breeders 

 usually run from $1.75 to $2.25 per pair according to age. 



Marketmen like a heavy squab, and the prices varj- from 

 50 to 75 cents for culls to -SS.SO or $6.00 per dozen for ^10 and 

 12 lb. squabs. Prices are usually sent weekly l^j- the commis- 

 sion men to those having squabs for sale, if requested. Business 



