21 



Value of the Different Grains. 



In each pound Protein Fat Starch Mineral matter 



of oz. drs. oz. drs. oz. drs. oz. drs. 



Wheat 1 15 8 9 4 5 



Buckwheat 1 15 10 9 4 4 



Oats 2 1 15 7 8 4 5 



Indian Corn 1 12 14 10 7 2 



Canada Peas 4 5 7 11 5 



Lupins 3 6 8 7 



Vetches 2 12 6 4 4 



Hemp 2 2 6 4 6 



Sunflower Seed 2 2 6 4 6 



The two latter are exceedingly fattening and heatening and 

 must be fed sparingly, especially in summer. Safe to feed 

 oftener in winter. 



It is far better to feed a variety of grains than one particular 

 grain any length of tinie. Some are loosening to the bowels, 

 others again constipating. Coin is somewhat constipating, 

 while wheat (especially new wheat, which must never be fed) is 

 loosening, especially to the squab; it digests too easily or, in 

 other words, becomes softened too quickly and the squabs, many 

 of which die of "scours," a term used by pigeon men, identical 

 with diarrhcea. Buckwheat is also heatening and binding, and 

 is safe to use in winter only. To keep a bird's appetite good it 

 is best to feed a variety of grains than one particular grain; in 

 fact, to keep them guessing what will comprise their next meal. 



In feeding always give those grains containing the most 

 heat at the evening meal, for then they have no exercise and they 

 will require more heat, especially during winter nights. 



What to Feed. 



Wheat. 



Wheat is (taking it the whole year round) the main article 

 of food for pigeons. It contains very nourishing qualities, rich 

 in starch, fats and proteins, but should be fed in connection 

 with some of the other grains occasionally, for if fed too long 

 it will scour the birds, as it has slightly laxative qualities, prob- 

 ably in the oyter shell or bran. Red wheat should always b^ 



