Management of Pigeon Snows. 
49 
;n the case of Pouters, which really require their box to be fitted to them ; but where several pairs 
arc exhibited, it saves much money for expense of carriage to have the whole contained in one 
well-contrived package. 
Many valuable birds perish from exhibition, on which subject we should like to say a few 
emphatic words. We do not refer only to birds which are too often shown, and suffer accordingly ; 
no doubt this is often the case, but each amateur has the remedy so far in his own hands, and if he 
commits the fault deserves the punishment. But apart from this, at very many shows there is 
neither proper food, proper food-vessels, nor proper attendance. Indeed, with regard to some 
breeds, it is not too much to say that this is the case at the majority of shows, in spite of the 
promises so freely made that “ every care will be taken of the specimens.” For instance, it is 
well known that good Carriers and Barbs cannot see to feed on single grains — the eye-wattle 
obstructing the sight; and times without number we have seen fine birds of these breeds return 
from a two-days’ show without having tasted food, through proper tins not being provided. 
At many shows where there were men engaged to look after the birds, we have found them 
utterly neglected, and fed and watered the whole ourselves, which we can state distinctly was the 
only feeding they ever received ; and far more, Carriers especially, die in this way — that is, from 
sheer starvation at shows, and its after consequences — than from over-exhibition. Besides this, 
improper food kills many ; and many birds reach home violently purged from eating the food which 
has been, according to the usual plan, thrown into the pens and become soiled by the excrements, 
the owners never suspecting the real cause. The remedy is very simple, and we would strongly 
advise all owners of really valuable birds to refuse to exhibit, however tempting the schedule, unless 
they know the committee of the show will carry out the few needful measures. These are, to 
provide a meat-tin and a water-tin for every pen ; to furnish the meat-tins with a mixture of good 
sound old grey peas and tares, which will suit all birds, whatever their previous diet may have 
been, and which cannot be said of other food ; and to have these tins, for Carriers and Barbs, fixed 
inside the pens. This last is highly necessary, as the heavy wattles prevent them in most cases 
from putting their heads through the wires to the outside ; but for other varieties the outside is the 
best. No more than this is required ; and if a committee find such simple elements of good 
management burdensome, they have no business to hold a show. If those who do carry out such 
regulations would announce the fact, we feel sure they would soon find the benefit of such a course ; 
and others who did not would soon find themselves compelled by want of support to adopt better 
management. 
Finally, we may just say a word on the proper way of handling or holding a pigeon. This is 
with the breast across the palm of the hand, the head towards the little finger or body of the 
holder. The legs should be allowed to pass through between the first and second fingers, when 
the thumb can be brought over the back, and will hold the bird perfectly secure. In catching a 
pigeon, the best way, if possible, is to get the hand over the back, with the forefinger in front of 
the neck, and the thumb under the breast. 
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