Lofts for Carriers. 
53 
Fig. 2 6 shows a loft generally resembling that given in Fig. 3, but specially arranged for this 
variety of pigeon. Around the walls will be seen the perches just described, which must be placed 
at some little distance from them, in order that the birds may not injure their tail-feathers when 
turning round. The only other noticeable difference is that not more than three of the nest-boxes 
shown in Fig. 1 are arranged in one row. The reason of this is, that the sight being so much 
obstructed by the wattles, Carriers are less able to distinguish objects and positions than other 
breeds ; and if too many places resembling each other are arranged in one row, a bird is extremely 
Fig. 26 . — Loft for Carriers. 
likely to make a mistake and go into “the wrong box,” the consequence of which is an immediate 
fight, to the destruction of the eggs or young, and often the serious injury of the old birds, as 
Carriers generally fight till quite exhausted. If, however, only three apertures be in each row, 
the birds can scarcely mistake the middle and right and left ones for each other. Hence, 
even allowing all four sides of the loft to be occupied, we cannot advise any one to breed 
more than twelve pairs of Carriers in any one loft, however large ; and if possible to keep much 
less in each compartment, even only three or four pairs, it will be all the better. The most 
successful Carrier breeders of our acquaintance have done best when only breeding the latter 
number in each room. 
