31 
SUMMARY. 
It will pay to go into the pigeon business for squabs only provided 
one gets the right kind of stock and gives careful attention and proper 
management. 
The best breed to use for squab raising is straight Homers or a cross 
between them and Dragoons. Successful breeders use Homers almost 
exclusively, because they are the best workers and feeders and raise 
larger squabs in four weeks’ time than any other variety. By a cross 
of straight Homers with Dragoons you get a larger squab in four weeks’ 
time than with straight Dragoons. A pair of straight Dragoons re¬ 
quires five weeks to bring squabs to market size, but the cross will 
result in a larger squab which can be put on the market in a little 
over four weeks. 
One large pigeon house is better and more economical than several 
small ones, but in no case should a house be built to accommodate 
more than 250 pairs. If larger numbers are to be kept, more than 
one house should be built. A room 8 by 10 feet will accommodate 50 
pairs very comfortably. The fly should be extended 32 feet if possible. 
Pigeons should be fed twice a day—in the summer time at 6.30 a. m. 
and 4.30 p. m., in the winter at 7.30 a. m. and 3 p. m. 
The best kinds of feed to use are cracked corn, red wheat, Kafir 
corn, millet, peas, hemp, and rice. In the morning give wheat, cracked 
corn, and peas in equal parts; in the afternoon give equal parts of 
cracked corn, peas, Kafir corn, and millet. The birds should be fed 
in the pen rather than in the fly. 
Water the birds every morning before feeding, using nothing except 
fresh pure water. Always clean out the fountain before filling. 
Bathing is very essential to the health of pigeons. In summer they 
should have an opportunity to bathe at least every other day. In 
- winter the bath should be given only on bright, sunny days. It is 
essential to clean house once every week. After cleaning the nests, 
put powdered carbolated lime in all cracks, corners, and damp places. 
Sprinkle the floor with lime and sprinkle a bucket of sand evenly over 
the lime. 
The author’s 425 pairs of pigeons produced in one year 4,400 squabs 
for market. Anyone with good stock and giving as good care and 
feed ought to do as well. 
Common causes of chilled eggs and dead squabs are fighting cocks, 
unmated birds, mice in the breeding quarters, and lack of vitality in 
the breeding stock. 
In the purchase of breeding stock, the buyer should endeavor to 
secure young, vigorous, mated birds, free from disease and lice. He 
should secure all available information about the birds offered, and, if 
possible, a written guaranty. 
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