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out of the entire lot 15 pairs, thinking that I had good stock for the 
squab business. I kept them for several weeks but the results were 
so meager that I became disgusted, and, when a customer came along 
and made me an offer, 1 sold him the whole lot; but the birds never 
gave him any substantial results. I mention this because it is a com¬ 
mon experience with those who start with poorly selected birds. 
When I next “contracted the fever” I purchased a few pairs of 
straight Homers and in due time 40 pairs of as pretty birds as one 
usually finds graced my pigeon quarters. 
In two years these birds averaged me 7 \ pairs of squabs per pair 
per year, while some pairs gave me 10 pairs and a few yielded as high 
as 12 pairs. But I think that any claim of a flock averaging 12 pairs 
of squabs per pair annually is extravagant. 
Advertisements of straight Homers often attract prospective pur¬ 
chasers who, when they have bought, are very much disappointed. 
Straight Homers are hard to procure at a low figure. Sometimes, 
though straight enough, they are worn-out birds, which will merely 
prove a bill of expense. 
BREEDING. 
In the selection of breeding stock the beginner should consult some 
one having experience and critical knowledge and, if possible, secure 
his active assistance. 
MATING UP. 
A very important detail in squab raising is the proper mating of the 
flock. Unless the birds are known to be mated they should not be 
placed in the breeding quarters. Hence, a mating house fitted with 
nest boxes is necessary even when but few birds are kept, and in this 
house they should be placed until they begin to carry material and 
build nests; then, and not until then, they may be transferred to the 
permanent breeding house. 
When but few birds are to be mated a box with a wire-netting front 
and a oartition can be used, or any small room can be improvised. 
KEEPING A RECORD. 
Before the birds are placed in the breeding house each bird should 
be banded. Open numbered bands can be purchased of dealers at 
about 1 cent a piece in quantities of 100. Squabs intended for breed¬ 
ing must be banded in the nest before able to fly, as by so doing nest 
mates can surely be distinguished. If closed bands are used, they can 
only be put on when squabs are quite small. 
It is advisable to keep a record book and enter the number of each 
bird, noting the sex, color, and any other distinguishing mark, so that 
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