Show NOTES FOR SQUAB BREEDERS many important little hints that will prove interesting and instructive in pigeon loft by L M in order that it can be taken out and cleaned the floor of each nest should be movable sawdust should not be used in the nest as it harbors lice never add new birds to flock al ready started it you can possibly help it after beven or eight years breeding the usefulness of the bird Is ended for want of the proper experience the first year the parent stock are apt to be more or less careless and neglectful after giving the teed it is best to leave the loft as pigeons are apt to forget their young it they are watched while feeding it is estimated that a pigeon ot the average size will need an ounce of food a day together with plenty ot grit salt and fresh water where a loss of appetite and hindls position of the bird Is noticed a good remedy is to feed a little hempseed add precipitated chalk to the drink ing water and keep a good supply of grit and salt cat within reach help greatly if the bird is isolated tor a day or so squats squabs cannot see until about eight days old A good weight for dressed squab Is eight pounds to the dozen the eggs hatch on the eighteenth day of incubation in stocking the loft allow two nests tor each pair of bleeders breeders bre eders As a rule the breeding season extends from march until september the first egg Is generally laid about two weeks after the nest is made the market price tor dressed squats squabs are best during january february and march the homer is a strong well built bird of good size thrives in confinement Is an earnest breeder and a careful feeder |