d or perch on the north end. A shelf should always be put
above the southern window and two openings cut through the side, to let
the birds into the aviary, when the window is closed.

Outside, there must also be a corresponding shelf for the pigeons. One
hole is not sufficient, as a cock bird will often block the one opening
and keep other birds off their eggs until they are chilled. To complete
the inside equipment, you need a drinking fountain or pan, so protected
that the pigeons can only put their heads into the water. A small box
will do for grit and this should be placed near the floor in a clean
spot, protected from all droppings. The feed, I believe, is best
handled by spreading in a long, narrow trough about one-and-one-half
inches high and long enough so that all the pigeons can get a chance at
the food at the same time. In a pen of 50 pairs, this is not practical,
but I have the trough six feet long, ten inches wide, and two inches
deep, for a large number like this.

[Illustration: Figure 4. ONE OF OUR AVIARIES]

The aviaries, except for being on the southern side of building, can
vary according to available space and number of birds. Pigeons, for
best results in housing, should never be crowded into less than one
square foot to a bird and one-and-one-half or two square feet is best.
The aviaries should have two to three square feet to a bird and should
be from six to ten feet in height. Our pens are 10 by 12 feet inside
and 10 by 20 by 10 outside. These pens accommodate 40 to 50 pairs
comfortably. Two-inch mesh wire is all that is required, although some
breeders use one-inch mesh. In ordering wire, specify galvanized after
weaving, or galvanized before and after. It pays to do this, as good
wire lasts eight or nine years. The posts or uprights for aviary should
be two by four lumber with the sunken end well tarred, or any fairly
heavy posts available. If the fly is to accommodate more than five or
ten pairs of pigeons, nothing smaller than two by four should be used
in the frame work, provided that the winters are severe. A heavy snow
will sometimes hold on the wire, and is apt to break the supports and
release the birds. Particularly watch the fastening of your wire to the
coop along the top edge.

The outside equipment consists of a bathing pan about 24 to 36 inches
in diameter and four to six inches in depth. A door should be provided
in aviary and a few perches or landing boards, along the sides.