Wire poultry cages 30 x 46 x 41 cm (12 x 18 x 16 in.) high, in three
batteries of 10 cages each, may be suspended on a custom made rack
over standard, slightly forward sloping, rat-rack dropping trays. The fronts
of the cage batteries are modified to suspend feed and water troughs or
individual cups. Temporary dividers can easily be inserted between the
individual cages if desired, although signs of insecurity, or of fighting
between birds in adjacent cages, has not been a problem. Birds have
thrived in these cages over a period of 12 years with no indication of
maladjustment, and have been used consistently in behavioral studies. On
release, at any time, they are able to fly immediately.
In addition to being far less expensive, routine cleaning is much quicker
and easier than with standard, individual cages. Dust control, as in all
pigeon rooms, presents a problem, the control of which in this cage
system, may be aided by a gentle spraying of the racks and pigeons with
water. (Pigeons, it should be noted, like to bath and splash if given the opportunity.
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