(5) Push the remainder of the static cord between one of the folds in the parachute. The parachute is now ready for reuse. SECTION VI MATING AND BREEDING 37. Mating _a._ GENERAL. Pigeons will keep the same mate for life unless forcibly separated. The desire to mate is a natural instinct. Since pigeons are monogamous their mating can be controlled for breeding purposes. If left to their own inclinations, pigeons will mate between the ages of 4 and 9 months. Mating for breeding purposes, however, should not be permitted until pigeons are at least 9 months of age. _b._ PURPOSE. The aim in mating is to produce youngsters which are equal, if not superior, in ability, to either of the parents. Such youngsters are obtained by selecting breeder stock with pedigree, performance, physical qualities, and temperament which will probably produce youngsters of the required type. 38. Sex _a._ Sex of the pigeon is difficult to determine without experience; however, some external characteristics help recognition. Under ordinary circumstances the cock usually has— (1) Broader skull. (2) Larger head. (3) Larger bill and wattle. (4) Stronger neck. (5) Broader shoulders. (6) Closer vent bones. (7) Larger legs and feet. _b._ In some cases, where the physical characteristics of the male and female are similar, it is often necessary to observe their actions when together to determine sex. Some of the common actions of the cock are: (1) Chasing hen when cooing. (2) Scraping of the tail when cooing. (3) Pecking the head of the hen when she shows no desire to mate. (4) Cock’s coo is deep and full, while hen’s is sharp. 39. Selection of Stock _a._ GENERAL. Stock for breeding at a loft should be selected with the advice of the pigeon expert in charge of breeding. The pigeoneer who desires to become an expert in the art of breeding pigeons is encouraged to study additional literature on this subject. The pedigree for at least two generations is used to determine probable qualities of future youngsters since it shows family, strain, and kind of flying in which the birds excel, as well as the performance of other youngsters produced by the same parent. _b._ PHYSICAL QUALITIES. Pigeons selected for breeding should be in good health and as nearly perfect physically as possible. A pigeon which has had a serious injury, or has been very ill, is unsuitable. The following physical qualities are desirable: (1) _Feathers._ Feathers should be of good quality. Flights, which are most important, should be heavy and wide, and should overlap when the wing is extended, showing no gaps. Birds with very thin flight should not be bred. Body feathers should be soft and plentiful. Those on neck and chest should be glossy and iridescent.