,transcriber's ,notes3 ,italic text is marked thus4 ,bold text is marked thus4 ,the spelling1 punctuation and hyphenation are as the original1 except for apparent typographical errors1 which have been corrected4 ,,war ,,department ,,technical ,,manual ,,tm #aa-daj ,this manual supersedes ,,tm #aa--daj1 #aj ,september #aidj ,,the ,,homing ,,pigeon ,illustration3 ,war ,office emblem ,,war ,,department ,,january #aide ,,dissemination ,,of ,,restricted ,,matter4 ,the information contained in restricted documents and the essential characteristics of restricted material may be given to any person known to be in the service of the ,united ,states and to persons of undoubted loyalty and discretion who are cooperating in ,government work1 but will not be communicated to the public or to the press except by authorized military public relations agencies4 7,see also par4 #bc;b1 ,,ar #chj-e1 #ae ,mar #dd47 ,u4 ,s4 ,government ,printing ,office ,washington3 #aide ,,war ,,department ,washington #be1 ,d4 ,c41 #a ,january #aide ,,tm #aa-daj1 ,the ,homing ,pigeon1 is published for the information and guidance of all concerned4 ,,ag #cjj4g 7#f ,nov #dd7 ,,by ,,order ,,of ,,the ,,secretary ,,of ,,war3 ,,official3 ,g4 ,c4 ,,marshall ,j4 ,a4 ,,ulio ,chief of ,staff ,major ,general ,the ,adjutant ,general ,,distribution3 ,,aaf 7#aj72 ,,agf 7#aj72 ,,asf 7#aj72 ,arm ,sv ,bd 7#b72 ,dept 7#aj72 ,tech ,sv 7#b72 ,sv ,c 7#aj72 ,,pc ,s 7#a72 ,gen ,sp ,sv ,sch 7#aj72 ,,usma 7#a72 ,,rotc 7#a72 ,,rotc1 ,lib 7#a72 ,a7#aj72 ,,chq 7#aj72 ,d7#b72 ,bn7#a72 ,bn #aa7b72 ,c #aa7e72 ,t_/,o ,e #aa-ci 7#ej7 ,for explanation of symbols1 see ,,fm #ba-f4 ,,contents ,paragraph ,page ,,section ,i4 ,,general ,purpose #a #a ,methods #b #a ,origin and history #c #a ,nature #d #a ,utility #e #b ,,ii4 ,,description ,general appearance #f #c ,weight #g #c ,plumage #h #c ,head #i #c ,neck #aj #c ,body #aa #c ,respiratory channels #ab #e ,digestive organs #ac #f ,bloom or milt #ad #f ,molt #ae #h ,varieties of feathers #af #i ,,iii4 ,,care ,loft #ag #aa ,preparation of loft to receive pigeons #ah #aa ,receipt of pigeons at loft #ai #aa ,watering #bj #ad ,feeding #ba #ae ,pigeon feed #bb #af ,bathing #bc #be ,catching and handling #bd #be ,,iv4 ,,loft ,,management ,,and ,,records ,routine #be #bh ,classification of pigeon colors #bf #bh ,records and reports #bg #bi ,banding #bh #cg ,loft equipment #bi #ci ,message holders #cj #db ,v4 ,,training ,responsibility for training #ca #de ,qualifications for pigeoneers #cb #de ,introduction to pigeon training #cc #df ,settling pigeons #cd #df ,training for messenger service #ce #ej ,delivering pigeons by parachute #cf #eh ,,vi4 ,,mating ,,and ,,breeding ,mating #cg #fb ,sex #ch #fb ,selection of stock #ci #fb ,line breeding #dj #fd ,nests #da #fd ,control of breeding #db #fd ,laying #dc #fe ,hatching and feeding #dd #fe ,identification #de #fe ,culling #df #fe ,,vii4 ,,diseases ,,and ,,medicines ,general #dg #fg ,prevention of disease #dh #fg ,control of disease #di #fg ,anatomy and physiology #ej #fh ,indications of sickness #ea #fi ,diseases #eb #fi ,external parasites #ec #gc ,internal parasites #ed #gg ,treatment of injuries #ee #ha ,medicines #ef #hb ,this manual supersedes ,,tm #aa-adj1 #aj ,september #aidj ,,section ,i ,,general #a4 ,purpose ,this manual provides instructions for proper breeding1 care1 and training of the homing pigeon1 and for the selection and training of enlisted pigeoneers4 ,with certain modifications this information can be used by all pigeon units serving field forces1 both in theaters of operations and in the zone of the interior4 ,instructions in ,,fm #bd-e for units using the homing pigeon in communication have not been repeated4 ,the mission1 function1 and operation of a signal pigeon company and the tactical employment of pigeons are described in ,,fm #aa-hj4 #b4 ,methods ,the methods prescribed in this manual are based upon experience4 ,accordingly1 if any new procedures are found by experience to improve pigeon communication they should be submitted to the ,chief ,signal ,officer for consideration4 #c4 ,origin and ,history ,the homing pigeon used by the ,army for signal communication 7referred to in this manual as 8pigeon10 8homing pigeon10 and 8bird07 is a distinct variety created through careful cross-breeding to obtain maximum distance and speed in controlled and directed flight4 ,homing pigeons are grouped in families or strains usually identified by the names of the civilian pigeon fanciers who bred them for many generations to develop certain characteristics of performance and appearance4 ,when the several varieties of pigeons used to breed the modern homing pigeon actually originated is not certain4 ,it is known1 however1 that the following varieties existed in ,england and ,belgium before the nineteenth century1 although the exact percentage and order of their blend have not been determined3 ,smerle1 ,horseman1 ,cumulet1 ,dragoon1 ,carrier1 and ,owl4 #d4 ,nature ,the principle of using homing pigeons as messengers is based on their instinctive attempt to return to their home lofts whenever they are removed some distance and released4 ,they will do this even with an attached message or other light article4 ,this desire to return is largely based on natural urges of hunger and reproduction4 ,because the pigeon has only one mate the reproductive urge is often the stronger4 ,these impulses can be stimulated by controlled feeding1 mating1 and breeding without harming the pigeon's health4 #e4 ,utility ,the pigeon's usefulness to the ,army is measured by the reliability and speed with which it returns to its loft4 ,speed and reliability are largely determined by the pigeon's strain1 physical condition1 training1 and treatment4 ,therefore any lowering of standards for these factors will be a serious handicap4 ,further handicaps are discussed in e below4 ,section ,v sets minimum ability standards for properly-trained1 well-bred1 healthy birds to be used by combat units as message carriers4 a4 ,,breeding4 ,since physical characteristics and homing instinct are usually inherited from the parents1 records are maintained for each pigeon4 ,then pairs are selected1 mated1 and allowed to produce young birds on the basis of these records1 plus other desirable attributes described in section ,,vi4 b4 ,,condition4 ,the physical condition of a pigeon greatly affects its performance4 ,therefore1 study physical characteristics of pigeons and enforce procedures prescribed in sections ,,iii and ,,vii for feeding1 watering1 and maintaining proper physical condition4 c4 ,,training4 ,training of the pigeon begins at an early age1 and is progressive and constant4 ,the object is to settle the pigeon in its home loft in order to develop reliability and speed as described in section ,v4 d4 ,,treatment4 ,the pigeon is highly sensitive and responsive to kindness1 firmness1 reward for good performance1 and calmness of personnel handling it4 ,make the loft as attractive as possible because the pigeon prizes its home4 e4 ,,handicaps4 ,bad weather1 darkness1 and injury1 as well as inadequacies in breeding1 conditioning1 and training1 reduce efficiency of pigeons 7see par4 #i;c74 7#a7 ,bad weather4 ,this includes snow1 fog1 rain1 and adverse winds1 or any other conditions which reduce visibility or oppose the flight of the pigeon4 ,generally1 flights may be predicted according to certain atmospheric conditions as follows3 ,conditions ,results ,blue sky1 high ceiling with white ,very fast speed4 fleecy clouds1 and low humidity4 ,solid grey or bluish grey sky with ,very slow speed1 losses may low ceiling1 no clouds1 and high occur4 humidity4 7#b7 ,darkness4 ,pigeons never lose their initial fear of flying at night1 but it is possible to train them to overcome this fear to a great extent4 ,their natural instinct and intelligence will come to their aid4 ,night operation1 however1 is considered impracticable for the ,army pigeons because of the highly mobile tactics of modern warfare4 7#c7 ,injury4 ,injuries are commonly caused by improper handling1 predatory birds 7such as hawks71 enemy shellfire1 or obstacles pigeons strike in flight4 ,protect pigeons by destroying all hawks in the vicinity of the lofts with shotguns provided for that purpose4 ,select safe locations for releasing pigeons4 ,minor injuries rarely prevent a homing pigeon from returning to its loft as long as they do not hamper it from determining the proper course of flight4 ,when vitally injured1 the pigeon will continue its return flight until physically exhausted4 ,any injury which permanently impairs the eyes or wings of a pigeon makes it unsuitable for any employment except breeding4 ,,section ,,ii ,,description #f4 ,general ,appearance ,pigeons must look healthy1 well-balanced1 alert1 intelligent1 and showing abundance of rich feathers and sheen4 ,figure #a shows the main parts of the homing pigeon 7the right wing is extended for ease of description74 #g4 ,weight ,a cock weighs from #ad to #ag ounces2 a hen1 from #ac to #af ounces4 #h4 ,plumage ,rich1 abundant1 and soft plumage should cover the entire body4 ,the color itself is of no importance1 but rich shades1 with the checkered pattern 7if present7 standing out brightly and distinctly1 usually indicate good health and satisfactory condition4 ,for classification of pigeons according to color see paragraph #bf4 #i4 ,head ,the head should be of a medium size1 round or oval shaped1 of broad structure and strongly set4 ,it should not be tight or drawn at any one place4 a4 ,,bill4 ,the bill should be of medium length with small to medium wattles and set well into the head4 ,no openings should be noticeable when the bill is closed4 b4 ,,eye4 ,see section ,,vi4 c4 ,,ear4 ,the ear seems to play an important part in the bird's sense of direction4 ,it includes three parts3 external ear1 middle ear1 and inner ear4 ,at the top of the inner ear there are three semicircular canals which appear to be the nerve conductors of orientation4 ,although no one knows just what helps homing pigeons find their loft1 it is possible that the great sensitiveness of their ears enables them to receive magnetic and atmospheric impression1 and thereby to determine direction either at departure or during flight4 ,this theory is based on the fact that atmospheric disturbances often cause the bird temporarily to lose its way4 #aj4 ,neck ,the neck is of medium length1 with no sign of dewlap at the throat4 ,it tapers to a wide1 well-sprung chest4 #aa4 ,body a4 ,,breast4 ,the breast 7or chest7 is broad and full in front2 depth of breastbone should not exceed the width4 b4 ,,shoulders4 ,the shoulders are heavy and strongly reinforced with muscles4 c4 ,,back4 ,the back is well-feathered1 strong1 flat and broad at the shoulders1 narrowing toward the rump4 ,illustration3 ,figure #a4 ,parts of homing pigeon4 ,,tl#gjaga d4 ,,keel4 ,the keel is strong1 arched in front1 and of medium length and depth4 ,width of keel denotes strength4 e4 ,,abdomen4 ,the abdomen is reduced to the smallest proportions4 f4 ,,wings4 ,the wings must be medium-sized1 strong1 well-proportioned1 and rounded at the butt1 with plenty of muscle4 ,primary flights should be of a good width1 with plenty of overlapping space and a pronounced curvature towards the body4 ,see i below4 ,secondary feathers should also be long and wide to provide a good covering for the entire back4 ,covert feathers should be sturdy and abundant1 because they supply additional wing strength1 as well as protect pigeons against adverse weather4 g4 ,,pelvic ,,bones4 ,the pelvic bones 7or vent bones7 are very firm1 close together over the vent1 and extend toward the keel on each side of the vent4 ,these bones form a body girdle by which the legs are joined to the body4 h4 ,,rump4 ,the rump is wide and continues the line of the back4 ,it is well covered on all sides with fine1 soft feathers4 i4 ,,tail ,,feathers4 ,the tail feathers1 #ab in number1 are short1 wide1 overlapping1 and do not extend farther than #c_/d inch beyond the wing tips4 j4 ,,legs4 ,the legs are of medium length and well muscled4 ,thighs are chubby4 ,lower leg is red and stout1 and toes are short with firm nails4 #ab4 ,respiratory ,channels 7fig4 #b7 ,illustration3 ,figure #b4 ,respiratory channels of homing pigeon4 7,air sacs are named in accordance with ,mc,leod and ,wagers4 ,other names are given in parenthesis47 ,,tl#gjagb ,respiratory channels are highly developed1 enabling the pigeon to fly continuously from #ab to #ae hours4 ,air circulates through the bronchial tubes and lungs and also through nine air sacs1 from which other small1 irregular cavities extend under the skin between the muscles1 and even into the inside of the bones4 ,these small air sacs contain a reserve of warm air which feeds the lungs during flight when the muscular apparatus consumes a large amount of oxygen4 ,they inflate and collapse alternately1 acting as a lift and force pump which renews air in the lungs4 #ac4 ,digestive ,organs ,digestive organs of the pigeon are shown in figure #c 7for functions see par4 #ej;b74 ,illustration3 ,figure #c4 ,digestive organs of homing pigeon4 ,,tl#gjagc #ad4 ,bloom or ,milt ,this white1 chalky powder is one of the means provided by nature to protect feathers against moisture during flight4 ,when the pigeon bathes1 the bloom is deposited in the form of a white scum on the top of the water4 ,if a bird is caught and held closely1 the bloom rubs off1 leaving a white substance on the clothes4 ,absence of bloom is a symptom of poor health4 ,illustration3 ,figure #d4 ,a flight4 ,,tl#gjagd #ae4 ,molt ,molting is nature's way of shedding feathers and furnishing new ones for the entire body4 ,thus1 feathers lost or injured the preceding year are replenished1 and a perfect coat is insured for the coming year4 ,an imperfect molt indicates an unhealthy condition which will reduce the pigeon's efficiency and result in the breeding of inferior offspring4 a4 ,,time ,,of ,,molt4 ,every pigeon should molt once a year4 ,mated pigeons start molting approximately #a week after the second set of eggs has been laid in the new season4 ,unmated old pigeons ordinarily begin molting in ,may or ,june4 ,the time young birds molt depends primarily on the date of hatch4 ,those hatched during the early part of ,july begin with head and neck feathers very soon after leaving the nest1 and later during the year partially molt all feathers4 ,the process is completed the following summer4 ,various influences hasten or retard molting4 ,for example1 exceptionally warm weather may hasten it4 ,poor health retards and may prevent a complete molt4 ,early breeding ordinarily hastens the process1 while late breeding tends to delay it4 ,illustration3 ,figure #e4 ,tail feathers of homing pigeon4 ,,tl#gjage b4 ,,order ,,of ,,molt4 ,feathers are shed in the following order 7see par4 #af and fig4 #a73 7#a7 ,primary flight ,no4 #a is shed first1 and new feathers begin to grow in its place4 7#b7 ,as soon as new feathers are one-half to three-quarters grown1 remaining primary flights are shed in numerical order4 7#c7 ,when flights ,nos4 #e or #f have been shed1 molt spreads to neck and shoulders4 7#d7 ,by the time flights ,nos4 #f or #g have been shed1 the tail-molt begins with feathers ,no4 #b 7fig4 #h71 then continues in the following numerical order3 #a1 #c1 #d1 #f1 and #e4 7#e7 ,when the last flights have been shed1 the molt is practically complete1 except for a few fine body feathers4 c4 ,care during molt4 ,the molt is a great physical drain on pigeons2 therefore1 if practicable1 hard flying and breeding activities should be temporarily abandoned during this period4 ,exercise flights should be only as long as is necessary for the pigeon's health4 ,when weather permits1 the birds should be allowed to bathe regularly1 because this will soften the skin and help feathers drop4 ,the only sure method of correcting an unsatisfactory molt is to restore the pigeon to a healthy1 vigorous physical condition4 ,no attempt should be made to aid the molt by plucking the next feathers in order1 as in all probability the new feathers will be inferior1 or may not even appear4 ,the substance which creates new feathers is lacking in the sockets for about #b months after the molt is completed4 ,during the molting period1 it is especially necessary that birds be fed rich1 oily1 easily digested food such as grain 7hemp1 canary1 flax or linseed7 and greens4 ,this food will keep weight up to normal and insure a good growth of feathers4 #af4 ,varieties of ,feathers ,feathers grow in definite areas on the body4 ,these feathered areas or strips are known as pterylae4 ,bare spaces in between are called apterylae4 ,feathers are divided into four types3 contour feathers1 hair feathers1 fluff feathers1 and down feathers4 a4 ,,contour ,,feathers4 ,contour feathers are large feathers covering the pigeon's body4 ,when the bird is not in flight or excited1 they lie close to its body1 normally overlapping and presenting a smooth outer surface4 ,the larger ones are the flight and tail feathers4 ,the average pigeon has #ab main tail feathers2 on each wing there are #aj primary flights and #ab secondary flights4 ,the bases of these large feathers are covered by shorter feathers called coverts4 ,these give a rounded1 smooth1 and continuous line to the body4 ,the main tail feathers act as a rudder in flight1 controlling the bird's direction4 ,flying is possible because every flight feather overlaps1 presenting a solid surface on the downbeat of the wing4 ,besides1 flight feathers provide lift and pull for the bird's propulsion4 ,on the upbeat of the wing1 the large flight feathers rotate in such a manner as to cut through the air with little resistance1 and at the same time to permit escape of air4 ,the general structure of a contour feather can be best observed in a primary flight from the wing or a large rectrix from the tail4 ,the stiff1 hollow1 cylindrical portion emerging from the skin is called the quill4 ,the bare quill proper extends only to the webbed portion of the feather4 ,it has a small hole 7inferior umbilicus7 at the end1 penetrating the skin4 ,nourishment for the feather passes through this opening4 ,the expanded portion of the feather1 from the tip to the quill1 is known as the vane4 ,the central portion of the vane1 which is called the shaft1 is solid4 ,extending laterally from the shaft is a web or webbing composed of barbs or rays4 ,these rays are blade-like in structure4 ,the web of most feathers is generally wider on one side of the shaft than on the other4 ,the barbs are connected by a series of cross structures called barbules which can be seen only with the aid of magnifying lens4 ,to see the barbs1 however1 apply a slight tension on the webbing of the feather1 causing it to spread apart4 ,the invisible barbules will split if too much tension is applied4 ,barbs can be repaired so that little or no evidence of the split can be detected1 by stroking the feather between the index finger and thumb4 ,pigeons repair a split in the barb by squeezing oil from the oil duct with their beak1 and then spreading it on the injured feather4 ,feather textures vary greatly with the breed of the bird and the part of the body from which they grow4 ,when selecting homing pigeons1 try to select those with strong1 firm feathers4 b4 ,,hair ,,feathers4 ,also known as filoplumes1 hair feathers are hair-like structures interspersed among the regular body feathers4 ,they are so fine that they are usually overlooked4 c4 ,,fluff ,,feathers4 ,sometimes called semiplumes1 fluff feathers are soft and fluffy because of the absence of a rigid feather shaft and barbules in their web4 ,the barbs are also long1 soft1 and fluffy1 and present a downy appearance4 ,fluff feathers grow only on certain parts of the body4 d4 ,,down ,,feathers4 ,down feathers are the soft1 hairy1 yellow feathers on young pigeons4 ,they are extremely fine1 almost filamentous in structure4 ,these feathers drop off all through the period of the young bird's growth2 a few1 however1 may remain after complete feathering has taken place4 ,,section ,,iii ,,care #ag4 ,loft ,pigeons are housed in lofts which may be buildings or vehicles designed and equipped for that purpose4 ,the loft includes all the equipment1 accessories and utilities necessary for the care of pigeons 7figs4 #f1 #g1 and #h74 ,perches are placed on the sides of loft walls4 ,when a pigeon is 8settled0 to a loft1 that loft becomes its home4 a4 ,an aviary is the part of the loft where pigeons can be given sunlight4 ,it is usually built with wire netting on the sides and roof4 b4 ,the trap is a specially constructed opening which permits the pigeon to enter but not to leave the loft4 ,when a pigeon enters the loft this way1 it is said to have 8trapped40 ,a trap which permits the pigeon to enter and leave at will is called an 8open trap40 ,a landing board is placed in front of the trap upon which pigeons alight when about to enter the loft4 c4 ,a settling cage of wire which is built to fit over the roof and landing board of the loft1 is used to aid in settling and training pigeons to trap4 #ah4 ,preparation of ,loft to ,receive ,pigeons ,the first step in preparing to receive a shipment of pigeons is to arrange for their housing4 ,if it is the initial stock for a loft1 the entire loft will be available4 ,in the case of subsequent shipment1 place new stock in a separate compartment for a period of observation4 ,in order to anticipate arrival of birds1 maintain contact with the agency making delivery4 ,then proceed as follows3 a4 ,clean the loft4 b4 ,in good weather keep front of the loft open so that plenty of sunlight and air can enter4 c4 ,to keep drafts out during extreme cold and windy weather1 cover openings of the loft with porous materials which will allow passage of air and will not interfere with the camouflage appearance4 d4 ,spread a small quantity of coarse sand on the floor of the loft to aid cleanliness and to supplement the grit4 e4 ,provide #aj percent more perching space than is necessary for the number of incoming birds4 #ai4 ,receipt of ,pigeons at ,loft ,to receive pigeons at a loft1 proceed as follows3 a4 ,immediately upon their arrival transfer the birds to the loft from the crates or baskets in which they were transported4 ,the pigeons may have completed a lengthy trip and be in comparatively poor condition because of delays in travel or lack of proper care and attention4 b4 ,immediately after the birds have been transferred to the loft1 carefully examine and handle each pigeon1 separating the healthy from the sickly4 ,place the healthy birds in a compartment where they can obtain plenty of fresh drinking water1 and feed them sparingly4 ,isolate the birds which appear sick until they are fully recovered4 ,illustration3 ,figure #f4 ,stationary loft4 ,,tl#gjagf ,illustration3 ,figure #g4 ,loft ,,pg-#df-;,a4 ,,tl#gjagg c4 ,it is imperative that the pigeons be vaccinated against pigeon pox if they were not vaccinated prior to shipment4 d4 ,thereafter water1 feed1 and provide bathing water according to instructions in paragraphs #bj to #bc1 inclusive4 e4 ,make an exact inventory of the pigeons1 noting band markings1 colors1 special markings1 and physical condition of each bird4 f4 ,become familiar with the pigeons while they are confined4 ,accustom them to the presence of caretakers and to feeding at definite times4 g4 ,begin training of the new birds immediately4 ,the longer the time between their arrival at their new home and the beginning of their training1 the more difficult it will be for them to be trained properly4 #bj4 ,watering a4 ,the health of a pigeon depends more upon pure drinking water than upon any other factor2 therefore1 keep plenty of fresh water available at all times4 b4 ,the homing pigeon does not drink like most other birds4 ,the pigeon places its bill into the water1 and takes a long1 deep draft like a horse4 ,for this reason1 keep the depth of the water in the drinking fountain not less than #a-a_/b inches deep4 ,always supply water in a fountain or other receptacle which will prevent bathing4 ,fountains ,,pg-#cg-;,c provide excellent watering facilities for the birds and are constructed to reduce contamination to a minimum 7fig4 #i74 ,illustration3 ,figure #h4 ,loft ,,pg-#fh_/,,tb4 ,,tl#gjagh c4 ,in warm weather1 change the water three times a day1 cleaning the container thoroughly each time4 ,in cool weather1 twice a day may be sufficient1 provided the water can be kept clean4 ,water containing impurities gives the pigeon a sour crop or acute indigestion4 ,if a sanitary water supply is not readily available1 use drinking water purified for troops4 ,when it is necessary to use water of doubtful purity1 add a sufficient amount of potassium permanganate until a light pink color is attained4 ,empty drinking fountains at night in cold weather so that the water will not freeze4 ,having running water in the drinking fountain is not advisable as it is usually cool and may cause diarrhea during hot weather4 #ba4 ,feeding ,illustration3 ,figure #i4 ,fountain ,,pg-#cg-;,c in loft4 ,,tl#gjagi a4 ,,general4 ,the health and general physical condition of a pigeon largely depend on the amount of food1 time of feeding1 and the kind of food provided4 ,pigeons should not refuse food unless they have just been fed4 ,they will be alert1 active1 happy1 and much more manageable if kept a little hungry4 ,it is easy to overfeed pigeons so that they become sluggish and listless4 ,many good pigeons have been spoiled by overfeeding4 ,the pigeoneer should hand-feed the birds and watch them closely while they are eating because their appetite reflects their general health and condition4 ,sick birds may be discovered by their failure to eat4 ,pigeons become better acquainted with the pigeoneer through hand-feeding1 and he in turn can keep them alert and under control4 b4 ,,method4 ,feed pigeons twice a day during training1 light feeding in the morning and heavier in the evening4 ,after each exercise1 training1 or other flight1 call the pigeons into the loft and give them a small quantity of feed as a reward4 ,while the pigeons are taking their morning exercise1 clean the loft and place in it a fresh supply of grit and drinking water4 ,call the birds in when they have completed their exercises1 then scatter the food slowly on the sand-covered floor as the birds enter through the trap4 ,scatter the feed1 a handful at a time4 ,wait until the pigeons have eaten nearly all the feed before distributing another handful4 ,the feed should be well scattered so that individual birds do not get all of the choice grains4 ,no harm is done if the pigeons eat some of the sand1 providing it is clean1 as sand supplements grit as an aid to digestion4 ,there are several reasons why pigeons should be fed only a handful at a time4 ,if the whole amount of grain for one feeding is thrown on the floor at once1 the actual amount needed cannot be estimated exactly4 ,if the amount estimated was too little1 the pigeons are underfed2 if the amount was excessive1 the grain not immediately consumed becomes contaminated and may cause sickness if eaten later4 ,another reason for scattering feed in small quantities is to prevent the pigeons from picking out the kinds of grain they particularly like and leaving those which contain food elements they need for proper development4 ,pigeons always drink immediately after feeding4 ,when the first pigeon stops eating and takes a drink1 it is a sign that the pigeons have had enough food so do not scatter any more grain4 c4 ,,breeding ,,pigeons4 ,parent pigeons feed their young in the nest by ejecting food from their own crops into the youngster's crop4 ,therefore1 when young pigeons are in the nest1 return in about #cj minutes after the initial feeding and offer additional food to the parents4 ,when the youngsters are approximately #ah days of age1 start placing a handful of grain each day in the back corner of the nest compartment out of the way of the droppings4 ,the parent pigeons will eat a few grains in the presence of the youngsters4 ,the youngsters will imitate their parents and thus learn to eat by themselves more rapidly4 #bb4 ,pigeon ,feed ,the diet for a pigeon should include legumes 7peas and vetch71 seeds1 cereal grains1 green foods1 and grit4 ,the seeds and grains are fed as an ordinary diet in the form of a feed mixture1 but grit is fed separately4 ,feed must be of a specific grade and mixture to assure the pigeon of proper growth1 a generally healthy condition1 and enough energy to endure the hardships of messenger flights4 ,pigeon feed1 which is a perishable item1 must be grown under prescribed conditions from the finest quality seed1 harvested1 cleaned1 stored1 and then mixed when required4 ,when harvested1 grain or seed is likely to contain many impurities like chaff1 weed seeds1 weevils1 or other injurious insects1 kernels which are dead or damaged1 and excessive moisture4 ,practically all of these impurities must be removed before the feed is suitable for use4 ,mixing must be accomplished under conditions that will insure uniformity4 ,the word 8feed0 as used below will refer to either mixed feed1 grain1 or seeds1 as applicable4 ,a single grain or seed will be referred to as a 8kernel40 a4 ,,suitable ,,feed4 ,feed should-- 7#a7 ,be sound and have a natural odor1 without traces of sour1 musty1 or foreign odors4 7#b7 ,be well matured and of good natural color1 without a noticeable amount of dead or damaged kernels4 7#c7 ,be free of dirt1 dust1 or foreign material1 beyond a slight trace4 7#d7 ,be free from live weevils or other insects and the defects caused by them4 7#e7 ,be free-flowing1 without traces of webbyness4 7#f7 ,not contain excessive moisture as determined by the field test described in b 7#e7 below4 b4 ,,defective ,,pigeon ,,feed4 ,defects in feed can be recognized by smell1 visual inspection1 or laboratory test4 ,feed is unsuitable for use if it has any of the following defects3 7#a7 ,unsound4 ,this condition may be detected by a sour or musty odor or by an 8off color0 appearance4 7#b7 ,foreign materials4 ,chaff1 dirt1 dust1 stones1 etc41 can be detected by visual inspection4 7#c7 ,webbyness4 ,when feed has been1 or is infected1 with injurious insects it is likely to be webby4 ,the feed will cling together in small balls by webs similar to cobwebs4 ,it may also have an objectionable odor4 7#d7 ,dead or damaged kernels4 ,kernels that have sprouted1 been bored by insects1 or are discolored as a result of frost1 fermentation1 or immaturity1 can be detected by a visual inspection4 7#e7 ,moisture4 ,small amounts of moisture cannot be detected without a laboratory test4 ,however1 a field method which may be employed to determine roughly the moisture content of feed is to place a few of the kernels on a flat surface and then strike them a few times with a hammer or similar tool4 ,if the feed tested does not contain an excessive amount of moisture1 the kernels will crumble into small pieces like 8corn meal40 ,if an excessive amount of moisture is present the kernels will become pulpy4 ,when performing this test1 remember that hulled oats1 flax seed1 hemp seed1 and vetch1 because of their oil content1 will become pulpy even though their moisture content is within required limits4 c4 ,,harmful ,,insects4 ,the two most harmful insects to pigeon feed are weevils and grain moths4 7#a7 ,weevils4 ,weevils are small beetle-type insects which vary in color from brown to black4 ,they eat by boring holes into the portion of the kernel containing the nutritive elements4 ,weevils can be detected by the test described in i7#b77;b7 below4 7#b7 ,grain moths4 ,these small moths vary in color from buff to grayish or yellowish brown4 ,during the larva stage they gnaw their way into the kernel and then eat the inside portion to secure nourishment for growth4 ,when fully grown they eat their way out of the kernel4 ,the presence of moths in feed can be detected by the holes they leave in kernels4 d4 ,,feed ,,mixtures4 ,various seeds and grains are mixed in specified percentages to acquire a feed mixture of certain required amounts of proteins1 carbohydrates1 and fats4 ,factors determining the type of feed mixture used are climatic conditions1 the way in which the pigeon is used1 and the condition of the bird4 ,different mixtures are fed during the breeding and molting period1 while training or conditioning1 or while the pigeons are used for messenger service4 ,use of feed mixtures is as follows3 7#a7 ,breeding feed is used to maintain a healthy physical condition in parent pigeons1 and at the same time supply essential food elements necessary to raise strong young pigeons4 7#b7 ,training and conditioning feed builds and maintains a physical condition suitable for short distance messenger service during the training period4 7#c7 ,special feed supplies energy and replaces the body tissues consumed by the pigeon when it is continuously used for messenger service4 7#d7 ,molting feed1 a supplementary feed mixture containing hemp1 canary1 flax1 and rape1 insures good feathers and keeps the weight of the pigeon normal by supplying rich1 oily1 and easily digested feed4 e4 ,,analysis4 ,the three principal properties of feed that are necessary for development and maintenance of a sound physical condition are proteins1 carbohydrates1 and fats4 7#a7 ,proteins contribute a large portion of the elements necessary for maintaining the pigeon's health1 muscular and respiratory system1 and the organs essential to flying4 ,the most important feeds in the protein class are peas and vetch4 7#b7 ,carbohydrates supply energy4 ,the portion of carbohydrates not used immediately changes to 8fat0 and is held in reserve by the pigeon to be drawn upon when it is being used continuously for messenger service4 ,the most important suppliers of carbohydrates are rice1 kaffir1 wheat1 corn1 and hulled oats4 7#c7 ,fats keep the pigeon warm and also build a reserve supply of energy4 ,the feeds which furnish fats are rape1 flax1 and hemp seed4 f4 ,,analysis ,,chart4 ,the following chart gives a comparative analysis of the grains and seeds used for pigeon feed3 ,,analysis ,,chart ---------------------------------------- ---------------------- ,carbohydrates ------------- ,nitrogen ,stock ,crude ,crude free ,no4 ,ingredient ,moisture,ashproteinfiber extract ,fat ---------------------------------------- --------------------- #i;,a#gje ,buckwheat1 unofficial#b #ab4f #b4j #aj4j #h4g #fd4e #b4b #i;,a#gdg ,seed1 canary1 #ii pure1 unofficial#b #g4j #e4e #ag4b #e4g #ei4a #e4e #i;,a#gdg4a ,seed1 flax1 #ii pure1 ,u4 ,s4 ,no4 #aa #i4b #d4c #bb4f #g4j #bc4b #cc4g #i;,a#hgf4a ,corn1 ,american1 small grain1 ,u4 ,s4,no4 #aa #ab4i #a4c #i4c #a4i #gj4c #d4c #i;,a#acfj ,seed1 hemp1 sterilized1 #ii pure1 unofficial#b #h4j #b4j #aj4j #ad4j #de4j #ba4j #i;,a#aeej ,kaffir1 ,u4 ,s4 ,no4 #aa #i4d #a4f #aa4a #b4a #gb4f #c4b #i;,a#agfe ,seed1 millet1 #ii pure1 unofficial#b #i4a #c4c #aa4h #g4h #fd4g #c4c #i;,a#aghg ,oats1 hulled1 table grade1 unofficial#b #h4d #a4h #af4j #a4e #fe4e #f4h #i;,a#ahdh ,peas1 ,canada1 ,u4 ,s4 ,no4 #aa #i4b #c4d #bc4j #e4e #eg4h #a4a #i;,a#ahdh4a,peas1 maple1 unofficial#b #aa4j #b4e #ba4i #e4e #eh4b #j4i #i;,a#ahdh4b,peas1 white1 ,first and ,best1 ,u4 ,s4 ,no4 #aa #i4a #c4c #aa4h #g4h #fd4g #c4c #i;,a#aija ,seed1 rape1 large1 sweet1 #ii pure1 unofficial#b #ad4j #c4i #ai4d #g4h #af4d #ch4e #i;,a#aidj ,rice1 whole1 extra fancy1 ,u4 ,s4 ,no4 #aa #ab4d #j4d #g4d #j4b #gi4b #j4d #i;,a#bfjj ,vetch1 common1 unofficial#b #ac4g #c4c #be4d #e4d #ej4g #a4e #i;,a#bhjj ,wheat1 hard red or durum1 ,u4 ,s4 ,no4 #aa #aj4f #a4h #ab4c #b4d #ga4a #a4h ---------------------------------------- --------------------- ,footnote #a3 8,u4 ,s4 ,no4 #a ,grade0 complies with standards for that grade established by the ,u4 ,s4 ,department of ,agriculture4 ,footnote #b3 8,unofficial grade0 indicates grain or seed 8well-matured1 sound1 clean1 and of good natural color and odor0 as certified to by a recognized ,official ,grain ,inspection ,agency4 ,note4 ,the above analysis of ingredients for pigeon feed are averages4 ,climatic conditions or the locality in which the grain or seed is grown may slightly alter this analysis4 g4 ,,green ,,food4 ,certain amounts of this food are essential for the pigeon's digestive organs to function properly4 ,crisp young lettuce1 kale 7preferably curly71 and chickweed are the best green foods for pigeons4 ,pigeons prefer green stuff sprinkled with a little table salt4 ,while green food is in season1 give the pigeons as much of it as they will eat about three times a week4 ,the preferred method for feeding this type of food is to suspend it in bunches on the inside of the loft about #d inches from the floor4 h4 ,,formulas4 7#a7 ,the formulas for the various feed mixtures are listed below under their suggested use4 ,it must be remembered that the factor governing the use of these feed mixtures will be climate and existing conditions4 ,breeding ,stock ,no4 #i;,a#abai4b #be ,american corn #aj ,kaffir #be ,canada peas or white peas1 ,first and ,best #e ,millet seed #bj ,vetch #ae ,wheat1 hard red or durum ,molting ,stock ,no4 #i;,a#abai4h #ae ,rice1 whole #bj ,canary seed #ae ,flax seed #bj ,hemp seed #bj ,millet seed #aj ,rape seed ,training or conditioning ,stock ,no4 #i;,a#abai4e #c4e ,buckwheat #be4j ,american corn #e4j ,kaffir #b4e ,oats1 hulled #ab4e ,canada peas or white peas1 ,first and ,best #ab4e ,peas1 maple #e4j ,rice1 whole #b4e ,canary seed #e4j ,hemp seed #e4j ,millet seed #ae4j ,vetch #f4e ,wheat1 hard red or durum ,note4 ,this mixture may also be used for a breeding feed4 ,stock ,no4 #i;,a#abai4f #ce ,american corn #e ,oats1 hulled #aj ,canada peas or white peas1 ,first and ,best #ae ,maple peas #e ,rice1 whole #e ,hemp seed #ae ,vetch #aj ,wheat1 hard red or durum ,note4 ,this mixture may also be used for a breeding feed4 ,special ,stock ,no4 #i;,a#abai4d #be ,american corn #be ,canada peas or white peas1 ,first and ,best #cj ,maple peas #bj ,vetch ,stock ,no4 #i;,a#abai4g #aj ,american corn #e ,hulled oats #bj ,canada peas or white peas1 ,first and ,best #be ,maple peas #e ,rice1 whole #e ,hemp seed #bj ,vetch #aj ,wheat1 hard red or durum ,note4 ,recommended for tropical climate4 7#b7 ,the following chart gives a comparative analysis of the above mixtures3 ---------------------------------------- ------------- ,carbohydrates ----------------- ,crude ,nitrogen ,stock ,no4,moisture ,ash ,proteinfiberfree extract ,fat ---------------------------------------- ------------ #i;,a#abai4b #aa4bf #b4db #af4ga #c4hi #fc4cc #b4ci #i;,a#abai4d #aa4eg #b4eh #ai4gc #d4eh #ei4fc #a4ia #i;,a#abai4e #aa4bg #b4bg #ae4gf #d4ej #fb4gf #c4dd #i;,a#abai4f #aa4fd #b4jf #ae4ef #c4hg #fc4cb #c4ee #i;,a#abai4g #aa4ab #b4di #ah4ih #d4gh #ei4hg #b4gf #i;,a#abai4h #i4df #c4be #ad4bd #g4cf #ej4gf #ad4ic ---------------------------------------- ------------ i4 ,,storage ,,and ,,fumigation4 ,pigeon feed procured in accordance with ,u4 ,s4 ,army ,specification #bd-ag-;,c1 is of the finest ingredients obtainable in accordance with ,u4 ,s4 ,department of ,agriculture standards1 and is processed prior to packing4 ,if stored properly this feed will not become contaminated4 ,improper storage1 however1 counteracts the precautions taken to procure best quality feed4 ,therefore1 the instructions below have been prepared to safeguard the original quality of the feed during storage4 7#a7 ,proper method of storage4 ,the larval1 pupal and adult stages of injurious grain insects are inactive in a temperature of #ej ,f4 or lower4 ,thus the first and the most important rule is to store feed in a ,,cool1 ,,dry ,,place1 on a platform at least #f inches above the floor4 7a7 ,there are several simple methods of stacking bagged feed4 ,one way is to stand the first tier of bags on end on a movable floor of narrow boards nailed to joists4 ,bags should be set far enough apart to admit air and light4 ,the air keeps the bags dry and the light discourages rats4 ,other tiers of bags are laid flat1 each tier at right angles to the previous tier1 to admit air and light 7fig4 #aj74 ,a second method is to lay a tier of bags flat on two parallel timbers1 each tier laid at right angles to the previous tier 7fig4 #aj74 7b7 ,after feed has been stacked1 it must be protected against rats4 ,an inexpensive protective method is to construct a wooden framework inside the building where the feed is to be stored1 and to cover it completely with #a_/d-;inch wire mesh4 ,the size of the wire mesh inclosure depends on the amount of feed to be stored4 ,illustration3 ,,tl#gjahj ,figure #aj4 ,methods of stacking bags4 ,,tl#gjahj 7#b7 ,examination for contamination4 ,feed stored in a hot climate or in buildings where injurious grain insects are present is likely to become infested4 ,therefore feed should be visually examined bimonthly for presence of moths or adult insects4 7a7 ,take the temperature of the feed by inserting a thermometer into the feed1 especially in the bags at the center of the pile4 ,if it exceeds #ge ,f4 make a closer and more frequent examination4 7b7 ,a simple and practical test to discover the presence of insects is to place a quantity of the questionable feed in a sieve with #a_/af-;inch wire mesh 7sieve ,,pg-#ce71 and shake over a white cloth or paper4 ,examine screenings and if insects are present1 fumigate the feed according to instructions in 7#c7 below to prevent further damage and ultimate ruin4 7#c7 ,fumigation4 ,there are three methods for fumigating contaminated pigeon feed available to pigeon units4 ,illustration3 ,figure #aa4 ,bath ,pan ,,pg-#ch4 ,,tl#gjbag 7a7 ,quartermaster1 fumigation and bath companies 7,t_/,o ,e #aj-beg7 have facilities1 such as portable methyl bromide fumigation chambers1 for delousing clothing which may be used for fumigating pigeon feed4 ,these units are generally assigned to posts1 camps1 or stations and to theaters of operations1 and their services may be obtained4 ,to use their equipment1 load chamber with bags of contaminated feed1 seal1 and charge it with a #b-pound can of methyl bromide1 ,stock ,number #ea,m#hib 7see ,quartermaster supplement of the ,federal ,standard ,stock ,catalog74 ,feed should remain in the chamber for at least #bd hours4 ,temperature of the interior of the chamber should be maintained at a minimum of #gj ,f4 7b7 ,if a portable fumigation chamber is not available1 a building which can be tightly sealed1 like those used for training purposes in the ,chemical ,warfare ,service1 may be used4 ,the feed should be loaded into the vault so that the entire floor space is utilized4 ,seal vault tightly and apply methyl bromide from the outside of the vault through a #a_/d-;inch diameter copper tubing at the top of the chamber4 ,the connection between the tubing and the methyl bromide container should allow no leakage4 ,the feed should remain in the vault for at least #bd hours4 ,the temperature of the interior of the vault should be maintained at a minimum of #ge ,f4 for best results4 ,use at least #a pound of methyl bromide per #a1jjj cubic feet of space4 ,after the #bd-;hour exposure period1 open vault and air it for a few hours before removing feed4 ,methyl bromide is toxic to human beings4 ,therefore1 before opening or entering the vault after the exposure period1 the fumigator should wear a gas mask type ,m#i;,a#a1 with a standard service canister4 ,illustration3 ,figure #ab4 ,catching pigeon in loft4 ,,tl#gjaha 7c7 ,if a portable fumigation chamber or gas tight vault is not available1 8tarpaulin method0 of fumigation may be used4 ,sweep clear the floor 7preferably cement7 where the feed is to be placed for fumigation4 ,stack the bags of feed in a square area to a height of #e or #f feet4 ,after the feed is stacked1 center four bags of feed in an upright position on top of the pile to form a gas expansion dome4 ,throw a tarpaulin which is large enough to cover completely the entire pile of feed over the pile4 ,allow a minimum margin of #b feet on the floor for sealing4 ,the tarpaulin should be of treated material1 preferably rubberized1 to prevent leakage and to be impervious to the fumigant4 ,seal the marginal excess of tarpaulin with filled bags or weights4 ,the fumigant is released from the container through a tubing extending from the container under the tarpaulin to the top of the gas expansion dome4 ,the same type of fumigant1 dosage1 exposure1 and temperature required for vault or chamber fumigation are employed1 and the same precautions are observed when removing the tarpaulin after the exposure period4 ,if circumstances prevent a tight sealing of the tarpaulin use an increased amount of fumigant to compensate for leakage4 j4 ,,use ,,and ,,preparation ,,of ,,grit4 ,grit is a prepared mixture which serves as a mechanical grinder for the food in the pigeon's gizzard and assists in assimilation4 ,grit also purifies the crop and supplies lime for bone building and forming of egg shells4 ,many grit mixtures are available1 most of which contain crushed oyster shell1 gravel1 sand1 small sea shells1 crushed limestone1 salt1 charcoal1 and other ingredients4 7#a7 ,between #e and #aj percent of the food fed a pigeon should be grit4 ,normally #e percent is sufficient1 except during the breeding season when as much as #aj percent may be fed since the parent pigeons pump grit into the youngsters when they start eating grains4 7#b7 ,a preferred grit is made as follows3 7a7 ,thoroughly mix 7in the manner of mixing mortar7 #bj pounds of medium granite grit1 #bj pounds of medium oyster shell1 #bj pounds of medium crushed limestone1 #e pounds of medium charcoal1 and #a_/h pound of oxide of iron 7hematite74 ,then dissolve #c pounds of table salt in boiling water and add just enough of this solution to the mixture to dampen it thoroughly4 ,do not add too much water4 ,thoroughly mix the whole preparation and allow to dry before feeding to birds4 7b7 ,each of the various ingredients in the mixture has a purpose4 ,the granite is a grinder and pulverizes the food2 the oxide of iron has a beneficial effect upon the blood and acts as a tonic2 the charcoal purifies the crop1 acting as a stomachic1 that is1 strengthening or stimulating action of the stomach4 ,limestone provides the materials for strengthening the bones4 ,the oyster shells contribute lime which enters into the composition of bones and egg shells4 7#c7 ,the grit mixtures used are listed in the ,signal ,corps ,general ,catalog1 as ,stock ,nos4 #i;,a#acba 7color red71 and #i;,a#acbb 7color natural7 8,seashell0 or equal4 7#d7 ,keep grit in the loft constantly except during the #bd hours before the pigeons are to be sent away to a point #ej or more miles distant for immediate liberation4 ,since grit contains salt and minerals which cause thirst1 pigeons might land en route for water1 thereby losing valuable time and exposing themselves to the danger of being shot or captured4 ,place the grit in a wooden box designed so that the pigeons cannot easily introduce foreign matter into the mixture4 ,inspect the box daily and remove all foreign matter4 ,refill the grit container with dry grit as needed4 ,once a week empty the grit container and clean it thoroughly4 ,add a fresh supply and destroy the old grit4 ,always keep an ample supply of grit in stock at the loft4 ,illustration3 7#a7 ,correct 7#b7 ,incorrect ,figure #ac4 ,holding pigeon for inspection4 ,,tl#gjahb ,illustration3 ,figure #ad4 ,catching pigeon in crate4 ,,tl#gjahc k4 ,,allowance ,,of ,,feed ,,and ,,grit4 7#a7 ,the annual allowance of feed mixture is #eb pounds for each pigeon because the average pigeon1 including those breeding and those not breeding1 consumes #a pound of grain per week4 7#b7 ,the annual allowance of grit is #f pounds a pigeon4 #bc4 ,bathing a4 ,no other class of fowl1 except the duck family1 enjoys a bath as much as pigeons4 ,pigeons that are kept clean have less trouble with mites or feather lice4 ,the use of a quassia chip solution in the bath water is excellent for keeping pigeons free from lice and should be used once a week4 ,to prepare the solution1 boil one pound of quassia chips in #b gallons of water for #bj minutes4 ,strain off the liquid and use #b quarts of this solution to #c gallons of bath water4 b4 ,as far as practicable1 provide bath water daily during warm weather but omit in freezing weather4 ,approximately #a hour after the morning feeding prepare the bath pan ,,pg-#ch and leave it in position about #a hour4 ,scrub the pan thoroughly after the pigeons have finished bathing4 ,during the breeding season provide the bath after the morning feeding as usual1 but on alternate days provide the bath in the early afternoon4 ,this method enables both cocks and hens to bathe every other day 7see par4 #dd;a74 #bd4 ,catching and ,handling ,great care must be exercised when catching and handling pigeons because their flying ability depends upon their physical condition1 and awkward and improper handling may result in the loss or breaking of tail and flight feathers4 ,the correct methods of catching and handling birds are shown in figures #ab and #ac4 a4 ,,catching ,,in ,,crate4 ,to catch a pigeon in a crate or container1 gently force it to the corner or end of the container and place palm of the hand in a firm position over pigeon's shoulders 7fig4 #ad72 then turn the bird around 7facing bird to door or entrance7 and gently grasp it between both hands for lifting from crate4 ,bring pigeon to normal position in front of the waistline4 ,pigeons must be taken head first from all crates to prevent injury to the feathers4 ,illustration3 7#a7 ,correct 7#b7 ,incorrect ,figure #ae4 ,crating a pigeon4 ,,tl#gjahd b4 ,,catching ,,in ,,loft4 ,this should be done with great care and ease as both the physical and feather condition of a pigeon may be impaired by awkward handling4 ,there are several good methods for catching pigeons4 ,the following one has been found to be satisfactory when carried out properly3 7#a7 ,always catch pigeons while in nests or on perches 7fig4 #ae74 ,approach pigeon calmly1 avoiding sudden movements that might frighten it4 7#b7 ,grasp bird by a quick movement of the hands4 ,catch it from the front1 with the thumbs on its back and fingers under its body4 ,caution3 ,never attempt to catch birds in the aviary1 or when they are flying about the loft4 c4 ,,inspecting ,,birds4 ,when examining the wings1 back1 or tail feathers of a pigeon1 always hold its chest or front portion against your body 7fig4 #ab7 for security4 ,to examine the head1 eyes1 or bill1 place the bird properly in one hand using the other hand as a front or side support1 leaving fingers free for examination4 d4 ,,crating ,,birds4 ,hold the bird with your thumb across its back and its legs between your first two fingers2 place the palm of the other hand over the front part of the pigeon1 extend fingers downward in the direction of the keel 7fig4 #ae71 and guide the bird into the crate4 ,do not release until bird's feet are firmly on crate floor4 ,avoid crating birds with one hand only4 ,,section ,,iv ,,loft ,,management ,,and ,,records #be4 ,routine ,a pigeoneer in charge of a loft can best care for his pigeons by observing the following daily routine in loft management3 a4 ,upon entering the loft1 make a general inspection to see that everything is in order4 b4 ,sweep or scrape all sand and droppings and sift through a fine screen4 ,add new sand and spread in a thin layer4 c4 ,provide fresh drinking water 7par4 #bj74 d4 ,provide bath water 7par4 #bc74 e4 ,conduct prescribed exercise and other training for pigeons according to schedule4 ,this may include all types of flights4 f4 ,post loft records4 g4 ,prepare daily quantity of feed and give prescribed portions4 h4 ,inspect all pigeons as to condition1 health1 mating1 breeding1 etc41 whenever required4 i4 ,carry out any special instructions given for the day4 #bf4 ,classification of ,pigeon ,colors a4 ,the color of the upper body and wings determines the principal color classification of pigeons4 ,in addition to principal color classification 7see b7#a7 below71 include the following classifications when applicable3 7#a7 ,if any of the primary flights are white1 the pigeon is classed as a 8white flight40 ,unless the flights are pure white the classification 8white flight0 is not made4 7#b7 ,if all the coverts exhibit a light gray fringe on their outer edges1 presenting a checkered appearance rather than a solid color1 the pigeon is classed as 8checkered40 7#c7 ,when a pigeon has white patches of feathers on its head1 it is classed as 8pied40 ,if these white patches extend to its body1 it is classed as 8splash40 7#d7 ,if a pigeon exhibits one or two white feathers about the eyes1 it is classed as 8tick40 b4 ,main color classifications for pigeons and their authorized abbreviations follow3 7#a7 ,principal colors4 ,type ,abbreviation ,description ,black 7,blk7 ,all feathers are black4 ,blue 7,b7 ,all feathers are grayish blue1 generally with two black bars on each wing4 ,silver 7,sil7 ,all feathers are deep grayish silver1 generally with two red bars on each wing4 ,red 7,r7 ,all feathers are a solid brownish red 7often called chocolate74 7#b7 ,checkers4 ,type ,abbreviation ,description ,black ,checker 7,blk ch7 ,principal color black with dark gray or checker markings on rump and underpart of body4 ,dark checker 7,dk ch7 ,similar to black checker but showing more distinct checker markings on the wing4 ,blue checker 7,b ch7 ,principally blue with checker markings on the body and wings4 ,red checker 7,r ch7 ,principally red with checker markings on the body and wings4 ,dun 7,dun7 ,similar to silver except principal color is of a darker shade4 ,mealy 7,mly7 ,similar to dun except that they do not have sharply defined red markings on the wings4 ,grizzle 7,griz7 ,principal colors consist of red1 black1 and white mottled together4 7,often the black or red colors are not present47 ,birds also will be found with grizzle markings around the head and neck only4 ,however1 these birds will be classified as grizzles and the wing markings may be indicated as well4 7#c7 ,combinations4 ,examples of combinations of colorings and markings1 together with their authorized abbreviations1 are-- 7a7 ,black with white flights pied 7,blk wft pd74 7b7 ,red with white flights 7,r wft74 7c7 ,blue pied 7,b pd74 7d7 ,black splash 7,blk spl74 7e7 ,red checkered splash 7,r ,ch spl74 7f7 ,blue checkered tick 7,b ,ch tk74 7g7 ,blue with white flights 7,b wft74 7h7 ,checkered 7,ch74 7i7 ,grizzle with blue wing markings 7,b griz74 #bg4 ,records and ,reports ,the records and reports required for each pigeon unit are ,breeding ,card1 ,pigeon ,breeding ,record1 ,pigeon ,flight ,record1 ,pigeon ,pedigree1 and ,monthly ,pigeon ,loft ,report4 a4 ,,breeding ,,card1 ,,wd ,,sc ,,form #aacb 7fig4 #af74 ,the breeding card is fastened on the outside of the nest compartment as soon as the cock and the hen are mated and take possession of the nest4 ,it remains there during the breeding activities of the particular pair of parent pigeons4 ,the data provide the initial identification record of the youngsters and permit a careful check on the progress of their development4 ,entries must be timely1 accurate1 and legible4 ,when the youngster leaves the breeding compartment1 pertinent information from the breeding card is entered on the ,pigeon ,breeding ,record 7b below74 ,fill in the breeding card as follows3 7#a7 ,pair number4 ,number of the nest compartment occupied by the parent pigeons4 ,illustration3 ,figure #af4 ,pigeon breeding card4 ,,tl#gjahe 7#b7 ,loft of4 ,name of the post1 camp1 or station where the loft is located1 and the designation of the loft4 7#c7 ,season4 ,calendar year4 7#d7 ,cock number4 ,date on the leg band that relates to the cock's identification4 7#e7 ,color4 ,color of the cock4 7#f7 ,sire and dam4 ,strain of each of the cock's parents4 7#g7 ,hen number1 color1 sire1 and dam4 ,data relating to the hen1 similar to that furnished on the cock4 7#h7 ,date laid4 ,month and day each egg is laid4 7#i7 ,hatched4 ,month and day each egg is hatched4 7#aj7 ,banded4 ,month and day each youngster is banded4 7#aa7 ,band number of youngsters4 ,the letters ,,usa1 and year of hatching appear in the left column of the band placed on right leg of youngster4 ,loft designation and serial number assigned to the youngster appear in the right column of band4 7#ab7 ,color1 sex1 remarks4 ,color of the youngster and remarks1 such as disposition when it leaves the breeding compartment4 ,generally1 sex cannot be determined at this time and is entered at a later date4 7#ac7 ,egg disposition4 ,if the egg is removed from its parents to be hatched by other pigeons1 or if it is destroyed1 its disposition is entered on the card4 b4 ,,pigeon ,,breeding ,,record ,,book1 ,,wd ,,sc ,,form #fg 7fig4 #ag74 ,the pigeon breeding record is a permanent record maintained at each loft where breeding activities are conducted4 ,data are taken from the breeding card of the youngster 7see a above7 and the breeding record of the parent pigeons1 and are entered as follows3 7#a7 ,band number4 ,band numbers assigned to youngsters hatched during the year1 in numerical sequence4 7#b7 ,color4 ,opposite the band number1 color and sex of each youngster4 7#c7 ,nest number4 ,number of the nest occupied by the parent pigeons4 7#d7 ,band number1 color1 sire1 dam4 ,data on each parent1 on a separate line4 7#e7 ,band number1 color1 g4 sire1 g4 dam4 ,data for the parent pigeons 7grandparents of the youngsters71 entered on separate lines1 are obtained from the breeding records of the grandparent birds4 7#f7 ,strain4 ,opposite their band and color1 strains of the grandparents of the youngsters4 ,illustration3 ,figure #ag4 ,pigeon breeding record4 ,,tl#gjahf 7#g7 ,notes4 ,a small space below each entry1 as indicated in figure #af1 is used to show3 7a7 ,date youngster was hatched4 7b7 ,performance record of the youngster4 7c7 ,band numbers of any of its outstanding offspring4 7d7 ,under ,sire and ,dam1 performance record of parent1 including maximum flight distance to date1 and outstanding racing performance if any4 c4 ,,pigeon ,,flight ,,record ,,book1 ,,wd ,,sc ,,form #aahc 7fig4 #ah74 ,the pigeon flight-record book contains flight records of all the birds housed in one loft and is a complete account of their individual performances and training4 ,each flight made by a pigeon is entered on its record4 ,a flight record is started for each youngster when it is removed from its parents and placed in the flying loft4 ,the record is kept up to date4 ,entries should be made as follows3 7#a7 ,band number4 ,data on the identification band as shown on the breeding card4 7#b7 ,color4 ,color of the pigeons1 also taken from the breeding card4 7#c7 ,sex4 ,if the sex cannot be determined when the form is started1 it is entered later4 7#d7 ,hatched4 ,date shown on the breeding card4 7#e7 ,flight record4 ,record of each flight on a separate line under each column as follows3 7a7 ,date of flight4 ,month1 day1 and year the flight was made4 ,year may be entered at the head of the column to avoid repetition4 7b7 ,nature of flight4 ,appropriate description of flight1 such as training1 signal communication1 or race2 and how tossed1 such as single1 double1 or group4 ,these abbreviations of entries may be used3 ,tng1 for training2 ,sig ,com1 for signal communication2 ,,st1 for single-tossed2 ,,dt for double-tossed2 ,,gt1 for group-tossed4 7c7 ,competition4 ,number of lofts and the number of pigeons entered in a competition or race4 7d7 ,distance4 ,distance traveled in miles 7air line7 for each flight1 and the direction from the loft to the point of release4 ,abbreviations for directions may be used1 for example1 ,,nw1 ,,se1 etc4 7e7 ,position and speed4 ,position won in a race or single-tossed training flight 7such as first1 second7 and the speed attained in yards per minutes 7,,ypm7 or miles per hour 7,,mph74 ,speed is entered for all flights if facts are available for calculation4 ,when birds are group-tossed1 enter 8late0 for those failing to arrive at the loft with the group4 ,if birds break away and arrive at the loft in advance of the group1 note position of arrival 7such as #a1 #b1 etc474 d4 ,,pigeon ,,pedigree ,,record1 ,,wd ,,sc ,,form #fh 7fig4 #bb74 ,the pigeon pedigree record is kept for each pigeon used for breeding4 ,data are taken from breeding and other pedigree records1 and are entered as follows3 7#a7 ,name1 color and sex1 registry number 7band number71 date hatched1 by what loft bred1 and flight record4 7#b7 ,band numbers and color of parents4 7#c7 ,band number1 colors1 and strains of grandparents4 7#d7 ,in 8remarks0 include all matters about the pigeon or its strain which bear upon its ability and breeding value4 7#e7 ,in the spaces under ,father1 ,mother1 ,grandfather1 and ,grandmother1 enter appropriate information concerning their flying and breeding records4 ,pigeon pedigree record1 ,,wd ,,sc ,form #aagg1 which is a long form1 may be used when necessary if the pedigree is available for the great-grandparents4 ,illustration3 ,figure #ah4 ,pigeon flight record4 ,,tl#gjahg c4 ,,monthly ,,pigeon ,,loft ,,report1 ,,wd ,,sc ,,form #aacc 7figs4 #bj and #ba74 ,the monthly pigeon loft report is prepared for each pigeon unit on the last day of each month4 ,blank spaces on the report are filled in as follows3 7#a7 ,date4 ,day1 month1 and year4 7#b7 ,organization4 ,unit submitting report4 7#c7 ,station4 ,name of post1 camp1 or station at which the unit is located4 7#d7 ,pigeons on hand4 ,these notations pertain to birds over #d weeks of age4 7a7 ,old cocks4 ,total number of male pigeons over #a year of age4 7b7 ,old hens4 ,total number of female pigeons over #a year of age4 7c7 ,youngsters over #d weeks of age4 ,total number of pigeons between #d weeks and #a year of age4 7#e7 ,aggregate total4 ,total number of pigeons1 old and young1 listed in 7#d7 above4 ,illustration3 ,figure #ai4 ,pigeon pedigree record4 ,,tl#gjahh 7#f7 ,authorized strength4 ,total number of pigeons authorized4 7#g7 ,breeding activities4 7a7 ,mated pairs4 ,total number of pairs of parent pigeons mated for breeding purposes4 7b7 ,eggs4 ,total number of eggs in nest4 7c7 ,hatched4 ,total number of youngsters under #d weeks of age4 7#h7 ,other pigeons4 7a7 ,donated4 ,total number of pigeons donated to the ,signal ,corps by civilian pigeon fanciers4 7b7 ,loaned4 ,total number of pigeons loaned to the ,signal ,corps by civilian pigeon fanciers4 7c7 ,total4 ,total number of donated and loaned pigeons on hand4 7#i7 ,losses during month4 7a7 ,disease4 ,total number of banded pigeons lost or destroyed during the month as a result of disease4 7b7 ,accident4 ,total number of banded pigeons lost during the month as a result of accident4 7c7 ,flight4 ,total number of pigeons lost during month while in flight 7enter band numbers under remarks74 7d7 ,sale4 ,total number of banded pigeons sold as surplus during the month1 if any4 ,if none1 so state4 ,illustration3 ,figure #bj4 ,monthly pigeon loft report1 front4 ,,tl#gjahi 7e7 ,total4 ,total number of banded pigeons lost during month from all causes listed4 7#aj7 ,number of birds shipped during month 7destination74 ,self-explanatory4 7#aa7 ,number of birds received during month 7source74 ,self-explanatory4 7#ab7 ,summary of training4 ,weekly ,training ,schedules supply information for both classes of birds4 7#ac7 ,instruction by loft personnel4 ,organizations receiving instruction1 number of hours1 and nature of instruction4 7#ad7 ,personnel4 ,self-explanatory4 ,illustration3 ,figure #ba4 ,monthly pigeon loft report1 back4 ,,tl#gjaij 7#ae7 ,loft equipment and supplies4 ,self-explanatory4 ,note any item of equipment on hand superseded by an item listed4 7#af7 ,remarks and recommendations4 ,note information on the tactical operation of the unit2 band numbers of birds lost in flight2 birds culled during the month 7including youngsters71 together with the reasons for culling2 and any remarks and recommendations not covered elsewhere on this report4 7,if additional space is needed1 use plain sheets of bond paper47 7#ag7 ,commanding4 ,the name1 grade1 and office of the officer in charge are typewritten or printed in ink below his signature4 #bh4 ,banding a4 ,each breeding loft is furnished with identifying metal leg bands to be used in banding all youngsters4 ,these bands1 ,,pg-#af1 are manufactured in pairs4 ,each pair bears the pigeon's serial number4 7#a7 ,one of the pair of bands bears a marking which includes ,u99,s1 the last two figures of the calendar year the bird was hatched1 the letters ,,sc or ,,aaf1 and a serial number4 ,this band is placed on the left leg and indicates that the pigeon was bred by the ,united ,states ,army4 ,it should not be removed as it serves to identify the pigeon with its breeding record4 7#b7 ,the other band of the pair bears marking identical to that in 7#a7 above except that in place of the 8,u99,s0 it bears the letters 8,,usa40 ,this band is placed on the right leg1 and it means that the pigeon was bred by and is the property of the ,united ,states ,army4 ,this band is removed whenever the pigeon ceases to remain the property of the ,united ,states ,army4 7#c7 ,characteristic markings of leg bands now used are as follows3 7a7 ,right leg1 ,,usa #dd ,,sc #ae4 ,left leg1 ,u99,s #dd ,,sc #ae4 7b7 ,right leg1 ,,usa #dd ,,aaf #djg4 ,left leg1 ,u99,s #dd ,,aaf#djg4 7#d7 ,the following designations were used prior to #aidd3 ,ft,m4 ,fort ,monmouth #d;,,ca #dth ,corps ,area #dth ,,sc #dth ,service ,command #gth ,,sc #gth ,service ,command #h;,,ca #hth ,corps ,area #hth ,,sc #hth ,service ,command #ith ,,sc #ith ,service ,command ,,cz ,canal ,zone ,,ht ,territory of ,hawaii ,,pi ,philippine ,islands ,,ml ,mobile ,loft ,c ,combat ,,pr ,puerto ,rico ,,sc ,signal ,corps ,,th ,territory of ,hawaii b4 ,in addition to the banded pigeons bred and owned by the ,united ,states ,army1 there are those of the ,united ,states ,navy1 and two large national associations of civilian pigeon fanciers1 the ,american ,racing ,pigeon ,union and the ,international ,federation of ,american ,homing ,pigeon ,fanciers1 as well as those of numerous smaller organizations4 ,the following examples illustrate the character of the legends used on the bands3 ,,usn #cb #dib ,,au #bh ,,ec #abde ,,if #bg ,c #fgjj ,illustration3 ,figure #bb4 ,method of banding youngsters4 ,,tl#gjaia c4 ,when banded pigeons are lost in flight1 their band markings are listed on the ,monthly ,pigeon ,loft ,report 7par4 #bg e74 d4 ,each loft is authorized to use various colored1 spiral1 celluloid leg bands for special identification purposes4 ,for example1 all pigeons in a particular compartment of each loft may be fitted with celluloid bands of the same color to facilitate keeping track of them4 ,these bands1 ,,pg-#ae1 are requisitioned in the following colors3 red1 yellow1 green1 light-blue1 dark-blue1 black1 and pink4 #bi4 ,loft ,equipment a4 ,t_/,o ,e #aa-ci prescribes the authorized allowances of nonexpendable pigeon equipment for signal pigeon companies and is the basis for requisition4 b4 ,army ,service ,forces ,catalog ,,sig #d-a1 ,signal ,supply ,catalog1 ,allowances of ,expendable ,supplies1 prescribes the authorized allowances of expendable items for signal pigeon companies and is the basis for requisition4 c4 ,the basis for other pigeon units to requisition equipment and supplies depends upon the number of authorized pigeons they have and their particular needs4 d4 ,sufficient descriptive information of items must be indicated on the requisition to permit positive identification4 ,all required information pertaining to allowances1 supplies on hand1 due in 7on requisition71 and basis for issue must be clearly stated on all requisitions submitted to the station signal property officer4 e4 ,in general1 the following items of supplies and equipment in varying numbers will meet normal requirements of pigeon lofts3 ---------------------------------------- --------------------------- ,stock ,no4 ,requisition ,unit ,brief descriptive nomenclature of nomenclature issue ---------------------------------------- --------------------------- #i;,a#cae ,band ,,pg-#ae ,ea ,pigeon1 leg1 marking1 7,assorted colors7 celluloid4 #i;,a#cae;,b ,band ,,pg-#ae ,ea 7,light blue7 ,note4 ,when specific colors #i;,a#cae;,,bk ,band ,,pg-#ae ,ea are required applicable 7,black7 stock number should be #i;,a#cae;,,db ,band ,,pg-#ae ,ea indicated on the requisition4 7,dark blue7 #i;,a#cae;,g ,band ,,pg-#ae ,ea 7,green7 #i;,a#cae,p ,band ,,pg-#ae ,ea 7,pink7 #i;,a#cae,r ,band ,,pg-#ae ,ea 7,red7 #i;,a#cae,y ,,pg-#ae #i;,a#caf ,band ,,pg-#af ,pr ,pigeon leg1 identifying1 7,yellow7 aluminum2 #a pair to each pigeon4 #i;,a#dbf;,a ,blow gun ,ea ,blow gun1 disinfectant1 #a-qt4 capacity4 #i;,a#ege ,bowl ,,pg-#ge ,ea ,pigeon1 pressed wood pulp4 ,supersedes ,bowl ,,pg-#bi4 #i;,a#fcf ,brush ,,pg-#cf ,ea ,pigeon loft1 counter duster4 #i;,a#gbe ,cage ,,pg-#ej ,ea #aj-;bird1 training4 #i;,a#gee ,capsules1 ,ea multivitamin #i;,a#hbe ,chips1 quassia ,lbs #i;,a#hcg ,container1 #b-;bird ,ea ,container1 assembled ,fiber board #aa-a_/b #f #f in42 dismantled 7folded flat7 #ae #ab #a_/b in42 net weight1 #a lb4 #i;,a#ida ,cup1 drinking1 ,ea #a_/b pt with hooks #i;,a#ici ,crate ,,pg-#di ,ea #bj-;bird1 transportation4 #i;,a#aadj ,egg ,,pg-#dj ,ea ,pigeon nest1 white glass4 #i;,a#abai4b ,feed1 pigeon1 mixed ,lbs ,feed1 pigeon mixture consisting of3 #be ,corn1 ,american1 small grain2 #aj ,kaffir2 #be ,peas1 ,canada or ,first and ,best2 #e ,seed1 millet2 #bj ,vetch1 common2 #ae ,wheat1 hard red or durum4 #i;,a#abai4d ,feed1 pigeon1 mixed ,lbs ,feed1 pigeon1 mixture consisting of3 #be ,corn1 ,american1 small grain2 #be ,peas1 ,canada or ,first and ,best2 #cj ,peas1 maple2 #bj ,vetch1 common4 #i;,a#abai4e ,feed1 pigeon1 mixed ,lbs ,feed1 pigeon1 mixture consisting of3 #c4e ,buckwheat2 #be4j ,corn1 ,american1 small grain2 #e4j ,kaffir2 #b4e ,oats1 hulled1 table grade2 #ab4e ,peas1 ,canada or ,first and ,best2 #ab4e ,peas1 maple2 #e4j ,rice1 whole1 extra fancy2 #b4e ,seed1 canary2 #e4j ,seed1 hemp2 #e4j ,seed1 millet2 #ae4j ,vetch1 common2 #f4e ,wheat1 hard red or durum4 #i;,a#abai4g ,feed1 pigeon1 mixed ,lbs ,feed1 pigeon mixture1 consisting of2 #aj ,corn1 ,american1 small grain2 #e ,oats1 hulled1 table grade2 #bj ,peas1 ,canada or ,first and ,best2 #be ,peas1 maple2 #e ,seed1 hemp2 #e ,rice1 whole1 extra fancy2 #bj ,vetch1 common2 #aj wheat1 hard red or durum4 #i;,a#abai4h ,feed1 pigeon1 mixed ,lbs ,feed1 pigeon1 mixture1 consisting of3 #ae ,rice1 whole1 extra fancy2 #bj ,seed1 canary2 #ae ,seed1 flax2 #bj ,seed1 hemp2 #aj ,seed1 rape1 large sweet2 #bj ,seed1 millet4 #i;,a#abcg;,c ,fountain ,,pg-#cg-;,c ,ea ,drinking1 pigeon galvanized iron self-filling1 double opening1 #a-a_/b gallon capacity1 with handle to facilitate carrying4 ,supersedes fountain ,,pg-#cg4 #i;,a#acba ,grit1 health1 ,lbs pigeon 7red7 #i;,a#acbb ,grit1 health1 ,lbs pigeon 7natural7 #i;,a#afdf;,a ,loft ,,pg-#df-;,a ,ea ,portable1 #c-section4 #i;,a#afdh ,loft ,,pg-#fh_/,,tb ,ea ,portable1 combat1 transported by #a_/d-ton ,bantam trailer4 #i;,a#agfg ,message holder ,ea ,transparent1 plastic4 ,,pg-#fg #i;,a#ahch ,pan ,,pg-#ch ,ea ,pigeon bath4 #i;,a#ahde-ajj ,parachute equipment ,ea ,pigeon2 a collapsible ,,pg-#ajj_/;,,cb cylinder type container2 #d-;bird capacity2 attached to a #f-;ft4 parachute with quick release clip4 #i;,a#ahde-aja ,parachute equipment ,ea ,pigeon1 a collapsible ,,pg-#aja_/;,,cb cylinder type container2 #h-;bird capacity2 attached to a #i-;ft4 parachute with a quick release clip4 #i;,a#aheg-ajc ,pigeon equipment ,ea ,complete unit of issue ,,pg-#ajc_/;,,cb consists of3 #a each1 container ,,pg-#ajb_/;,,cb 7#b-;bird72 #ab each1 message holder ,,pg-#fg2 #a each1 map overlay pad ,form ,,wd1 ,,sc #aha2 #a each1 message book ,m-#baj-;,a2 #b each1 pencils1 ,black #b;,h 7,no4 #d7 ,,ss-,p-#ahf4 #i;,a#aheg-aje ,pigeon equipment ,ea ,complete unit of issue ,,pg-#aje_/;,,cb consists of3 #a each1 container ,,pg-#ajd_/;,,cb 7#d-;bird72 #bd each1 message holder ,,pg-#fg2 #a each1 message book ,m-#baj-;,a2 #a each1 map overlay pad ,form ,,wd1 ,,sc #aha2 #b each1 pencils1 black #b;,h 7,no4 #d7 ,,ss-,p-#ahf4 ,supersedes pigeon equipment ,,pg-#fj1 ,stock ,no4 #i;,a#ahef4 #i;,a#ahhf-ajf ,pigeon vest ,ea ,shaped to form a ,,pg-#ajf_/;,,cb pigeon's body permitting neck1 wing tips1 tail and feet to protrude1 made of porous fabric and has strap for carrying pigeon on paratrooper's or scout's chest1 adjustable to any size pigeon4 #i;,a#bjbj ,shavings1 cedar ,lbs #i;,a#bjcd;,a ,scraper ,,pg-#cd-;,a ,ea ,similar in shape to a putty knife except blade is #c in4 wide4 ,supersedes scraper ,,pg-#cd1 ,stock ,no4 #i;,a#bjcd4 #i;,a#bjce ,sieve ,,pg-#ce ,ea ,pigeon feed4 #i;,a#bbae ,tobacco stems ,lbs #f;,g#bfj4a ,disinfectant ,bottle,disinfectant1 ,black ,flag 7liquid71 #a qt4 or equal4 #f;,d#fg ,,wd1 ,,sc ,form #fg ,book ,pigeon ,breeding ,record 7long74 #f;,d#fh ,,wd1 ,,sc ,form #fh ,ea ,pigeon ,pedigree 7short74 #f;,d#aha ,,wd1 ,,sc ,form #aha ,pad ,map overlay4 #f;,d#aacb ,,wd1 ,,sc ,form #aacb ,ea ,pigeon ,breeding ,card4 #f;,d#aacc ,,wd1 ,,sc ,form #aacc ,ea ,monthly ,pigeon ,report4 #f;,d#aagg ,,wd1 ,,sc ,form #aagg ,ea ,pigeon ,pedigree 7long74 #f;,d#aahc ,,wd1 ,,sc ,form #aahc ,book ,pigeon ,flight ,record4 ---------------------------------------- --------------------------- #cj4 ,message ,holders ,message ,holder ,,pg-#fg consists of a body1 cap1 leg clamp1 strap1 and fastener 7fig4 #bc74 ,the body1 cap1 and leg clamp are made of transparent plastic material4 a4 ,to attach message holder to pigeon1 place leg clamp of holder1 around the aluminum identification band on the pigeon's leg and secure strap by means of the fastener4 ,the message holder must always be attached with the cap pointing in the direction of the pigeon's body4 ,if attached with the cap pointing down it will interfere with the bird's walking4 ,the aluminum bands must be loose enough on the pigeon's leg to allow the message holder to adjust itself to positions that will not interfere with the bird's flying4 ,in emergencies1 a message holder may be placed on each leg4 b4 ,pigeons to be used for signal communication should be trained with the message holder attached to the leg to accustom them to carrying it4 ,pigeons should be distributed to combat troops1 with message holders attached if it is known that the receiving troops have not had training or experience in handling the birds4 ,otherwise1 holders may be delivered separately4 ,personnel of a loft should make every effort to provide message center units being served with necessary information concerning care1 handling1 and release of birds4 ,illustration3 ,figure #bc4 ,message ,holder ,,pg-#fg4 ,,tl#gjaib c4 ,to remove a message from a pigeon1 catch the bird after it has trapped2 hold it in one hand1 extend its leg1 and remove the message holder with the other hand4 ,release pigeon in loft4 d4 ,when it is necessary for a pigeon to carry a message and a message holder is not available1 fold message blank1 attach it by looping it around the leg band and tie its two ends together with a piece of thread or light weight string4 ,caution3 ,,never ,,wind a string or rubber band around a pigeon's leg because it will stop the circulation and may cause the pigeon to lose its leg4 ,illustration3 ,figure #bd4 ,message holder attached to pigeon's leg4 ,,tl#gjaic ,,section ,v ,,training #ca4 ,responsibility for ,training ,the commanding officer of a signal pigeon company1 or the officer in charge of a pigeon unit1 will prepare a training program to serve as a general guide for activities of the unit4 ,weekly training schedules for the guidance of the enlisted personnel will be based upon this approved training program for the unit4 #cb4 ,qualifications for ,pigeoneers a4 ,,general4 ,minimum specifications required for a pigeoneer are---- 7#a7 ,skill4 ,that required for a basic private1 plus the ability to care for1 feed properly1 catch1 and hold pigeons2 to attach messages2 and to train birds for messenger service4 7#b7 ,knowledge4 ,that required for a basic private1 plus a thorough knowledge of capabilities1 limitations1 and habits of homing pigeons4 7#c7 ,personal traits4 ,a pigeoneer who is boisterous and of a turbulent nature tends to frighten and upset pigeons and thus reduce their effectiveness4 ,the successful pigeoneer should possess---- 7a7 ,dependability4 ,to perform all his duties regularly and promptly4 7b7 ,kindness4 ,to obtain confidence of the pigeons4 7c7 ,patience4 ,to spend much time and repeated effort required for training pigeons4 7d7 ,neatness4 ,to maintain a sanitary and attractive loft for the pigeons4 7e7 ,firmness4 ,to enforce control over pigeons4 7f7 ,power of accurate observation4 ,to note and learn characteristics of individual pigeons in the loft by observing details readily and accurately4 b4 ,,basic ,,training4 ,only qualified basic privates are selected for pigeoneer training4 ,skill and knowledge to be attained in this course may be based on this manual4 c4 ,,advance ,,training4 ,qualified pigeoneers who complete basic training prescribed in b above1 and who possess the ability1 may be selected for advance training which will prepare them to become specialists or non-commissioned officers4 ,this training will teach3 7#a7 ,skill4 7a7 ,ability to manage a training loft and to train both young and old pigeons4 7b7 ,ability to manage a breeding loft and supervise breeding activities after schedules have been prepared4 7c7 ,ability to instruct others in 7a7 and 7b7 above4 7#b7 ,knowledge4 ,a pigeoneer should possess a thorough knowledge of loft management2 feeding1 training1 and breeding of pigeons2 and employment of pigeon communications described in this manual4 #cc4 ,introduction to ,pigeon ,training ,it is almost impossible to prescribe any one method for training homing pigeons4 ,there are certain steps1 however1 that must be followed if the birds are to give reliable messenger service4 ,the methods for training ,army homing pigeons are prescribed in this section4 ,however1 they are not the only methods by which birds can be trained4 ,success with the birds depends largely on the individual pigeoneer's experience and technical knowledge4 ,this is particularly true concerning operation of combat lofts4 #cd4 ,settling ,pigeons ,settling is the process of conditioning a pigeon to return to its home loft when released4 ,best results can be expected from young birds just out of the nest because settling and resettling become more difficult as the age of the pigeon increases4 ,many different methods are used to settle pigeons to lofts1 and no ironclad rules can be set down to cover all situations4 ,the age of the birds1 type of loft1 and experience of the pigeoneer will determine the method used and success achieved4 ,two settling procedures will be explained in this section4 ,the first will be for young birds not strong on the wing1 and the second for older birds that are strong on the wing4 ,these procedures are general and may be used1 with slight variations1 to settle birds to all types of lofts4 ,in the case of the combat loft1 however1 remember that pigeons are trained to recognize a certain type of loft rather than terrain features or geographic locations4 ,a combat loft is moved daily during training so that the birds do not become accustomed to one location4 ,otherwise settling to a combat loft is the same as settling to any other loft4 a4 ,,settling ,,birds ,,not ,,strong ,,on ,,wing4 ,the expression 8not strong on the wing0 means that pigeons do not have sufficient strength in their wings to stay in the air for sustained flight1 for example1 youngsters removed from the nest when #bh to #cf days old4 ,these young pigeons are tame and easy to handle2 they are not as excitable as older birds because their sense of fear has not yet developed4 ,for these reasons they can be easily settled4 ,they are not strong enough on the wing1 however1 to stay away from the loft for prolonged periods4 7#a7 ,feed and water4 ,feed birds liberally on the first day they are placed in the loft1 but never feed them heavily at any time after that4 ,make sure the water fountain is placed where it can be found easily4 ,young pigeons should be kept prisoners for about #b days4 ,during this time watch them carefully to determine whether all have learned how to drink4 ,if any bird appears sleepy it may not have learned how to drink or where to obtain water4 ,this bird can be taught to drink by forcing its entire beak into the water4 7#b7 ,learning to trap4 ,it is of the utmost importance that pigeons used for delivering messages trap promptly4 ,a bird may be the fastest flyer in the loft yet be useless because it will not trap immediately upon return to the loft4 ,the message cannot be removed from the pigeon's leg if the bird stays on the roof of the loft instead of entering the trap4 ,for this reason it is essential that trapping exercises be carefully carried out4 ,the best time for this training is when birds are being settled4 ,install the trap late in the evening of the second day of confinement and allow the youngsters to go out on their own initiative and look around4 ,this enables them to become familiar with the outside of the loft and the surrounding territory4 ,on the third day catch the youngsters1 place them on the landing board1 and gently push one at a time through the trap4 ,some birds may take to the wing but they will only stay in the air a few minutes at any one time4 ,these pigeons will not fly away2 they are merely learning the use of their wings and will return when tired4 ,place a small amount of feed in the loft during this training and repeat the trapping exercise until the youngsters overcome all fear of the trap4 ,after the birds have learned how to go through the trap allow them to remain outside the loft for about #a_/b hour and then persuade them to trap into the loft themselves4 ,the birds are especially nervous at this time and should not be frightened4 ,while persuading the birds to enter the loft1 the pigeoneer should give them a small amount of feed by hand1 and at the same time acquaint them with the feed call4 7#c7 ,exercising4 ,on the fourth and following days of training the birds may be turned out morning and late afternoon for approximately #a_/b hour of exercise4 ,after each exercise period continue training the birds to trap promptly upon their return to the loft4 ,at this time they should be fed only enough to assist in trapping4 ,on these first few days the pigeons may exercise singly or in small groups4 ,on the eighth day or soon after1 however1 most of the birds will begin to take their exercise flights in one compact flock4 ,as soon as they do this1 exercise the birds at noon as this will condition them faster and also accustom them to flying during the heat of the day4 ,if after the seventh day there are a few birds that do not leave the loft for exercise1 induce them to fly by pushing them gently off the loft with a bamboo fishing rod or similar pole4 ,after all birds have learned to exercise in a flock for #a_/b hour or more and then return to the loft they may be considered settled4 ,they are now ready for their first training tosses 7par4 #ce74 ,illustration3 ,figure #be4 ,pigeons in trap of loft4 ,,tl#gjaid b4 ,,settling ,,birds ,,strong ,,on ,,wing4 ,the following method is suggested for settling pigeons that are #cf days of age or older4 ,it is assumed that these birds have been trained to trap and that they are familiar with the feed call4 ,if they have not been taught to trap1 then such training must be carried on in conjunction with this method of settling4 ,it is necessary to use a wire inclosure such as a settling cage in teaching these birds to trap because they will fly away if not confined4 ,illustration3 ,figure #bf4 ,hand-feeding pigeons in loft4 ,,tl#gjaie 7#a7 ,hunger and tameness4 ,these are the two most important factors in settling birds strong on the wing1 and the extent to which they are developed and controlled will greatly determine the speed with which the pigeons can be settled4 7a7 ,hunger4 ,never feed pigeons a full ration of feed at any one time during the settling period4 ,keep them definitely on the hungry side at all times4 ,this serves to impress upon them that the loft is the place to find food4 ,hand-feeding will control the distribution of feed and1 at the same time1 encourage the birds to become tame4 ,pigeoneers are urged to hand-feed their birds at all times if possible4 7b7 ,tameness4 ,the pigeoneer should spend as much time as he can in the loft with the birds4 ,the loft should be arranged so that the birds will be near the pigeoneer4 ,this will serve a double purpose3 the pigeoneer becomes better acquainted with his birds1 and they in turn lose all fear of him4 7#b7 ,confinement4 ,it may be necessary to confine these birds for several days1 depending on their age4 ,a settling cage to fit on the landing board and roof of the loft may be constructed from wood and wire mesh 7fig4 #bg74 ,this confines the pigeons1 but at the same time allows them to become acquainted with the roof1 landing board1 trap1 and immediate territory around the loft4 ,the qualified pigeoneer can anticipate by the tameness1 hunger1 and actions of the birds1 when they are ready to be given their first freedom4 7#c7 ,first freedom4 ,days with overcast skies or light rains are most favorable for first releasing the birds4 ,best results can be expected if birds are released in the late afternoon when they are hungry4 ,when the pigeoneer determines that the birds are ready to be given their freedom1 or on the third or fourth day of settling at the new location1 the following procedure is observed3 ,force all of the pigeons into the settling cage1 except for three or four birds chosen in advance for their tameness4 ,give this small group of birds their freedom4 ,pigeons love company2 therefore1 after taking to the air1 these birds will usually be attracted back by the remaining birds in the settling cage4 ,after the pigeons circle the loft a few times call them in to prevent them from straying4 ,for this first liberation move the settling cage on the loft far enough to one side to expose approximately half of the trap4 ,this permits the pigeons to enter the loft as soon as they return4 ,when the first group returns satisfactorily1 give another small group their freedom4 ,the number of birds in the subsequent groups may be increased if satisfactory results are obtained with the first few groups4 ,if the first group1 or any part of it fails to return1 however1 no other birds should be given their freedom that day4 ,repeat this procedure the following day4 ,at no time during the first #b days of liberty should the entire flock be given its freedom at one time4 ,after approximately #ej percent of the birds has been given their liberty one or more times1 the entire flock may be given open loft and permitted to go in and out at will during the late afternoon4 ,give open loft again the next day at the same time4 ,on subsequent days allow the birds their freedom each morning and evening for approximately #a_/b hour of exercise4 ,any birds that fail to take to the air should be gently forced to exercise4 ,noon exercise periods will accustom birds to flying in the heat of the day4 ,when all birds have learned to exercise freely in a flock and then return to the loft they are considered settled and ready for further training as message carriers4 ,illustration3 ,figure #bg4 ,settling cage for loft1 ,,pg-#fh_/,,tb4 ,,tl#gjaif 7#d7 ,summary4 ,these essential points are to be remembered in settling young pigeons3 7a7 ,teach birds to enter loft immediately after each exercise flight4 ,loitering outside may become a fixed habit which will make the birds undesirable for messenger service4 7b7 ,never drive pigeons from the loft during the first few days of settling4 7c7 ,be sure pigeons are exercised and fed regularly4 7d7 ,keep birds as tame as possible and do not overfeed them4 7e7 ,at no time allow the birds to become frightened4 7f7 ,do not interpret these instructions on settling as ironclad rules4 ,it may be necessary to vary them from time to time1 depending upon the situation4 #ce4 ,training for ,messenger ,service ,this training is started as soon as the birds have been settled to the loft from which they will be distributed4 ,all pigeons except those specifically reserved for breeding purposes may undergo training continuously from the time they are #bh days old until they are no longer suitable for messenger service4 ,fundamentally1 the methods for training pigeons to mobile combat lofts are the same as those for stationary lofts4 ,to avoid confusion1 any difference in method will be noted in the following paragraphs4 a4 ,,conditioning4 ,the first step in training homing pigeons for messenger service is to develop the health and strength necessary to endure sustained flight4 ,this process is called conditioning4 ,the degree of training necessary to condition the birds will vary with the mission for which they are being trained4 ,birds that will be required to fly long distances will necessarily be given longer and more intensive training than birds that will be required to fly only short distances4 7#a7 ,health of the pigeon is dependent on proper care4 ,overcrowding of birds should be avoided at all times4 ,good loft sanitation and ventilation1 together with proper diet and uncontaminated drinking water1 are factors in health that are under the control of the pigeoneer4 ,he is therefore largely responsible for the over-all health of pigeons in his loft4 ,illustration3 ,figure #bh4 ,releasing pigeons from ,crate ,,pg-#di4 ,,tl#gjaig 7#b7 ,strength is developed by exercise flights around the loft1 and by training flights made from distant points4 b4 ,,training ,,flights4 ,pigeons may be given training flights in groups1 in pairs1 or singly4 ,this training procedure is sometimes called 8taking the birds down the road for a training toss40 7#a7 ,group tossing4 ,three or more birds are released at one time4 ,young birds are gregarious and will work more satisfactorily when released in small groups rather than individually4 ,for this reason birds being given their first training flights should be group tossed4 7#b7 ,double tossing4 ,a flock of pigeons is released in pairs2 each pair is permitted sufficient time to disappear before the next pair is released4 7#c7 ,single tossing4 ,one bird at a time is released and permitted to return to the loft alone4 ,this is valuable training and all birds should be given two or more single tosses of #aj or more miles before being used in messenger service4 ,single tossing should not be practiced at distances in excess of #aj miles until the pigeons have been well settled in a particular location4 7#d7 ,use of cage ,,pg-#ej in training4 ,preliminary training of pigeons should include several brief periods of confinement in the #aj-;bird training cage ,,pg-#ej4 ,after a period of confinement open doors carefully and allow the birds to emerge of their own free will4 ,the release point should be within sight of the loft4 7#e7 ,use of pigeon equipment ,,pg-#ajc_/;,,cb and ,,pg-#aje_/;,,cb4 ,pigeons to be used for carrying messages should be released from these #b- or #d-;bird containers after a brief interval of confinement4 ,this will accustom them to the boxes before combat use4 ,make sure fresh water is available for the birds during confinement period4 ,illustration3 ,figure #bi4 ,cage ,,pg-#ej1 containing pigeons4 ,,tl#gjaih ,illustration3 ,figure #cj4 ,releasing pigeons from ,pigeon ,equipment ,,pg-#ajc_/;,,cb4 ,,tl#gjaii c4 ,,advanced ,,training ,,flights4 ,advanced training of military pigeons is primarily directional flight training1 that is1 releasing training pigeons to fly back in one general direction from various distances along the same course4 ,the course may be north1 south1 east or west as determined by the location of the loft in relation to the point of release4 ,directional flights are the most suitable for military use1 since speed and reliability of the bird are considerably increased and the time involved in training is comparatively short4 ,if properly trained1 however1 pigeons will return to their loft from reasonable distances in any direction4 ,a return flight from a direction different from the trained line of flight would be called a nondirectional flight4 ,the speed from nondirectional flights will usually be slower and less reliable than from directional flights4 ,this is particularly true when the pigeon must fly from the opposite direction of the trained line of flight4 ,for nondirectional flights to be reliable1 pigeons should be given training tosses from varying distances from all points of the compass4 ,since this type of training is not stressed in the ,army ,pigeon ,service the subject will not be discussed any further4 ,illustration3 ,figure #ca4 ,pigeon ,equipment ,,pg-#aje_/;,,cb1 containing pigeons4 ,,tl#gjbjj 7#a7 ,directional training to stationary lofts4 ,the stationary loft training chart 7fig4 #cb7 will aid the pigeoneer in directional training of pigeons when the loft is in a permanent location4 ,during training1 flight speeds will average #cj miles an hour from distances of #ac miles or more if a direct line of flight is followed4 ,when the training flights 7fig4 #cb7 have been completed1 the speed of pigeons will usually be faster than #cg-a_/b miles an hour4 ,to maintain this speed approximately once a week give pigeons one flight from #dj to #ej miles and two or more short flights from #ae to #bj miles4 ,such flights will keep the birds in condition for messenger service from distances up to #abe miles4 ,any bird returning in bad condition will be benefited more by a rest of #c or more days than by further training4 ,if birds exceed #dj miles an hour on their first training flight from release points of #ac miles or more1 they may be failing to observe variations in topography4 ,therefore1 to be conservative during this training period1 release them again from the same point in order that they may learn thoroughly the physical characteristics of the region over which they fly4 ,this second liberation from the same point greatly assists in avoiding losses at future liberating points from greater distances4 ,a second liberation is also recommended if the birds return at speeds of less than #bj miles an hour1 since it can be assumed that they did not follow a direct line of flight4 ,a second flight over the same course gives the birds an opportunity to learn a more direct line of flight4 ,unless adverse weather conditions exist1 pigeons generally continue to fly in a direct line once it is learned4 ,strong head winds and the need to fly around local storms will slow the birds down4 ,illustration3 ,figure #cb4 ,stationary loft training chart4 ,,tl#gjbja ,illustration3 ,figure #cc4 ,combat loft training chart4 ,,tl#gjbjb 7#b7 ,directional training to combat lofts4 ,combat 7or mobile7 lofts are used during combat when it is necessary to establish immediate pigeon communication4 ,since pigeons may be required to furnish reliable messenger service within #h days after moving to a new location1 their training must be carefully planned and skillfully accomplished4 ,flight training begins as soon as the loft is established near the headquarters to be served4 ,until this time1 however1 the birds are not given any training tosses4 ,they are1 of course1 fully settled to the loft and have been taking daily exercise flights around the loft at each new location to which the loft has been moved4 ,give the birds their first exercise flight shortly after establishing the new location4 ,after the birds have had a brief rest they are given their first training toss4 ,if weather permits1 group toss the birds many times each day thereafter4 ,increase the distance and reduce the size of the group each day so that the birds may be trained to distances of #be to #ej miles in #e days4 ,when giving this flight training1 follow the combat loft training chart shown in figure #cf4 d4 ,,remobile ,,training4 7#a7 ,remobiling4 ,after combat birds have been moved into a stationary position and have been flown from this location1 it is desirable to train them to mobility again before moving them into a new location4 ,this process is called remobiling and can best be accomplished by moving the loft only a few feet at a time until the pigeons again become accustomed to having it moved4 ,the birds will seem quite nervous and a few may settle on the ground or fail to enter the loft the first few times it is moved4 ,the birds should become accustomed to searching for the loft regardless of its location4 ,after this stage of training has been reached1 the loft should be moved farther and farther away from the old location4 ,work the pigeons as a regular mobile team from this point on1 always making sure that the birds are allowed plenty of time in the settling cage before they are released4 ,this process of remobiling homing pigeons can best be accomplished with young birds that have not been settled in one location for more than #f weeks4 ,if there is a shortage of young birds and it is necessary to use older birds which have been remobiled numerous times1 transport them to the new location as many times as possible4 ,feed the birds at the new location and never at the old home loft4 ,the birds will thus learn to retrace their flight to the new loft if they return to their previous location4 ,this method is useful only when the new location is known in advance4 ,birds that fail to perform properly as message carriers and are unsuitable for breeding purposes should be destroyed4 ,birds showing symptoms of sickness should be removed from the loft and forwarded for hospitalization1 or destroyed if hospitalization facilities are not available4 7#b7 ,reestablishing new location4 ,if the tactical situation requires the message center to be moved forward1 a new loft with birds that have been trained in mobility will be placed in the new location4 ,the old loft may continue to operate until the new loft has established reliable communication4 ,this method of operation insures continuous message service4 ,as soon as the new loft has established reliable message service1 the old loft will be removed1 and if the birds are still suitable for combat loft flying the loft will be remobiled4 ,if the birds are no longer suitable for combat flying because of numerous resettling at different locations1 or from being settled in one location too long1 they may be returned to the base camp and put in one of the breeding sections4 ,the combat loft will then be restocked with new youngsters from the breeding lofts and training in mobility will begin4 e4 ,,training ,,precautions4 7#a7 ,overtraining4 ,care should be taken during flight training not to overtrain the birds4 ,such training does more harm than good1 particularly if long distances are involved4 ,overtraining can be detected by the slightly dizzy1 sleepy1 and unbalanced appearance of the birds while resting4 ,when this condition occurs1 allow the pigeon to rest for a few days with open loft but no forced exercise4 7#b7 ,feed mixtures while training4 ,the birds should have access to fresh water and grit at all times4 ,make sure that the feed is clean and in the best possible condition4 ,never change the mixture during training or while the pigeons are being used for messenger service because the change will throw the birds out of condition4 7#c7 ,training losses4 ,forcing the birds to undertake distant flying before they become properly settled to a location causes frequent losses during the training stage4 ,care should be taken to limit the first few training flights to distances of approximately #a mile or less4 7#d7 ,catching pigeons4 ,the pigeoneer should avoid quick or sudden movements in the loft and should never chase the birds in order to catch them4 ,when it is necessary to catch pigeons during daylight hours1 close the blackout windows or insert the shutters to darken the loft4 ,the pigeons may then be picked up easily with the aid of a flashlight4 ,the pigeoneer should avoid catching the pigeons in the loft immediately after their return from a training flight4 #cf4 ,delivering ,pigeons by ,parachute a4 ,,equipment4 ,parachute equipment ,,pg-#ajj_/;,,cb consists of a collapsible1 cylinder-type1 #d-;bird container and a #f-;foot hemispherical baseball-type parachute with a quick release clip4 ,parachute equipment ,,pg-#aja_/;,,cb is of similar design except that the container has an #h-;bird capacity and is attached to a #i-;foot parachute4 ,this equipment is specifically designed to supply initially or to resupply pigeons to infantry parachute troops1 infantry glider troops1 or any isolated forces requiring delivery of pigeons by air4 ,illustration3 ,figure #cd4 ,factory-packed parachute equipment ,,pg-#ajj_/;,,cb1 containing pigeons4 ,,tl#gjbjc b4 ,,instructions ,,for ,,use4 ,to insure safe delivery of the pigeons1 caution must be observed when attaching containers to the parachutes4 ,illustration3 ,figure #ce4 ,parachute laid out on flat surface4 ,,tl#gjbjd ,illustration3 ,figure #cf4 ,parachute folded lengthwise4 ,,tl#gjbje ,illustration3 ,figure #cg4 ,parachute folded into pack4 ,,tl#gjbjf ,illustration3 ,figure #ch4 ,parachute pack tied and static line attached4 ,,tl#gjbjg ,the instructions printed on each parachute pack should be strictly adhered to4 c4 ,,results4 ,best results will be obtained when pigeons are launched between the altitudes of #bjj and #a1jjj feet with air speed not exceeding #abe miles an hour4 ,pigeons launched within these general limits are less likely to become lost because of excessive drift4 ,the possibility of injury to the birds from high speed air rushing through the container1 or from shock when the parachute opens1 will be reduced to a minimum4 d4 ,,instructions ,,for ,,repacking ,,parachutes4 ,the following method is suggested for repacking either #f- or #i-;foot parachutes for future use after they have been used once for dropping pigeons to ground troops4 7#a7 ,stretch parachute full length1 with one man holding the canopy at the center of the top and another man holding the shroud lines taut at the shroud line separator disk4 ,straighten all shroud lines1 making sure none are twisted4 ,lay the parachute on a flat surface and pick each fold of the canopy as one would pick petals from a flower1 dividing the folds and associated shroud lines equally on each side 7fig4 #ce74 ,eliminate creases by running the hand between the folds4 7#b7 ,make an 8,s0 fold in the canopy lengthwise from the crown 7fig4 #cf74 ,the hem will form a large letter 8,s0 if the fold is made properly4 7#c7 ,lay the shroud lines in small 8,s0 folds on the canopy starting approximately #aj or #ab inches back from the hem1 making a sufficient number of folds to bring the shroud line separator disk close to the hem of the canopy4 ,the parachute is now ready to be folded into a pack4 ,to do this1 make three accordion folds in the canopy 7fig4 #cg74 7#d7 ,tie the folded canopy in position with two tie cords of not more than #ae pounds strength4 ,place one cord approximately #b-a_/b inches back from the hem and the other cord #b-a_/b inches from the end of the pack4 ,attach the static line to the tie cord near the end of the pack1 leaving enough tail for another tie to be made to the other tie cord near the hem with #c inches of slack left between the two ties 7fig4 #ch74 ,the static line must have a tensile strength of at least #bjj pounds and be #ae feet long4 ,the #c inches of slack left between the two ties are necessary for each tie cord to receive a sharp individual snap2 otherwise both cords will break simultaneously4 7#e7 ,push the remainder of the static cord between one of the folds in the parachute4 ,the parachute is now ready for reuse4 ,,section ,,vi ,,mating ,,and ,,breeding #cg4 ,mating a4 ,,general4 ,pigeons will keep the same mate for life unless forcibly separated4 ,the desire to mate is a natural instinct4 ,since pigeons are monogamous their mating can be controlled for breeding purposes4 ,if left to their own inclinations1 pigeons will mate between the ages of #d and #i months4 ,mating for breeding purposes1 however1 should not be permitted until pigeons are at least #i months of age4 b4 ,,purpose4 ,the aim in mating is to produce youngsters which are equal1 if not superior1 in ability1 to either of the parents4 ,such youngsters are obtained by selecting breeder stock with pedigree1 performance1 physical qualities1 and temperament which will probably produce youngsters of the required type4 #ch4 ,sex a4 ,sex of the pigeon is difficult to determine without experience2 however1 some external characteristics help recognition4 ,under ordinary circumstances the cock usually has-- 7#a7 ,broader skull4 7#b7 ,larger head4 7#c7 ,larger bill and wattle4 7#d7 ,stronger neck4 7#e7 ,broader shoulders4 7#f7 ,closer vent bones4 7#g7 ,larger legs and feet4 b4 ,in some cases1 where the physical characteristics of the male and female are similar1 it is often necessary to observe their actions when together to determine sex4 ,some of the common actions of the cock are3 7#a7 ,chasing hen when cooing4 7#b7 ,scraping of the tail when cooing4 7#c7 ,pecking the head of the hen when she shows no desire to mate4 7#d7 ,cock's coo is deep and full1 while hen's is sharp4 #ci4 ,selection of ,stock a4 ,,general4 ,stock for breeding at a loft should be selected with the advice of the pigeon expert in charge of breeding4 ,the pigeoneer who desires to become an expert in the art of breeding pigeons is encouraged to study additional literature on this subject4 ,the pedigree for at least two generations is used to determine probable qualities of future youngsters since it shows family1 strain1 and kind of flying in which the birds excel1 as well as the performance of other youngsters produced by the same parent4 b4 ,,physical ,,qualities4 ,pigeons selected for breeding should be in good health and as nearly perfect physically as possible4 ,a pigeon which has had a serious injury1 or has been very ill1 is unsuitable4 ,the following physical qualities are desirable3 7#a7 ,feathers4 ,feathers should be of good quality4 ,flights1 which are most important1 should be heavy and wide1 and should overlap when the wing is extended1 showing no gaps4 ,birds with very thin flight should not be bred4 ,body feathers should be soft and plentiful4 ,those on neck and chest should be glossy and iridescent4 7#b7 ,eye4 ,the eye is complex and is of great importance4 ,it should never be of a sunken or extended nature1 but should completely fill the orbit 7bone cavity containing the eye7 and be surrounded by a fine white textured cere4 ,the eye should be clear and bright2 its color is of no importance4 ,the eye may be best examined with a magnifying glass4 7a7 ,the pupil is approximately one-third the size of the eye4 ,it dilates and contracts according to intensity of light and distance of object being focused4 ,the pupil should be black and brilliant4 7b7 ,a thin visible muscle 7often called the scouting sight7 should completely encircle the pupil4 ,this muscle dilates and contracts the pupil4 ,a portion of the muscle may be of a darker shade and located either at the front or lower front of the pupil4 ,this muscle should be prominent in at least one of the birds selected for breeding to produce a higher percentage of dependable birds4 ,if pigeons which do not possess this muscle1 or which have only a small portion of it visible1 are to be used for breeding purposes1 they should be mated to pigeons having a muscle which is more prominent even though it may not completely surround the pupil4 7c7 ,the iris determines the color of the eye4 ,it should be well blended and possess the brilliance denoting life and observance4 ,pigeons possessing faded or weak eyes are not desirable for breeding purposes4 ,splashed birds often possess a 8bull eye0 which has an iris of a solid1 dark purplish-brown color4 ,when this color appears only on a part of the iris1 the bird has a splashed eye4 ,it is hard to detect the muscle surrounding the pupil when the 8bull eye0 is present4 ,the color of the iris may be maroon1 ruby-red1 rose1 pink1 walnut1 chestnut-brown1 orange1 yellow-orange1 carrot1 violet1 grayish white1 or pearl4 ,when the iris consists of one color only1 it will be considered a 8full eye40 ,two colors may occasionally be present in the iris1 such as red and yellow1 orange and yellow1 and so forth4 ,the two colors should be well blended in any case4 8,full eyes0 and 8two-colored eyes0 are both satisfactory for breeding purposes4 ,mated birds should have irises of similar shades4 ,the outer part of the iris is normally darkest2 the color diminishes toward the center of the eye4 ,this coloring is more pronounced when the birds are in top condition4 7d7 ,the thin line circumscribing the iris should be extremely dark and very distinct4 7e7 ,the remainder of the eyeball should be dark and well covered by the cere4 ,the bird is said to have an 8open eye0 when the portion of the eyeball which should be covered by the cere is visible4 ,birds with open eyes are undesirable for breeding4 7f7 ,the upper and lower lids are a part of the eye cere4 ,a third lid which is a transparent membrane frees the eye from foreign material4 ,the blinking of the third lid can scarcely be detected when the pigeons are in perfect health4 7#c7 ,size and temperament4 ,medium-sized pigeons are most desirable and birds should be mated to attain this uniform size4 ,birds being mated to breed stock for pigeon communication should be calm and easy going1 not high-strung4 ,nervous or excitable birds should never be mated4 #dj4 ,line ,breeding ,the aim of breeding from pigeons of the same or closely related parentage is to reproduce the qualities of the old birds in their young1 amplifying the good qualities and minimizing the bad4 ,line breeding requires the services of an experienced pigeoneer4 ,only champions which are physically perfect should be mated4 ,except for line breeding1 inbreeding should not be practiced4 #da4 ,nests a4 ,bowl ,,pg-#ge is an expendable item made of pressed wood pulp and is used as a nesting place for pigeons4 ,it is advisable to replace the bowls occasionally to avoid vermin4 ,cocks display a keen desire to use the same nest compartment each time they are mated or1 if moved to a different loft1 the nest compartment in the same relative position as the one occupied previously4 ,if not permitted to do this1 the cock will fight the occupant of the compartment4 ,therefore1 consult previous breeding records carefully in assigning nest compartments4 ,hens do not show this trait1 but accept a change in compartments and follow their mates4 b4 ,keep a supply of tobacco stems for nest material in a rack on the floor of the loft4 ,allow the pigeons to arrange this material to suit their fancy4 ,put a handful of sawdust or wood shavings in the nest bowl to prevent breaking of eggs4 #db4 ,control of ,breeding ,the method of control given below is simple1 natural1 and successful2 it requires minimum handling of the birds4 ,illustration3 ,figure #ci4 ,parent pigeons in nest with youngsters in ,bowl ,,pg-#ge4 ,,tl#gjbjh a4 ,,time4 ,since best youngsters are obtained when birds are mated during ,february1 ,march1 and ,april1 whenever possible1 arrange all breeding for the year during these months4 ,eggs which should not be hatched should be replaced with ,,egg ,,pg-#ej 7glass74 b4 ,,mating4 ,to begin breeding1 place each pair to be mated in its nest1 and confine for approximately #a day4 ,open one of the nests and allow the pair to leave and return at will4 ,the pair may be considered mated after it returns to the nest several times4 ,close the nest compartment and proceed in the same manner with the next pair1 and so on until each pair is mated4 c4 ,,after ,,mating4 ,to minimize the danger of birds entering the wrong nest and fighting1 open only alternate nest compartments for the first few days after mating4 d4 ,,following ,,season4 ,any pair producing outstanding youngsters should be mated the same way each year4 ,mated pairs producing unsatisfactory youngsters should be separated and each pigeon remated4 ,destroy breeder pigeons which produce unsatisfactory youngsters subsequently4 #dc4 ,laying ,the first egg is usually laid during late afternoon from #g to #aj days after nesting has been started4 ,the second egg is laid approximately #dd hours later4 ,as a rule1 parent birds do not hover the first egg until the second egg has been laid4 ,this usually enables the youngsters to hatch within #a hour of each other1 and gives each one an equal chance4 ,the youngster from the first egg will be much larger than the other if the parent birds start to hover at the time the first egg is laid4 ,fertility is indicated if the egg becomes a light bluish color after #aj days1 or if it shows blood lines after #e days when held up to the sun's rays4 ,do not destroy the first pair of eggs as it is generally believed that they often produce the best youngsters of that year4 #dd4 ,hatching and ,feeding a4 ,the incubation period is from #ag to #ah days long4 ,the hen pigeon usually sits from #afjj of one day to #ajjj the following morning2 the male pigeon sits the remainder of that day4 b4 ,the young pigeons are fed by both parents4 ,their first feed is a thick1 creamy-white excretion produced in the crop of both female and male 7pigeon milk or pap74 ,pigeons are the only birds both sexes of which produce milk for their young4 ,the young pigeon places it's bill down the throat of either parent1 and the parent in return forces the food into the young one's throat4 ,this method of feeding is known as 8regurgitation40 #de4 ,identification ,the identification record of the pigeon is started when the hen lays the egg4 ,until the time that the youngster leaves the nest compartment1 this record is kept on a breeding card 7par4 #bg74 ,for identification purposes1 each pigeon is banded when approximately #h days of age 7par4 #bh74 #df4 ,culling ,it is necessary to cull 7destroy7 severely to keep the stock in a loft up to standard4 ,cull birds which do not meet physical requirements for breeding unless all birds are needed4 ,in addition1 destroy those which show a definite lack of intelligence1 or which do not perform up to the average4 ,about #cj percent of the young bred in any one season are normally under the physical standard and should be culled to keep the stock from degenerating4 ,in addition to losses sustained through culling1 #bj to #cj percent of the remaining stock may be expected to be lost during training flights1 as result of disease and injury1 or through additional culling because of substandard performance4 ,,section ,,vii ,,diseases ,,and ,,medicines #dg4 ,general ,certain diseases attack pigeons4 ,normal preventive methods usually protect pigeons from disease4 ,if1 however1 these diseases are not detected immediately1 they are likely to sweep through the loft1 destroying or ruining most of the birds4 ,it is necessary1 therefore1 that the pigeoneer be able to detect1 correctly diagnose1 and treat the more common pigeon diseases1 in addition to taking preventive measures4 #dh4 ,prevention of ,disease ,disease prevention is much simpler and cheaper than control or cure4 ,medicines are only emergency measures used in an attempt to overcome disease4 a4 ,,sanitation4 ,this is the most important way of preventing disease and its value should never be underestimated4 ,the following rules for sanitation in the care of pigeons must be strictly adhered to3 7#a7 ,keep loft clean and dry4 7#b7 ,keep drinking fountain clean and water free from pollution4 7#c7 ,quarantine new stock until certain that all birds are free from disease4 7#d7 ,never permit stray pigeons1 wild birds1 or rodents 7mice1 rats1 etc47 to enter the loft4 7#e7 ,never feed pigeons on a dirty floor1 because most of the more serious diseases are transmitted through the droppings4 7#f7 ,bury or burn diseased birds that have been destroyed4 7#g7 ,immediately isolate birds showing any signs of sickness4 7#h7 ,after touching diseased birds disinfect the hands before handling other birds4 7#i7 ,thoroughly clean and disinfect lofts contaminated by disease4 b4 ,,loft ,,condition4 ,pigeons must never be crowded in the loft4 ,it is best to subdivide large lofts into smaller compartments for better control and ease of observation4 ,sunlight and dryness are two great natural disinfectants which should be utilized fully through plenty of window space and adequate ventilation4 ,eliminate strong direct drafts because they chill birds and lower their resistance to disease4 #di4 ,control of ,disease a4 ,pigeons showing any signs of sickness must be segregated immediately4 ,in combat lofts there is normally no place available to isolate and treat diseased birds1 therefore1 it is usually advisable to destroy them and burn or bury their remains to avoid contaminating the rest of the flock4 b4 ,in any case of disease1 the loft should be thoroughly cleaned and disinfected to destroy the germs of the disease as well as the mites and lice which may be carriers4 ,cresol1 saponated solution1 is an efficient disinfectant when used in a #d-percent solution in warm or hot water4 ,this disinfectant is issued to signal pigeon companies4 #ej4 ,anatomy and ,physiology ,a knowledge of the structure and function of the bird's body helps a pigeoneer understand his birds and certain of their diseases4 ,for convenience1 the various organs are divided into groups or systems according to their functions4 a4 ,,respiratory ,,system4 7#a7 ,mouth and nostrils admit air4 7#b7 ,glottis or larynx is the opening into the trachea4 7#c7 ,trachea conducts air to and from the lungs4 7#d7 ,lungs are organs of gaseous interchange4 ,air spaces are surrounded by a network of capillaries4 ,here the blood gives off carbon dioxide and takes on oxygen4 7#e7 ,nine air sacs cool the pigeon1 give it buoyance1 and mechanically aid the pigeon to breathe4 b4 ,,digestive ,,system4 7#a7 ,mouth is the opening through which food is received4 7#b7 ,esophagus conducts food to the crop4 7#c7 ,crop1 or ingluvius1 stores and softens the food4 7#d7 ,true stomach1 or proventriculus1 furnishes gastric digestive juices that digest proteins and carbohydrates4 7#e7 ,gizzard is the grinding and mixing organ4 7#f7 ,pancreas furnishes digestive juices that digest fats1 proteins1 and carbohydrates1 besides furnishing certain internal secretions4 7#g7 ,liver produces bile which helps digest food4 ,illustration3 ,figure #dj4 ,loft cleaning equipment4 ,,tl#gjbji 7#h7 ,intestines provide space for food while it is being digested and absorbed by the blood stream4 ,the intestines also furnish some digestive juices4 c4 ,,circulatory ,,system4 ,the circulatory system consists of the heart1 arteries1 veins1 and capillaries4 ,its function is to convey nourishing blood from the heart to all parts of the body and to dispose of the waste material produced by the working tissues4 ,the heart consists of four chambers3 two ventricles and two auricles4 ,the right auricle receives the stale blood from the veins and pumps it into the right ventricle which pumps it through an artery to the lungs4 ,here waste matter1 such as carbon dioxide1 is eliminated from the blood and fresh oxygen is restored4 ,the blood then returns to the heart through a vein entering the left auricle4 ,proceeding from the left auricle to the left ventricle1 it is pumped out through the arteries to the capillaries1 which are the smallest vessels of the body4 ,the capillaries circulate the blood through every tissue of the body1 dispensing oxygen and food4 ,the blood then picks up waste material on its return to the heart through the veins4 ,the circulation of blood in the pigeon is very rapid1 and with the heart beating #bjj to #cjj times a minute1 only a few minutes are required to complete the circuit4 d4 ,,reproductive ,,system4 7#a7 ,male birds have two testes 7testicles74 7#b7 ,female birds have one 7left7 ovary and one oviduct1 or egg tube1 through which the yolks pass to get the albumin1 shell membrane1 and shell4 e4 ,,urinary ,,system4 ,the kidneys take impurities out of the blood1 and pass them into the cloaca 7combination bladder and rectum74 #ea4 ,indications of ,sickness a4 ,the common indications of sickness are-- 7#a7 ,refusing to eat4 7#b7 ,dull1 watery eyes4 7#c7 ,droopy appearance with ruffled feathers and no desire to move4 7#d7 ,green1 watery droppings4 ,if such droppings are noted in the loft all birds should be watched until the sick one is detected4 b4 ,the easiest and best way to detect sick pigeons is to observe the birds at feeding time4 ,the pigeoneer should also examine all birds as they are being basketed for training tosses4 #eb4 ,diseases ,pigeons are subject to numerous infectious and contagious diseases4 ,these diseases are caused by germs such as bacteria and viruses1 and are transmitted in poor feed1 dirty water1 unclean lofts1 and similar conditions showing mismanagement4 ,infectious diseases are contagious if the birds themselves transmit germs to one another4 a4 ,pigeon pox is a common infectious1 contagious disease which usually affects unfeathered portions of the pigeon's head and feet4 ,pox often develop on the mucous membrane1 lining of the mouth and throat4 ,in an outbreak1 both types are usually seen4 ,the pox appear as swellings covered with light yellow material and are sometimes called wet pock1 diphtheria1 or canker4 7#a7 ,symptoms4 ,the course of the disease runs about #d weeks4 7a7 ,the virus gets into the skin or mucous membrane and causes a wartlike swelling1 called a pock1 at the point of infection4 ,the virus grows and causes the pock to enlarge for about #aj days4 7b7 ,during the next #aj days the tissues begin to die and turn yellow4 ,sometimes a blister forms in the pock1 but only a slight enlargement occurs during this period4 ,during the last #aj days the affected tissues begin to dry and form scabs which soon heal and drop off4 7c7 ,pock in the mouth and throat follows the same course as in 7b7 above except they are covered with a light yellow layer of tissues4 ,instead of becoming a dry scab formation1 the pock becomes a yellow cheesy formation4 7#b7 ,treatment4 ,usually this is of little value1 as pox will run its course of about #d weeks1 regardless of treatment4 7a7 ,one percent yellow oxide of mercury ointment will help soothe affected eyes4 7b7 ,pock in the mouth may be cut away1 and the area painted with tincture of iodine or carefully cauterized with silver nitrate to stop bleeding4 7c7 ,birds that refuse to eat may be fed by force until the disease runs its course4 7d7 ,vaccination has no curative value on affected birds4 7e7 ,thoroughly clean and disinfect loft after an outbreak of this disease4 7#c7 ,prevention4 ,this is simple if all susceptible birds are vaccinated4 ,vaccination against pox is one of the most successful known because all birds receiving it are made permanently immune4 ,birds may be vaccinated at #e or #f weeks of age4 7a7 ,pluck five or six feathers from the breast region of the bird and brush the vaccine into the follicles4 7b7 ,in about #aj days the follicles swell and a pock develops4 ,this runs a course of about #d weeks and heals4 7c7 ,all susceptible birds in a loft should be vaccinated at the same time and each should be examined for 8takes0 after vaccinations4 b4 ,,paratyphoid is a common infectious disease of pigeons and is probably the most devastating of bacterial infectious diseases at the present time4 ,it may affect the bird in many ways1 and produce such a variety of symptoms that it is often mistaken for numerous other diseases4 ,the only definite way of diagnosing paratyphoid is by laboratory tests4 ,a tentative diagnosis can be made1 however1 upon observing typical symptoms4 7#a7 ,symptoms4 ,the course of the disease varies from a rapidly fatal blood poisoning to a slow1 chronic disease with1 or without1 complete recovery4 ,the infection may take place through the egg1 by way of milk fed to youngsters1 or by contaminated feed1 water1 and grit4 ,the manner of infection has no bearing on the course of the disease4 ,the germs may get into the blood-stream1 go all through the body1 and cause sudden death2 or the infection may be less severe and localize in any one of the numerous organs4 7a7 ,bacteria may localize in the intestines and produce mild to very severe inflammation4 ,this usually results in diarrhea4 7b7 ,localizations in the lungs are very common and appear as hard1 dried abscesses4 ,these are seldom so serious as to cause respiratory distress4 7c7 ,joint boils result from direct localization of the germs in the joints of the legs or wings4 ,naturally this produces lameness4 7d7 ,inflammatory reactions of the spleen and liver are often the result of the localization of the germ in these organs4 ,chronic inflammation of the entire liver is also observed4 ,the abdomen of such birds usually fills with fluid and the bird then gets thin and dies4 7e7 ,paratyphoid germs quite often localize in the brain and cause abscess formation4 ,such abscesses cause a variety of symptoms1 depending on which part of the brain is involved4 ,usually the bird shows loss of equilibrium4 ,it may twist its head and neck about1 show trembling of the head and neck1 or other nervous symptoms4 ,such birds rarely recover4 7f7 ,occasionally the germ will localize in the eye4 ,the inside of the eye turns white and sight is lost4 ,only rarely are both eyes involved4 ,such birds appear to be very ill and usually die in a short period of time4 7g7 ,germs may localize in the ovary of the female or testes of the male4 ,such birds may show no symptoms1 or they may become sterile4 ,eggs laid by such birds may be infertile4 ,youngsters1 if hatched1 may be weak and die soon after4 ,germs may localize in the oviduct and cause an impacted oviduct4 7h7 ,the only definite way of diagnosing paratyphoid is by laboratory tests4 ,a tentative diagnosis can be made1 however1 upon observing the typical symptoms4 7#b7 ,treatment4 ,treatment is useless for visibly affected birds4 ,neither drugs nor vaccines seem to be of any value in treating this condition4 ,many birds recover from mild infections without treatment4 ,therefore1 the best possible care should be provided for the birds in order to keep their resistance high so that they can successfully combat the infection and overcome disease4 7#c7 ,prevention4 ,since contamination of feed1 water1 and grit by droppings is probably the greatest cause of paratyphoid1 sanitation is the best preventive4 7a7 ,clean the loft scrupulously4 7b7 ,maintain sanitary drinking fountains with fresh water to avoid spreading infection by way of water4 ,take special care to prevent dampness from spillage or leakage around the drinking fountain1 as this makes an ideal place for bacteria to accumulate4 7c7 ,feces from birds with diarrhea should be removed from the loft as soon as noticed4 7d7 ,frequent disinfection of the loft with a strong disinfectant like #d percent saponified cresol will help keep down contamination4 c4 ,,trichomoniasis4 ,this is a very common disease of pigeons commonly seen in the mouth1 esophagus1 or crop in the form of cheesy yellow or white lesions4 ,for this reason it is often called 8canker0 by pigeon fanciers4 ,the cause is a motile one-celled organism4 ,only the common type of this organism will be considered here4 ,this disease has many carriers4 ,it shows up only where sanitary conditions are bad or other diseases are present4 7#a7 ,symptoms4 ,the course of the disease varies according to resistance of the affected bird1 treatment1 and care4 ,young birds in the nest become infected through 8milk0 of infected parents4 ,infection doubtless spreads by contact while 8billing0 and fighting4 ,germs cause affected tissues to die4 ,this results in the formation of a sore or opening down into the tissue with a varying-sized yellow1 cheesy exudate or scab forming over it4 ,sometimes such scabs become very large and nearly fill the mouth1 throat1 or crop4 7#b7 ,treatment4 ,various drugs and chemicals have been used to treat trichomoniasis4 ,however1 this condition has proved quite unresponsive to usual medication4 ,in fact1 drugs do not have much1 if any1 direct effect on the healing of tissue4 ,all that medicine can do is to cut down the number of parasites present and permit nature to repair the damage done to the tissue4 ,suggested procedures for treatment follow3 7a7 ,remove all yellow pus patches with cotton swabs4 ,then paint area with a mixture of iodized oil and sulfanilamide powder4 ,the iodized oil is prepared by using #a gram iodine1 #a4e grams potassium iodide1 and #b ounces light petrolatum4 ,the iodine requires some time and frequent shaking to dissolve4 ,make a small cotton swab on an applicator stick1 dip it into the oil1 roll it in the sulfanilamide powder1 and then apply to cleaned trichomoniasis 7canker7 lesion4 ,daily treatment1 rest1 and an abundance of good feed are necessary4 7b7 ,clean off exudate by local applications of tincture of iodine1 or a mixture of one part iodine to three parts glycerine2 at the same time lesions will respond to such treatment4 ,silver nitrate may be used either in stick form or in solution4 7#c7 ,prevention4 ,sanitation is the best preventive4 7a7 ,correct predisposing causes such as wet floors1 nests1 and perches4 7b7 ,try to isolate infected birds1 provided the number is not too large4 7c7 ,attempt to control spread of parasitic infestation by using a parasiticide like copper sulphate in the drinking water4 ,this is used in a #a-bjjj solution4 d4 ,,tuberculosis4 ,this is an infectious and highly contagious disease caused by a highly-resistant germ which can live in soil for #b years4 7#a7 ,symptoms4 ,the young die suddenly and old birds waste away4 ,grayish white nodules appear in liver and spleen1 basket ulcers in intestines1 and yellow nodules in all parts of the body4 7#b7 ,treatment4 ,there is no treatment for tuberculosis4 ,destroy all affected birds and thoroughly clean and disinfect loft4 7#c7 ,prevention4 ,keep all stray pigeons out of loft and maintain sanitary conditions at all times4 e4 ,,one-,,eye ,,cold 7,,conjunctivitus74 7#a7 ,symptoms4 ,there is a watery discharge from the eye1 and the surrounding membranes are frequently swollen4 7#b7 ,treatment4 ,place bird in a warm room and treat eye daily with one drop of metaphin1 or one drop of #ae percent argyrol4 7#c7 ,prevention4 ,provide proper ventilation in the loft4 ,avoid dampness and drafts4 f4 ,,going ,,light4 ,this is not a disease in itself but a symptom or result of a disease4 ,any pigeon showing loss of flesh should be isolated and observed until the affecting disease is determined4 g4 ,,diarrhea4 ,this is not usually a distinct disease1 but the result of some other disease4 7#a7 ,symptoms4 ,droppings are green and watery4 7#b7 ,treatment4 ,sick birds should be isolated and observed to determine if they have some other disease4 ,feeding of rice will usually check the condition if it is caused by feed or drinking water4 7#c7 ,prevention4 ,sanitary loft conditions1 proper diet1 and fresh drinking water will help prevent it4 h4 ,,sour ,,crop4 ,sour crop is caused by damp or mouldy grain1 impure water or lack of grit4 7#a7 ,symptoms4 ,the pigeon will sit with feathers ruffled4 ,a greenish diarrhea usually accompanies sour crop4 ,on examination the crop is found to be hard and distended4 7#b7 ,treatment4 ,hold the bird with head down and gently press on the crop until all feed has been removed4 ,flush out the crop with a solution of #d teaspoons of bicarbonate of soda to a quart of warm water4 ,feed a light mixture1 consisting mostly of rice1 millet1 kaffir corn1 and other small seeds4 ,repeat the cleaning and flushing of the crop daily1 if necessary1 until this condition clears4 7#c7 ,prevention4 ,sanitary loft conditions1 proper diet1 and fresh drinking water will help prevent it4 #ec4 ,external ,parasites ,many insects and related species live off other animals4 ,some of these parasites1 like lice1 live on the host but feed only upon bits of its feathers and tiny scales and excretions of the skin4 ,others are more vicious and suck blood from the animal4 ,diseases are often spread from bird to bird through the life habits of these parasites4 a4 ,,lice4 ,lice are undoubtedly the most common of these external parasites4 7#a7 ,different species4 ,there are at least six different species of lice that attack pigeons in this country4 ,the three most common are-- 7a7 ,feather louse4 ,this is the long1 slender species that lives on the barbs and shaft of the feather over nearly any part of the bird's body4 7b7 ,golden feather louse4 ,this louse is a little shorter and much broader and lives on the feathers1 particularly on the bird's body4 7c7 ,body louse4 ,this is the largest of the pigeon lice4 ,it lives on the skin rather than on the feathers4 ,it is thought that these lice1 by biting the very young pin feathers when they are filled with blood1 cause the small pinhole perforations often seen in pigeon feathers4 ,illustration3 ,figure #da4 ,life cycle of pigeon lice4 ,,tl#gjbaj 7#b7 ,habits 7fig4 #da74 ,in order to combat lice properly and intelligently1 it is necessary to know something about where and how they feed1 live1 and breed4 7a7 ,adult lice live on the skin and feathers of the bird and only rarely leave the pigeon4 ,when accidentally dislodged1 they crawl very short distances to other birds4 ,lice cannot live longer than a few days away from the birds4 7b7 ,lice eat bits of feathers1 scales1 and other debris off the skin4 ,they do not suck blood4 7c7 ,female lice lay eggs 7nits7 along the shafts of the feathers1 particularly on the primary coverts4 7d7 ,louse eggs hatch in #aj to #ad days4 7e7 ,young lice eat1 molt 7#c to #e times71 and grow to maturity in about #ad days4 7#c7 ,diagnosis4 ,infested pigeons are restless and constantly pick and scratch in an effort to dislodge the lice4 ,heavily infested birds may become weak and thin because the constant annoying movement of lice interferes with their proper relaxation and rest4 ,careful examination of the birds will reveal the lice4 ,illustration3 ,figure #db4 ,life cycle of common red mite4 ,,tl#gjbaa 7#d7 ,treatment4 ,the use of sodium fluoride is a good standard method for ridding pigeons of lice4 ,it can be applied in two ways3 7a7 ,dip method is very efficient1 but can be used only in warm weather4 ,birds should be dipped on a warm1 sunny day early enough so they will dry before night4 ,each bird is immersed into the solution up to the head1 and the feathers ruffled to allow penetration of the solution4 ,then the mouth and nostrils are held shut and the head immersed4 ,the dip is made of #a gallon warm water1 and #a ounce sodium fluoride4 7b7 ,dust method may be used at any time4 ,the birds are held while a few pinches of powdered sodium fluoride are dusted into the feathers over various parts of the body4 ,sodium fluoride poisons lice when they eat it4 ,efficiency in delousing birds depends on thoroughness of wetting or dusting4 7#e7 ,repeat treatment4 ,neither method above will kill nits nor prevent them from hatching2 therefore1 the delousing must be repeated in #aj to #ad days in order to kill newly hatched lice4 7#f7 ,prevention4 ,normally1 only pigeons carry pigeon lice4 ,for this reason1 the spread of lice to or from other kinds of birds is of no concern4 ,however1 common pigeons and stragglers are prolific sources of spread4 ,contact in crates is also a common source of infestation4 ,lice are often brushed from infested birds onto the hands and clothing of pigeoneers who later carry them to clean birds handled later4 b4 ,,red ,,mites4 ,red mites are a common parasite of the pigeon4 7#a7 ,habits 7fig4 #db74 ,it is important to note the difference between the habits of lice and mites4 7a7 ,mites live in1 on1 and under the nest bowls1 nest boxes1 and any available crack or crevice4 7b7 ,mites go onto the birds only long enough to feed--usually about #a_/b hour4 7c7 ,red mites suck blood from the pigeons4 ,it is the engorged blood that makes the mite red4 7d7 ,mite eggs are deposited in the cracks and crevices or debris around the nest box where they live4 7e7 ,eggs hatch in #b or more days1 according to weather conditions4 7f7 ,newly-hatched mites mature in about #e days4 7#b7 ,diagnosis4 ,pigeon's loss of condition is the most evident indication of mite infestation4 ,actual loss of blood is probably less harmful to the bird than annoyance caused by crawling and biting of mites4 7#c7 ,treatment4 ,most good disinfectants supplied to lofts will kill mites satisfactorily if worked well into all cracks and crevices4 ,oily disinfectants are inexpensive and very effective1 but leave the loft rather unsightly4 ,whitewash kills only by covering up and is ineffective if any areas are missed4 ,for this reason1 some of the more refined cresols are used4 ,four percent saponified cresol in warm water is quite effective4 7#d7 ,repeat4 ,since the cresol does not kill the eggs1 it is necessary to repeat treatment in #e to #g days4 7#e7 ,prevention4 ,mites that attack pigeons are apparently the same as found on other birds1 including domestic poultry4 ,therefore1 wild birds1 straggling pigeons1 and neighborhood poultry are possible sources of infection4 ,light1 dry1 airy lofts do not favor breeding of mites4 c4 ,pigeon flies which are particularly troublesome in warm climates are true flies with short1 flat1 wide bodies and long wings4 7#a7 ,life cycle 7fig4 #df74 7a7 ,pigeon flies live among body feathers4 7b7 ,they leave the birds only to deposit larvae1 or when disturbed4 7c7 ,adult flies suck blood from the birds4 7d7 ,female flies deposit living larvae in or around the nest bowl1 nest box1 or around the loft4 7e7 ,newly deposited larvae are white and about the size of a small buck shot4 ,within a few hours1 a hard shell forms around them and they turn from white to brown and then to jet black4 7f7 ,young flies emerge from these shells in about #cj days and are ready for their first meal of blood4 ,illustration3 ,figure #dc4 ,life cycle of pigeon fly4 ,,tl#gjbab 7#b7 ,diagnosis4 ,pigeon flies can easily be observed crawling among the bird's feathers4 ,their movement as well as biting greatly annoys the birds4 ,however1 the greatest damage they do is transmitting pigeon malaria4 7#c7 ,treatment4 ,a very effective and easily applied method of treatment is to dust the birds lightly with pyrethrum powder4 ,sweep nest boxes and loft carefully to collect pupae so that they can be destroyed4 ,pigeon flies will not travel far from the birds2 therefore1 keep stragglers out of loft and carefully inspect newly-introduced birds to avoid admitting flies4 d4 ,,mosquitoes4 ,mosquitoes are a very common but usually underestimated pest4 ,besides molesting the birds by biting and sucking blood1 they may transmit pox4 ,these troublesome insects breed in standing water1 such as swampy areas1 old tin cans1 and rain barrels4 ,control consists of draining or oiling breeding places and using screens on loft openings4 e4 ,other parasites attacking pigeons are fleas1 chiggers1 ticks1 bed bugs1 depluming mites1 feather mites1 air sac mites1 subcutaneous mites1 sand flies1 and beetle larvae4 ,fortunately1 these are rare4 #ed4 ,internal ,parasites ,these are the worms that live inside pigeons4 ,round worms are by far the most numerous4 ,tape worms are occasionally found in pigeons1 but seldom present a serious problem4 a4 ,ascarids1 or common large round worms are the largest and most prevalent of the round worms4 ,adult worms are from #a to #b inches long4 7#a7 ,habits4 ,knowledge of the life cycle of a round worm is of great importance for successful control of this troublesome parasite4 ,this worm has a 8direct0 life cycle 7fig4 #dg7 7completing it in one species74 7a7 ,mature worms live in the upper part of the small intestines and feed by absorbing food from the intestinal contents through their own body walls4 7b7 ,eggs 7ova7 are deposited by female worms in the intestinal contents of the pigeon1 and later pass out in the pigeon droppings4 ,it has been estimated that female worms lay as many as #ab1jjj eggs a day4 ,feces from parasitized birds often contain countless numbers of ova4 7c7 ,freshly deposited worm eggs are much like freshly laid pigeon eggs1 in that they must be incubated before they are ready to hatch4 ,they need to remain in warm1 moist litter or soil for #aj to #af days before the worm larvae can develop4 ,severe freezing1 excessively hot soil1 and direct sunlight will destroy the eggs4 7d7 ,when birds eat the incubated eggs1 the worms hatch out in their intestines4 7e7 ,the tiny larvae then 8sew0 themselves into the lining of the intestines and begin to grow4 7f7 ,after a few days1 the larvae crawl back into the intestinal canal where they mature in #cj to #dj days4 7#b7 ,diagnosis4 ,ascarids injure birds in several ways4 7a7 ,when the newly hatched worm 8sews0 itself into the intestinal lining the area around the puncture becomes inflamed because of mechanical injury1 loss of blood1 and introduced infection4 ,this localized inflammation renders that part of the intestinal lining useless for digesting and absorbing food4 7b7 ,the worm absorbs food from the intestinal contents which should go to the birds4 7c7 ,in order to protect themselves and avoid being digested1 the worms give off a substance that neutralizes digestive juices4 ,this substance becomes mixed with intestinal contents and prevents proper digestion4 7d7 ,worms sometimes become so numerous that they actually clog the intestines4 ,as many as #ejj worms have been found in a single bird4 7e7 ,worm-infested birds show loss of condition and general unhealthiness4 ,diagnosis is made by finding worms or worm eggs in droppings or by autopsy on typical specimens4 7#c7 ,treatment4 ,the following drugs are only effective against mature worms and1 at best1 are only #hj percent efficient3 #a-;,,cc ,oil of turpentine per bird4 #a_/b-;,,cc ,tetrachlorethylene per bird4 #a_/b-;,,cc ,carbon tetrachloride per bird4 7#d7 ,prevention4 ,this is relatively simple and practically #ajj percent effective4 7a7 ,clean loft daily and provide fresh water4 7b7 ,if aviary does not have a wire bottom spread clean sand about #a or #b inches deep over its floor once every two weeks4 7c7 ,replace moisture and shade by sunshine and dry conditions4 b4 ,strongyles are the most dangerous of the common round worms and one of the most common causes of death among poorly kept pigeons4 ,the 8strongyle0 is a very small parasite which multiplies rapidly and is a vicious blood sucker4 ,adult worms are from #a_/b to #c_/d inches long and about the same size as thin thread4 7#a7 ,habits4 ,this worm has a 8direct0 cycle2 that gives the key to successful control 7fig4 #de74 ,illustration3 ,figure #dd4 ,life cycle of pigeon ascarids4 ,,tl#gjbac 7a7 ,adult strongyles live in the upper intestinal contents1 but may be found as far up as the crop4 7b7 ,strongyles are ravenous blood suckers4 7c7 ,female worms deposit eggs in the intestinal contents which later pass out in the feces4 7d7 ,eggs incubate in about #a day1 if conditions are favorable4 7e7 ,young larvae hatch out and molt about #h hours later4 ,these larvae again molt in about #c days and are then infective4 ,thus1 about #e days elapse from the time the eggs are voided by the bird and the time the young larval worms hatch1 molt1 and become infective4 7f7 ,the infective larvae are eaten by the pigeons4 ,then they pass to the intestines where they mature4 7#b7 ,diagnosis4 7a7 ,strongyles injure the birds by lacerating the intestine and sucking blood4 ,after the parasite moves on1 the laceration still bleeds considerably before a blood clot forms4 ,each laceration results in an area of infection and inflammation4 7b7 ,constant movement of the worms over the inflamed intestine adds to the irritation4 7c7 ,severe1 and sometimes rapid1 loss of condition and accompanying anemia are usual symptoms4 ,diagnosis is confirmed by finding strongyles in the intestine upon autopsy of typical specimens4 7#c7 ,treatment4 ,treatment is not satisfactory4 ,one-half ,,cc doses of tetrachlorethylene may be tried4 ,illustration3 ,figure #de4 ,life cycle of pigeon strongyle4 ,,tl#gjbad 7#d7 ,prevention4 ,the same methods prescribed for ascarids apply to strongyles4 c4 ,other round worms attacking pigeons are numerous1 but only capillary worms will be discussed here4 ,these are very thin1 hair-like worms sometimes found in the digestive tract of pigeons from the crop down through the intestine4 ,their life cycle is direct4 ,no satisfactory drug has been found to rid pigeons of this worm4 ,fortunately1 their life cycle is similar to that of ascarids1 and the same preventive measures are effective4 d4 ,tape worms1 which are occasionally seen in pigeons1 acquire a length of #f to #h inches4 7#a7 ,life cycle4 ,tape worms have what is called an indirect life cycle1 that is they must pass through at least two different species to complete it 7fig4 #df74 7a7 ,adult tape worms are found in the small intestine4 ,their bodies are made up of a head and segments4 ,the head is essentially an anchor that fastens the worm to the intestine of the bird4 ,the body segments form at the head and mature as they grow further from the head4 7b7 ,each segment contains both male and female sex organs and1 as it matures1 becomes virtually a packet of tape worm eggs4 7c7 ,segments break off and pass out in the feces4 7d7 ,the tape worm's eggs are then eaten by a snail1 slug1 beetle1 or other insect which becomes the 8intermediate host40 ,here the tape worm undergoes a certain amount of development4 ,illustration3 ,figure #df4 ,life cycle of pigeon tape worm4 ,,tl#gjbae 7e7 ,if the intermediate host is eaten by a pigeon1 the young tape worm attaches itself to the bird's intestine and soon grows to maturity4 7#b7 ,diagnosis4 ,tape worms harm the host by injuring the intestine at the point where they bury their heads1 by absorbing food1 and by giving off antenzymes4 7#c7 ,treatment4 ,unsatisfactory4 7#d7 ,prevention4 7a7 ,pigeons must be well-cared-for and fed so that they will not care to eat the intermediate hosts4 7b7 ,the method of prevention prescribed for ascarids is also applicable for tape worms4 #ee4 ,treatment of ,injuries a4 ,,cuts ,,and ,,wounds4 ,pigeons have marvelous powers of healing their own tissues1 perhaps because of their high body temperature and rapid rate of body processes4 ,the following are aids to healing4 7#a7 ,clean solid or contaminated wounds with boric acid solution or some very mild antiseptic4 ,strong disinfectants burn the exposed tissues and delay wound healing4 7#b7 ,stitch or suture large tears in the skin to make them relatively smaller4 ,avoid placing suture in such a way that a pocket is formed for this often results in an abscess formation4 ,use white silk or cotton thread4 7#c7 ,remove excessively rough edges or hanging flaps of skin with sharp scissors4 b4 ,,fractures4 7#a7 ,broken bones in the extremities of the legs usually respond readily to treatment2 those involving the large bones present a more complicated problem4 7#b7 ,the type of fracture governs the seriousness of the injury4 7a7 ,simple fractures are those in which there is no break in the skin in the region of the fracture4 7b7 ,compound fractures are those in which there is a break in the skin over the bone injury4 7c7 ,partial fractures are those in which the bone is cracked but not completely separated4 7d7 ,complete fractures are those in which there is actual separation of the parts of bone4 7e7 ,comminuted fractures are those in which the bone is splintered or fragmented4 7#c7 ,treatment of fractures is quite simple3 bring broken parts into contact and immobilize them to avoid movement which might injure delicate healing tissues4 7a7 ,since bones heal in whatever position they are placed1 it is necessary to splint the limb in as nearly normal a position as possible4 7b7 ,take care that the splint does not interfere with healing4 #a4 ,do not bandage splint too tightly4 ,the bandage must be snug to avoid movement of the parts1 however1 if it is too tight1 the blood supply will be cut off and the limb will die4 ,splints applied before the injured limb has swollen must be closely observed for several hours1 or until the swelling has reached its maximum so that circulation is not impeded4 #b4 ,pad limb with cotton or gauze to protect it from the hard surfaces of the splint4 #c4 ,dust powdered boric acid on the region of the fracture1 particularly if the fracture is compound4 7c7 ,splints may be easily and satisfactorily fashioned from pieces of pliable tin4 ,cut and bend to fit contour of limb in normal resting position 7fig4 #dg74 ,splints for fractures in the shank should extend down along the shank on one side1 then bend to form a loop down around the foot and back up the opposite side of the limb4 ,in a short time the bird learns that it can step on the limb without pain because the weight falls on the loop of the splint rather than on the foot4 7d7 ,splints should be left in place for #c weeks before removing4 ,healing1 if successful1 will be sufficient to permit removal of splint at this time4 c4 ,,torn ,,crops4 ,these may be successfully sutured if the edges are turned in so that the outside surfaces1 not the lining1 of the crop come in contact4 ,the skin may then be sutured to help support the crop4 ,illustration3 ,figure #dg4 ,splint for broken leg4 ,,tl#gjbaf #ef4 ,medicines ,the following items of medical supplies and equipment1 in the quantities listed in existing instructions1 should meet normal requirements4 #ccgge ,needle1 eye1 size #d1 #c_/h-;circle1 #f-;in4 #cffbd ,cotton thread1 ,no4 #hj1 #aej yds4 #ggaaj ,basin1 hand4 #ggdaj ,capsule1 size #jj1 gelatin1 #ajj4 #ggfjj ,cork1 ,no4 #b1 #a_/b #c_/h in41 #ajj4 #ggiej ,dropper1 medicine4 #ghjij ,graduate1 #aj-;,,cc1 glass4 #gidfj ,vial1 #a-oz41 with screw cap4 #iaaaj ,iodine1 #ae ,,gr1 and ,potassium2 iodide1 #bb4e-;,,gr1 ,,usp1 #aj tubes4 ,u4 ,s4 ,government ,printing ,office3 #aide--fbaiff