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diff --git a/old/55084-0.txt b/old/55084-0.txt deleted file mode 100644 index be74e6e..0000000 --- a/old/55084-0.txt +++ /dev/null @@ -1,4165 +0,0 @@ -The Project Gutenberg EBook of The Homing Pigeon, by Various - -This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere in the United States and most -other parts of the world at no cost and with almost no restrictions -whatsoever. You may copy it, give it away or re-use it under the terms of -the Project Gutenberg License included with this eBook or online at -www.gutenberg.org. If you are not located in the United States, you'll have -to check the laws of the country where you are located before using this ebook. - - - -Title: The Homing Pigeon - War Department Technical Manual TM 11-410 - -Author: Various - -Release Date: July 10, 2017 [EBook #55084] - -Language: English - -Character set encoding: UTF-8 - -*** START OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK THE HOMING PIGEON *** - - - - -Produced by deaurider, Brian Wilcox and the Online -Distributed Proofreading Team at http://www.pgdp.net (This -file was produced from images generously made available -by The Internet Archive) - - - - - - -Transcriber’s Notes: - -Italic text is marked _thus_. - -Bold text is marked =thus=. - -The spelling, punctuation and hyphenation are as the original, except -for apparent typographical errors, which have been corrected. - - - - - _WAR DEPARTMENT TECHNICAL MANUAL - TM 11-410_ - - - _This manual supersedes TM 11—410, 10 September 1940_ - - - - - THE HOMING - PIGEON - - - [Illustration: War Office emblem] - - - _WAR DEPARTMENT • JANUARY 1945_ - - - _DISSEMINATION OF RESTRICTED MATTER._ - - 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 - work, but will not be communicated to the public or to the press - except by authorized military public relations agencies. (See also - par. 23b, AR 380-5, 15 Mar 44.) - - - _U. S. Government Printing Office - Washington: 1945_ - - - - - WAR DEPARTMENT - Washington 25, D. C., 1 January 1945 - - TM 11-410, The Homing Pigeon, is published for the information and - guidance of all concerned. - - [AG 300.7 (6 Nov 44)] - - BY ORDER OF THE SECRETARY OF WAR: - - OFFICIAL: G. C. MARSHALL - J. A. ULIO _Chief of Staff_ - _Major General_ - _The Adjutant General_ - -DISTRIBUTION: - - AAF (10); AGF (10); ASF (10); Arm & Sv Bd (2); Dept (10); Tech Sv - (2); Sv C (10); PC & S (1); Gen & Sp Sv Sch (10); USMA (1); ROTC - (1); ROTC, Lib (1); A(10); CHQ (10); D(2); Bn(1); Bn 11(2); C - 11(5); T/O & E 11-39 (50) - - -For explanation of symbols, see FM 21-6. - - - - -CONTENTS ★★ - - - _Paragraph_ _Page_ - - SECTION I. GENERAL - - Purpose 1 1 - Methods 2 1 - Origin and history 3 1 - Nature 4 1 - Utility 5 2 - - - II. DESCRIPTION - - General appearance 6 3 - Weight 7 3 - Plumage 8 3 - Head 9 3 - Neck 10 3 - Body 11 3 - Respiratory channels 12 5 - Digestive organs 13 6 - Bloom or milt 14 6 - Molt 15 8 - Varieties of feathers 16 9 - - - III. CARE - - Loft 17 11 - Preparation of loft to receive - pigeons 18 11 - Receipt of pigeons at loft 19 11 - Watering 20 14 - Feeding 21 15 - Pigeon feed 22 16 - Bathing 23 25 - Catching and handling 24 25 - - - IV. LOFT MANAGEMENT AND RECORDS - - Routine 25 28 - Classification of pigeon colors 26 28 - Records and reports 27 29 - Banding 28 37 - Loft equipment 29 39 - Message holders 30 42 - - - V. TRAINING - - Responsibility for training 31 45 - Qualifications for pigeoneers 32 45 - Introduction to pigeon training 33 46 - Settling pigeons 34 46 - Training for messenger service 35 50 - Delivering pigeons by parachute 36 58 - - - VI. MATING AND BREEDING - - Mating 37 62 - Sex 38 62 - Selection of stock 39 62 - Line breeding 40 64 - Nests 41 64 - Control of breeding 42 64 - Laying 43 65 - Hatching and feeding 44 65 - Identification 45 65 - Culling 46 65 - - - VII. DISEASES AND MEDICINES - - General 47 67 - Prevention of disease 48 67 - Control of disease 49 67 - Anatomy and physiology 50 68 - Indications of sickness 51 69 - Diseases 52 69 - External parasites 53 73 - Internal parasites 54 77 - Treatment of injuries 55 81 - Medicines 56 82 - - - - -_This manual supersedes TM 11-140, 10 September 1940_ - - - - -SECTION I - -GENERAL - - -1. Purpose - -This manual provides instructions for proper breeding, care, and -training of the homing pigeon, and for the selection and training of -enlisted pigeoneers. With certain modifications this information can -be used by all pigeon units serving field forces, both in theaters of -operations and in the zone of the interior. Instructions in FM 24-5 for -units using the homing pigeon in communication have not been repeated. -The mission, function, and operation of a signal pigeon company and the -tactical employment of pigeons are described in FM 11-80. - - -2. Methods - -The methods prescribed in this manual are based upon experience. -Accordingly, if any new procedures are found by experience to improve -pigeon communication they should be submitted to the Chief Signal -Officer for consideration. - - -3. Origin and History - -The homing pigeon used by the Army for signal communication (referred -to in this manual as “pigeon,” “homing pigeon,” and “bird”) is a -distinct variety created through careful cross-breeding to obtain -maximum distance and speed in controlled and directed flight. 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 -appearance. When the several varieties of pigeons used to breed the -modern homing pigeon actually originated is not certain. It is known, -however, that the following varieties existed in England and Belgium -before the nineteenth century, although the exact percentage and order -of their blend have not been determined: Smerle, Horseman, Cumulet, -Dragoon, Carrier, and Owl. - - -4. 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 released. They will do this even with an -attached message or other light article. This desire to return is -largely based on natural urges of hunger and reproduction. Because the -pigeon has only one mate the reproductive urge is often the stronger. -These impulses can be stimulated by _controlled_ feeding, mating, and -breeding without harming the pigeon’s health. - - -5. Utility - -The pigeon’s usefulness to the Army is measured by the reliability -and speed with which it returns to its loft. Speed and reliability -are largely determined by the pigeon’s strain, physical condition, -training, and treatment. Therefore any lowering of standards for -these factors will be a serious handicap. Further handicaps are -discussed in _e_ below. Section V sets minimum ability standards for -properly-trained, well-bred, healthy birds to be used by combat units -as message carriers. - -_a._ BREEDING. Since physical characteristics and homing instinct are -usually inherited from the parents, records are maintained for each -pigeon. Then pairs are selected, mated, and allowed to produce young -birds on the basis of these records, plus other desirable attributes -described in section VI. - -_b._ CONDITION. The physical condition of a pigeon greatly affects its -performance. Therefore, study physical characteristics of pigeons and -enforce procedures prescribed in sections III and VII for feeding, -watering, and maintaining proper physical condition. - -_c._ TRAINING. Training of the pigeon begins at an early age, and is -progressive and constant. The object is to settle the pigeon in its -home loft in order to develop reliability and speed as described in -section V. - -_d._ TREATMENT. The pigeon is highly sensitive and responsive to -kindness, firmness, reward for good performance, and calmness of -personnel handling it. Make the loft as attractive as possible because -the pigeon prizes its home. - -_e._ HANDICAPS. Bad weather, darkness, and injury, as well as -inadequacies in breeding, conditioning, and training, reduce efficiency -of pigeons (see par. 9_c_). - -(1) _Bad weather._ This includes snow, fog, rain, and adverse winds, or -any other conditions which reduce visibility or oppose the flight of -the pigeon. Generally, flights may be predicted according to certain -atmospheric conditions as follows: - - _Conditions_ _Results_ - - Blue sky, high ceiling with white Very fast speed. - fleecy clouds, and low humidity. - - Solid grey or bluish grey sky with Very slow speed, losses may - low ceiling, no clouds, and high occur. - humidity. - -(2) _Darkness._ Pigeons never lose their initial fear of flying at -night, but it is possible to train them to overcome this fear to a -great extent. Their natural instinct and intelligence will come to -their aid. Night operation, however, is considered impracticable for -the Army pigeons because of the highly mobile tactics of modern warfare. - -(3) _Injury._ Injuries are commonly caused by improper handling, -predatory birds (such as hawks), enemy shellfire, or obstacles pigeons -strike in flight. Protect pigeons by destroying all hawks in the -vicinity of the lofts with shotguns provided for that purpose. Select -safe locations for releasing pigeons. 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 flight. When vitally injured, -the pigeon will continue its return flight until physically exhausted. -Any injury which permanently impairs the eyes or wings of a pigeon -makes it unsuitable for any employment except breeding. - - - - -SECTION II - -DESCRIPTION - - -6. General Appearance - -Pigeons must look healthy, well-balanced, alert, intelligent, and -showing abundance of rich feathers and sheen. Figure 1 shows the main -parts of the homing pigeon (the right wing is extended for ease of -description). - - -7. Weight - -A cock weighs from 14 to 17 ounces; a hen, from 13 to 16 ounces. - - -8. Plumage - -Rich, abundant, and soft plumage should cover the entire body. The -color itself is of no importance, but rich shades, with the checkered -pattern (if present) standing out brightly and distinctly, usually -indicate good health and satisfactory condition. For classification of -pigeons according to color see paragraph 26. - - -9. Head - -The head should be of a medium size, round or oval shaped, of broad -structure and strongly set. It should not be tight or drawn at any one -place. - -_a._ BILL. The bill should be of medium length with small to medium -wattles and set well into the head. No openings should be noticeable -when the bill is closed. - -_b._ EYE. See section VI. - -_c._ EAR. The ear seems to play an important part in the bird’s sense -of direction. It includes three parts: external ear, middle ear, and -inner ear. At the top of the inner ear there are three semicircular -canals which appear to be the nerve conductors of orientation. Although -no one knows just what helps homing pigeons find their loft, it is -possible that the great sensitiveness of their ears enables them to -receive magnetic and atmospheric impression, and thereby to determine -direction either at departure or during flight. This theory is based on -the fact that atmospheric disturbances often cause the bird temporarily -to lose its way. - - -10. Neck - -The neck is of medium length, with no sign of dewlap at the throat. It -tapers to a wide, well-sprung chest. - - -11. Body - -_a._ BREAST. The breast (or chest) is broad and full in front; depth of -breastbone should not exceed the width. - -_b._ SHOULDERS. The shoulders are heavy and strongly reinforced with -muscles. - -_c._ BACK. The back is well-feathered, strong, flat and broad at the -shoulders, narrowing toward the rump. - -[Illustration: _Figure 1. Parts of homing pigeon._ - -TL70171] - -_d._ KEEL. The keel is strong, arched in front, and of medium length -and depth. Width of keel denotes strength. - -_e._ ABDOMEN. The abdomen is reduced to the smallest proportions. - -_f._ WINGS. The wings must be medium-sized, strong, well-proportioned, -and rounded at the butt, with plenty of muscle. Primary flights should -be of a good width, with plenty of overlapping space and a pronounced -curvature towards the body. See _i_ below. Secondary feathers should -also be long and wide to provide a good covering for the entire back. -Covert feathers should be sturdy and abundant, because they supply -additional wing strength, as well as protect pigeons against adverse -weather. - -_g._ PELVIC BONES. The pelvic bones (or vent bones) are very firm, -close together over the vent, and extend toward the keel on each side -of the vent. These bones form a body girdle by which the legs are -joined to the body. - -_h._ RUMP. The rump is wide and continues the line of the back. It is -well covered on all sides with fine, soft feathers. - -_i._ TAIL FEATHERS. The tail feathers, 12 in number, are short, wide, -overlapping, and do not extend farther than 3/4 inch beyond the wing -tips. - -_j._ LEGS. The legs are of medium length and well muscled. Thighs are -chubby. Lower leg is red and stout, and toes are short with firm nails. - - -=12. Respiratory Channels= (fig. 2) - -[Illustration: _Figure 2. Respiratory channels of homing pigeon. (Air -sacs are named in accordance with McLeod and Wagers. Other names are -given in parenthesis.)_ - -TL70172] - -Respiratory channels are highly developed, enabling the pigeon to fly -continuously from 12 to 15 hours. Air circulates through the bronchial -tubes and lungs and also through nine air sacs, from which other small, -irregular cavities extend under the skin between the muscles, and even -into the inside of the bones. 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 oxygen. They inflate and collapse -alternately, acting as a lift and force pump which renews air in the -lungs. - - -13. Digestive Organs - -Digestive organs of the pigeon are shown in figure 3 (for functions see -par. 50_b_). - -[Illustration: _Figure 3. Digestive organs of homing pigeon._ - -TL70173] - - -14. Bloom or Milt - -This white, chalky powder is one of the means provided by nature to -protect feathers against moisture during flight. When the pigeon -bathes, the bloom is deposited in the form of a white scum on the top -of the water. If a bird is caught and held closely, the bloom rubs off, -leaving a white substance on the clothes. Absence of bloom is a symptom -of poor health. - -[Illustration: _Figure 4. A flight._ - -TL70174] - - -15. Molt - -Molting is nature’s way of shedding feathers and furnishing new ones -for the entire body. Thus, feathers lost or injured the preceding year -are replenished, and a perfect coat is insured for the coming year. An -imperfect molt indicates an unhealthy condition which will reduce the -pigeon’s efficiency and result in the breeding of inferior offspring. - -_a._ TIME OF MOLT. Every pigeon should molt once a year. Mated pigeons -start molting approximately 1 week after the second set of eggs has -been laid in the new season. Unmated old pigeons ordinarily begin -molting in May or June. The time young birds molt depends primarily on -the date of hatch. Those hatched during the early part of July begin -with head and neck feathers very soon after leaving the nest, and later -during the year partially molt all feathers. The process is completed -the following summer. Various influences hasten or retard molting. For -example, exceptionally warm weather may hasten it. Poor health retards -and may prevent a complete molt. Early breeding ordinarily hastens the -process, while late breeding tends to delay it. - -[Illustration: _Figure 5. Tail feathers of homing pigeon._ - -TL70175] - -_b._ ORDER OF MOLT. Feathers are shed in the following order (see par. -16 and fig. 1): - -(1) Primary flight No. _1_ is shed first, and new feathers begin to -grow in its place. - -(2) As soon as new feathers are one-half to three-quarters grown, -remaining primary flights are shed in numerical order. - -(3) When flights Nos. _5_ or _6_ have been shed, molt spreads to neck -and shoulders. - -(4) By the time flights Nos. _6_ or _7_ have been shed, the tail-molt -begins with feathers No. _2_ (fig. 8), then continues in the following -numerical order: _1_, _3_, _4_, _6_, and _5_. - -(5) When the last flights have been shed, the molt is practically -complete, except for a few fine body feathers. - -_c. Care during molt._ The molt is a great physical drain on pigeons; -therefore, if practicable, hard flying and breeding activities should -be temporarily abandoned during this period. Exercise flights should -be only as long as is necessary for the pigeon’s health. When weather -permits, the birds should be allowed to bathe regularly, because this -will soften the skin and help feathers drop. The only sure method -of correcting an unsatisfactory molt is to restore the pigeon to -a healthy, vigorous physical condition. No attempt should be made -to aid the molt by plucking the next feathers in order, as in all -probability the new feathers will be inferior, or may not even appear. -The substance which creates new feathers is lacking in the sockets -for about 2 months after the molt is completed. During the molting -period, it is especially necessary that birds be fed rich, oily, easily -digested food such as grain (hemp, canary, flax or linseed) and greens. -This food will keep weight up to normal and insure a good growth of -feathers. - - -16. Varieties of Feathers - -Feathers grow in definite areas on the body. These feathered areas -or strips are known as pterylae. Bare spaces in between are called -apterylae. Feathers are divided into four types: contour feathers, hair -feathers, fluff feathers, and down feathers. - -_a._ CONTOUR FEATHERS. Contour feathers are large feathers covering -the pigeon’s body. When the bird is not in flight or excited, they lie -close to its body, normally overlapping and presenting a smooth outer -surface. The larger ones are the flight and tail feathers. The average -pigeon has 12 main tail feathers; on each wing there are 10 primary -flights and 12 secondary flights. The bases of these large feathers -are covered by shorter feathers called coverts. These give a rounded, -smooth, and continuous line to the body. - -The main tail feathers act as a rudder in flight, controlling the -bird’s direction. Flying is possible because every flight feather -overlaps, presenting a solid surface on the downbeat of the wing. -Besides, flight feathers provide lift and pull for the bird’s -propulsion. On the upbeat of the wing, the large flight feathers rotate -in such a manner as to cut through the air with little resistance, and -at the same time to permit escape of air. - -The general structure of a contour feather can be best observed in a -primary flight from the wing or a large rectrix from the tail. The -stiff, hollow, cylindrical portion emerging from the skin is called -the quill. The bare quill proper extends only to the webbed portion -of the feather. It has a small hole (inferior umbilicus) at the end, -penetrating the skin. Nourishment for the feather passes through this -opening. The expanded portion of the feather, from the tip to the -quill, is known as the vane. The central portion of the vane, which -is called the shaft, is solid. Extending laterally from the shaft is -a web or webbing composed of barbs or rays. These rays are blade-like -in structure. The web of most feathers is generally wider on one side -of the shaft than on the other. The barbs are connected by a series of -cross structures called barbules which can be seen only with the aid of -magnifying lens. To see the barbs, however, apply a slight tension on -the webbing of the feather, causing it to spread apart. The invisible -barbules will split if too much tension is applied. Barbs can be -repaired so that little or no evidence of the split can be detected, by -stroking the feather between the index finger and thumb. Pigeons repair -a split in the barb by squeezing oil from the oil duct with their beak, -and then spreading it on the injured feather. - -Feather textures vary greatly with the breed of the bird and the part -of the body from which they grow. When selecting homing pigeons, try to -select those with strong, firm feathers. - -_b._ HAIR FEATHERS. Also known as filoplumes, hair feathers are -hair-like structures interspersed among the regular body feathers. They -are so fine that they are usually overlooked. - -_c._ FLUFF FEATHERS. Sometimes called semiplumes, fluff feathers are -soft and fluffy because of the absence of a rigid feather shaft and -barbules in their web. The barbs are also long, soft, and fluffy, and -present a downy appearance. Fluff feathers grow only on certain parts -of the body. - -_d._ DOWN FEATHERS. Down feathers are the soft, hairy, yellow feathers -on young pigeons. They are extremely fine, almost filamentous in -structure. These feathers drop off all through the period of the young -bird’s growth; a few, however, may remain after complete feathering has -taken place. - - - - -SECTION III - -CARE - - -17. Loft - -Pigeons are housed in lofts which may be buildings or vehicles designed -and equipped for that purpose. The loft includes all the equipment, -accessories and utilities necessary for the care of pigeons (figs. 6, -7, and 8). Perches are placed on the sides of loft walls. When a pigeon -is “settled” to a loft, that loft becomes its home. - -_a._ An _aviary_ is the part of the loft where pigeons can be given -sunlight. It is usually built with wire netting on the sides and roof. - -_b._ The _trap_ is a specially constructed opening which permits the -pigeon to enter but not to leave the loft. When a pigeon enters the -loft this way, it is said to have “trapped.” A trap which permits the -pigeon to enter and leave at will is called an “open trap.” A landing -board is placed in front of the trap upon which pigeons alight when -about to enter the loft. - -_c._ A _settling cage_ of wire which is built to fit over the roof and -landing board of the loft, is used to aid in settling and training -pigeons to trap. - - -18. Preparation of Loft to Receive Pigeons - -The first step in preparing to receive a shipment of pigeons is to -arrange for their housing. If it is the initial stock for a loft, the -entire loft will be available. In the case of subsequent shipment, -place new stock in a separate compartment for a period of observation. -In order to anticipate arrival of birds, maintain contact with the -agency making delivery. Then proceed as follows: - -_a._ Clean the loft. - -_b._ In good weather keep front of the loft open so that plenty of -sunlight and air can enter. - -_c._ To keep drafts out during extreme cold and windy weather, cover -openings of the loft with porous materials which will allow passage of -air and will not interfere with the camouflage appearance. - -_d._ Spread a small quantity of coarse sand on the floor of the loft to -aid cleanliness and to supplement the grit. - -_e._ Provide 10 percent more perching space than is necessary for the -number of incoming birds. - - -19. Receipt of Pigeons at Loft - -To receive pigeons at a loft, proceed as follows: - -_a._ Immediately upon their arrival transfer the birds to the loft from -the crates or baskets in which they were transported. 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 attention. - -_b._ Immediately after the birds have been transferred to the loft, -carefully examine and handle each pigeon, separating the healthy -from the sickly. Place the healthy birds in a compartment where they -can obtain plenty of fresh drinking water, and feed them sparingly. -Isolate the birds which appear sick until they are fully recovered. - -[Illustration: _Figure 6. Stationary loft._ - -TL70176] - -[Illustration: _Figure 7. Loft PG-46-A._ - -TL70177] - -_c._ It is imperative that the pigeons be vaccinated against pigeon pox -if they were not vaccinated prior to shipment. - -_d._ Thereafter water, feed, and provide bathing water according to -instructions in paragraphs 20 to 23, inclusive. - -_e._ Make an exact inventory of the pigeons, noting band markings, -colors, special markings, and physical condition of each bird. - -_f._ Become familiar with the pigeons while they are confined. Accustom -them to the presence of caretakers and to feeding at definite times. - -_g._ Begin training of the new birds immediately. The longer the time -between their arrival at their new home and the beginning of their -training, the more difficult it will be for them to be trained properly. - - -20. Watering - -_a._ The health of a pigeon depends more upon pure drinking water than -upon any other factor; therefore, keep plenty of fresh water available -at all times. - -_b._ The homing pigeon does not drink like most other birds. The pigeon -places its bill into the water, and takes a long, deep draft like a -horse. For this reason, keep the depth of the water in the drinking -fountain not less than 1-1/2 inches deep. Always supply water in a -fountain or other receptacle which will prevent bathing. Fountains -PG-37-C provide excellent watering facilities for the birds and are -constructed to reduce contamination to a minimum (fig. 9). - -[Illustration: _Figure 8. Loft PG-68/TB._ - -TL70178] - -_c._ In warm weather, change the water three times a day, cleaning -the container thoroughly each time. In cool weather, twice a day may -be sufficient, provided the water can be kept clean. Water containing -impurities gives the pigeon a sour crop or acute indigestion. If a -sanitary water supply is not readily available, use drinking water -purified for troops. When it is necessary to use water of doubtful -purity, add a sufficient amount of potassium permanganate until a light -pink color is attained. Empty drinking fountains at night in cold -weather so that the water will not freeze. Having running water in the -drinking fountain is not advisable as it is usually cool and may cause -diarrhea during hot weather. - - -21. Feeding - -[Illustration: _Figure 9. Fountain PG-37-C in loft._ - -TL70179] - -_a._ GENERAL. The health and general physical condition of a pigeon -largely depend on the amount of food, time of feeding, and the kind of -food provided. Pigeons should not refuse food unless they have just -been fed. They will be alert, active, happy, and much more manageable -if kept a little hungry. It is easy to overfeed pigeons so that they -become sluggish and listless. Many good pigeons have been spoiled by -overfeeding. The pigeoneer should hand-feed the birds and watch them -closely while they are eating because their appetite reflects their -general health and condition. Sick birds may be discovered by their -failure to eat. Pigeons become better acquainted with the pigeoneer -through hand-feeding, and he in turn can keep them alert and under -control. - -_b._ METHOD. Feed pigeons _twice_ a day during training, light feeding -in the morning and heavier in the evening. After each exercise, -training, or other flight, call the pigeons into the loft and give them -a small quantity of feed as a reward. While the pigeons are taking -their morning exercise, clean the loft and place in it a fresh supply -of grit and drinking water. Call the birds in when they have completed -their exercises, then scatter the food slowly on the sand-covered floor -as the birds enter through the trap. Scatter the feed, a handful at -a time. Wait until the pigeons have eaten nearly all the feed before -distributing another handful. The feed should be well scattered so -that individual birds do not get all of the choice grains. No harm -is done if the pigeons eat some of the sand, providing it is clean, -as sand supplements grit as an aid to digestion. There are several -reasons why pigeons should be fed only a handful at a time. If the -whole amount of grain for one feeding is thrown on the floor at once, -the actual amount needed cannot be estimated exactly. If the amount -estimated was too little, the pigeons are underfed; if the amount was -excessive, the grain not immediately consumed becomes contaminated and -may cause sickness if eaten later. 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 development. Pigeons always drink -immediately after feeding. When the first pigeon stops eating and takes -a drink, it is a sign that the pigeons have had enough food so do not -scatter any more grain. - -_c._ BREEDING PIGEONS. Parent pigeons feed their young in the nest -by ejecting food from their own crops into the youngster’s crop. -Therefore, when young pigeons are in the nest, return in about 30 -minutes after the initial feeding and offer additional food to the -parents. When the youngsters are approximately 18 days of age, start -placing a handful of grain each day in the back corner of the nest -compartment out of the way of the droppings. The parent pigeons will -eat a few grains in the presence of the youngsters. The youngsters will -imitate their parents and thus learn to eat by themselves more rapidly. - - -22. Pigeon Feed - -The diet for a pigeon should include legumes (peas and vetch), seeds, -cereal grains, green foods, and grit. The seeds and grains are fed -as an ordinary diet in the form of a feed mixture, but grit is fed -separately. Feed must be of a specific grade and mixture to assure the -pigeon of proper growth, a generally healthy condition, and enough -energy to endure the hardships of messenger flights. Pigeon feed, which -is a perishable item, must be grown under prescribed conditions from -the finest quality seed, harvested, cleaned, stored, and then mixed -when required. When harvested, grain or seed is likely to contain many -impurities like chaff, weed seeds, weevils, or other injurious insects, -kernels which are dead or damaged, and excessive moisture. Practically -all of these impurities must be removed before the feed is suitable -for use. Mixing must be accomplished under conditions that will insure -uniformity. The word “feed” as used below will refer to either mixed -feed, grain, or seeds, as applicable. A single grain or seed will be -referred to as a “kernel.” - -_a._ SUITABLE FEED. Feed should— - -(1) Be sound and have a natural odor, without traces of sour, musty, or -foreign odors. - -(2) Be well matured and of good natural color, without a noticeable -amount of dead or damaged kernels. - -(3) Be free of dirt, dust, or foreign material, beyond a slight trace. - -(4) Be free from live weevils or other insects and the defects caused -by them. - -(5) Be free-flowing, without traces of webbyness. - -(6) Not contain excessive moisture as determined by the field test -described in _b_ (5) below. - -_b._ DEFECTIVE PIGEON FEED. Defects in feed can be recognized by smell, -visual inspection, or laboratory test. Feed is unsuitable for use if it -has any of the following defects: - -(1) _Unsound._ This condition may be detected by a sour or musty odor -or by an “off color” appearance. - -(2) _Foreign materials._ Chaff, dirt, dust, stones, etc., can be -detected by visual inspection. - -(3) _Webbyness._ When feed has been, or is infected, with injurious -insects it is likely to be webby. The feed will cling together in small -balls by webs similar to cobwebs. It may also have an objectionable -odor. - -(4) _Dead or damaged kernels._ Kernels that have sprouted, been bored -by insects, or are discolored as a result of frost, fermentation, or -immaturity, can be detected by a visual inspection. - -(5) _Moisture._ Small amounts of moisture cannot be detected without -a laboratory test. However, 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 tool. If the feed tested does not contain an -excessive amount of moisture, the kernels will crumble into small -pieces like “corn meal.” If an excessive amount of moisture is present -the kernels will become pulpy. When performing this test, remember that -hulled oats, flax seed, hemp seed, and vetch, because of their oil -content, will become pulpy even though their moisture content is within -required limits. - -_c._ HARMFUL INSECTS. The two most harmful insects to pigeon feed are -weevils and grain moths. - -(1) _Weevils._ Weevils are small beetle-type insects which vary in -color from brown to black. They eat by boring holes into the portion of -the kernel containing the nutritive elements. Weevils can be detected -by the test described in _i_(2)(_b_) below. - -(2) _Grain moths._ These small moths vary in color from buff to grayish -or yellowish brown. During the larva stage they gnaw their way into -the kernel and then eat the inside portion to secure nourishment for -growth. When fully grown they eat their way out of the kernel. The -presence of moths in feed can be detected by the holes they leave in -kernels. - -_d._ FEED MIXTURES. Various seeds and grains are mixed in -specified percentages to acquire a feed mixture of certain required -amounts of proteins, carbohydrates, and fats. Factors determining the -type of feed mixture used are climatic conditions, the way in which -the pigeon is used, and the condition of the bird. Different mixtures -are fed during the breeding and molting period, while training or -conditioning, or while the pigeons are used for messenger service. Use -of feed mixtures is as follows: - -(1) _Breeding feed_ is used to maintain a healthy physical condition -in parent pigeons, and at the same time supply essential food elements -necessary to raise strong young pigeons. - -(2) _Training and conditioning feed_ builds and maintains a physical -condition suitable for short distance messenger service during the -training period. - -(3) _Special feed_ supplies energy and replaces the body tissues -consumed by the pigeon when it is continuously used for messenger -service. - -(4) _Molting feed_, a supplementary feed mixture containing hemp, -canary, flax, and rape, insures good feathers and keeps the weight of -the pigeon normal by supplying rich, oily, and easily digested feed. - -_e._ ANALYSIS. The three principal properties of feed that are -necessary for development and maintenance of a sound physical condition -are proteins, carbohydrates, and fats. - -(1) _Proteins_ contribute a large portion of the elements necessary for -maintaining the pigeon’s health, muscular and respiratory system, and -the organs essential to flying. The most important feeds in the protein -class are peas and vetch. - -(2) _Carbohydrates_ supply energy. The portion of carbohydrates not -used immediately changes to “fat” and is held in reserve by the pigeon -to be drawn upon when it is being used continuously for messenger -service. The most important suppliers of carbohydrates are rice, -kaffir, wheat, corn, and hulled oats. - -(3) _Fats_ keep the pigeon warm and also build a reserve supply of -energy. The feeds which furnish fats are rape, flax, and hemp seed. - -_f._ ANALYSIS CHART. The following chart gives a comparative -analysis of the grains and seeds used for pigeon feed: - - -_ANALYSIS CHART_ - - --------+------------------+--------+---+-------+--------------+---- - | | | | | Carbohydrates| - | | | | +-----+--------+ - | | | | | |Nitrogen| - Stock | | | | Crude |Crude| free | - No. | Ingredient |Moisture|Ash|protein|fiber| extract| Fat - --------+------------------+--------+---+-------+-----+--------+---- - 9A705 |Buckwheat, | | | | | | - | unofficial[2] | 12.6 |2.0| 10.0 | 8.7 | 64.5 | 2.2 - | | | | | | | - 9A747 |Seed, canary, 99% | | | | | | - | pure, | | | | | | - | unofficial[2] | 7.0 |5.5| 17.2 | 5.7 | 59.1 | 5.5 - | | | | | | | - 9A747.1 |Seed, flax, | | | | | | - | 99% pure, | | | | | | - | U. S. No. 1[1] | 9.2 |4.3| 22.6 | 7.0 | 23.2 |33.7 - | | | | | | | - 9A876.1 |Corn, American, | | | | | | - | small grain, | | | | | | - | U. S.No. 1[1] | 12.9 |1.3| 9.3 | 1.9 | 70.3 | 4.3 - | | | | | | | - 9A1360 |Seed, hemp, | | | | | | - | sterilized, 99% | | | | | | - | pure, | | | | | | - | unofficial[2] | 8.0 |2.0| 10.0 |14.0 | 45.0 |21.0 - | | | | | | | - 9A1550 |Kaffir, U. S. | | | | | | - | No. 1[1] | 9.4 |1.6| 11.1 | 2.1 | 72.6 | 3.2 - | | | | | | | - 9A1765 |Seed, millet, 99% | | | | | | - | pure, | | | | | | - | unofficial[2] | 9.1 |3.3| 11.8 | 7.8 | 64.7 | 3.3 - | | | | | | | - 9A1787 |Oats, hulled, | | | | | | - | table grade, | | | | | | - | unofficial[2] | 8.4 |1.8| 16.0 | 1.5 | 65.5 | 6.8 - | | | | | | | - 9A1848 |Peas, Canada, | | | | | | - | U. S. No. 1[1] | 9.2 |3.4| 23.0 | 5.5 | 57.8 | 1.1 - | | | | | | | - 9A1848.1|Peas, maple, | | | | | | - | unofficial[2] | 11.0 |2.5| 21.9 | 5.5 | 58.2 | 0.9 - | | | | | | | - 9A1848.2|Peas, white, First| | | | | | - | and Best, | | | | | | - | U. S. No. 1[1] | 9.1 |3.3| 11.8 | 7.8 | 64.7 | 3.3 - | | | | | | | - 9A1901 |Seed, rape, large,| | | | | | - | sweet, 99% pure,| | | | | | - | unofficial[2] | 14.0 |3.9| 19.4 | 7.8 | 16.4 |38.5 - | | | | | | | - 9A1940 |Rice, whole, extra| | | | | | - | fancy, U. S. | | | | | | - | No. 1[1] | 12.4 |0.4| 7.4 | 0.2 | 79.2 | 0.4 - | | | | | | | - 9A2600 |Vetch, common, | | | | | | - | unofficial[2] | 13.7 |3.3| 25.4 | 5.4 | 50.7 | 1.5 - | | | | | | | - 9A2800 |Wheat, hard red or| | | | | | - | durum, U. S. | | | | | | - | No. 1[1] | 10.6 |1.8| 12.3 | 2.4 | 71.1 | 1.8 - --------+------------------+--------+---+-------+-----+--------+---- - - [Footnote 1: “U. S. No. 1 Grade” complies with standards for that - grade established by the U. S. Department of Agriculture.] - - [Footnote 2: “Unofficial grade” indicates grain or seed - “well-matured, sound, clean, and of good natural color and odor” as - certified to by a recognized Official Grain Inspection Agency. - - _Note._ The above analysis of ingredients for pigeon feed are - averages. Climatic conditions or the locality in which the grain or - seed is grown may slightly alter this analysis.] - - -_g._ GREEN FOOD. Certain amounts of this food are essential for the -pigeon’s digestive organs to function properly. Crisp young lettuce, -kale (preferably curly), and chickweed are the best green foods for -pigeons. Pigeons prefer green stuff sprinkled with a little table salt. -While green food is in season, give the pigeons as much of it as they -will eat about three times a week. The preferred method for feeding -this type of food is to suspend it in bunches on the inside of the loft -about 4 inches from the floor. - -_h._ FORMULAS. (1) The formulas for the various feed mixtures are -listed below under their suggested use. It must be remembered that the -factor governing the use of these feed mixtures will be climate and -existing conditions. - - -_Breeding_ - -Stock No. 9A1219.2 - - 25% American corn - 10% Kaffir - 25% Canada peas or white peas, First and Best - 5% Millet seed - 20% Vetch - 15% Wheat, hard red or durum - - -_Molting_ - -Stock No. 9A1219.8 - - 15% Rice, whole - 20% Canary seed - 15% Flax seed - 20% Hemp seed - 20% Millet seed - 10% Rape seed - - -_Training or conditioning_ - -Stock No. 9A1219.5 - - 3.5% Buckwheat - 25.0% American corn - 5.0% Kaffir - 2.5% Oats, hulled - 12.5% Canada peas or white peas, First and Best - 12.5% Peas, maple - 5.0% Rice, whole - 2.5% Canary seed - 5.0% Hemp seed - 5.0% Millet seed - 15.0% Vetch - 6.5% Wheat, hard red or durum - - Note. This mixture may also be used for a breeding feed. - -Stock No. 9A1219.6 - - 35% American corn - 5% Oats, hulled - 10% Canada peas or white peas, - First and Best - 15% Maple peas - 5% Rice, whole - 5% Hemp seed - 15% Vetch - 10% Wheat, hard red or durum - - Note. This mixture may also be used for a breeding feed. - - -_Special_ - -Stock No. 9A1219.4 - - 25% American corn - 25% Canada peas or white peas, First and Best - 30% Maple peas - 20% Vetch - -Stock No. 9A1219.7 - - 10% American corn - 5% Hulled oats - 20% Canada peas or white peas, - First and Best - 25% Maple peas - 5% Rice, whole - 5% Hemp seed - 20% Vetch - 10% Wheat, hard red or durum - - Note. Recommended for tropical climate. - -(2) The following chart gives a comparative analysis of the above -mixtures: - - ---------+--------+-----+-------+------------------+------ - | | | | Carbohydrates | - | | | +-----+------------+ - | | | |Crude| Nitrogen | - Stock No.|Moisture| Ash |Protein|fiber|free extract| Fat - ---------+--------+-----+-------+-----+------------+------ - 9A1219.2 | 11.26 | 2.42| 16.71 | 3.89| 63.33 | 2.39 - | | | | | | - 9A1219.4 | 11.57 | 2.58| 19.73 | 4.58| 59.63 | 1.91 - | | | | | | - 9A1219.5 | 11.27 | 2.27| 15.76 | 4.50| 62.76 | 3.44 - | | | | | | - 9A1219.6 | 11.64 | 2.06| 15.56 | 3.87| 63.32 | 3.55 - | | | | | | - 9A1219.7 | 11.12 | 2.49| 18.98 | 4.78| 59.87 | 2.76 - | | | | | | - 9A1219.8 | 9.46 | 3.25| 14.24 | 7.36| 50.76 |14.93 - ---------+--------+-----+-------+-----+------------+------ - -_i._ STORAGE AND FUMIGATION. Pigeon feed procured in -accordance with U. S. Army Specification 24-17-C, is of the finest -ingredients obtainable in accordance with U. S. Department of -Agriculture standards, and is processed prior to packing. If stored -properly this feed will not become contaminated. Improper storage, -however, counteracts the precautions taken to procure best quality -feed. Therefore, the instructions below have been prepared to safeguard -the original quality of the feed during storage. - -(1) _Proper method of storage._ The larval, pupal and adult stages of -injurious grain insects are inactive in a temperature of 50° F. or -lower. Thus the first and the most important rule is to store feed in a -COOL, DRY PLACE, on a platform at least 6 inches above the floor. - -(_a_) There are several simple methods of stacking bagged feed. One way -is to stand the first tier of bags on end on a movable floor of narrow -boards nailed to joists. Bags should be set far enough apart to admit -air and light. The air keeps the bags dry and the light discourages -rats. Other tiers of bags are laid flat, each tier at right angles to -the previous tier, to admit air and light (fig. 10). A second method is -to lay a tier of bags flat on two parallel timbers, each tier laid at -right angles to the previous tier (fig. 10). - -(_b_) After feed has been stacked, it must be protected against rats. -An inexpensive protective method is to construct a wooden framework -inside the building where the feed is to be stored, and to cover it -completely with 1/4-inch wire mesh. The size of the wire mesh inclosure -depends on the amount of feed to be stored. - -[Illustration: TL70180 _Figure 10. Methods of stacking bags._ - -TL70180] - -(2) _Examination for contamination._ Feed stored in a hot climate or in -buildings where injurious grain insects are present is likely to become -infested. Therefore feed should be visually examined bimonthly for -presence of moths or adult insects. - -(_a_) Take the temperature of the feed by inserting a thermometer into -the feed, especially in the bags at the center of the pile. If it -exceeds 75° F. make a closer and more frequent examination. - -(_b_) A simple and practical test to discover the presence of insects -is to place a quantity of the questionable feed in a sieve with -1/16-inch wire mesh (sieve PG-35), and shake over a white cloth or -paper. Examine screenings and if insects are present, fumigate the feed -according to instructions in (3) below to prevent further damage and -ultimate ruin. - -(3) _Fumigation._ There are three methods for fumigating contaminated -pigeon feed available to pigeon units. - -[Illustration: _Figure 11. Bath Pan PG-38._ - -TL70217] - -(_a_) Quartermaster, fumigation and bath companies (T/O & E 10-257) -have facilities, such as portable methyl bromide fumigation chambers, -for delousing clothing which may be used for fumigating pigeon feed. -These units are generally assigned to posts, camps, or stations and -to theaters of operations, and their services may be obtained. To use -their equipment, load chamber with bags of contaminated feed, seal, -and charge it with a 2-pound can of methyl bromide, Stock Number 51M892 -(see Quartermaster supplement of the Federal Standard Stock Catalog). -Feed should remain in the chamber for at least 24 hours. Temperature of -the interior of the chamber should be maintained at a minimum of 70° F. - -(_b_) If a portable fumigation chamber is not available, a building -which can be tightly sealed, like those used for training purposes -in the Chemical Warfare Service, may be used. The feed should be -loaded into the vault so that the entire floor space is utilized. Seal -vault tightly and apply methyl bromide from the outside of the vault -through a 1/4-inch diameter copper tubing at the top of the chamber. -The connection between the tubing and the methyl bromide container -should allow no leakage. The feed should remain in the vault for at -least 24 hours. The temperature of the interior of the vault should -be maintained at a minimum of 75° F. for best results. Use at least -1 pound of methyl bromide per 1,000 cubic feet of space. After the -24-hour exposure period, open vault and air it for a few hours before -removing feed. Methyl bromide is toxic to human beings. Therefore, -before opening or entering the vault after the exposure period, the -fumigator should wear a gas mask type M9A1, with a standard service -canister. - -[Illustration: _Figure 12. Catching pigeon in loft._ - -TL70181] - -(_c_) If a portable fumigation chamber or gas tight vault is not -available, “tarpaulin method” of fumigation may be used. Sweep clear -the floor (preferably cement) where the feed is to be placed for -fumigation. Stack the bags of feed in a square area to a height of 5 -or 6 feet. After the feed is stacked, center four bags of feed in an -upright position on top of the pile to form a gas expansion dome. Throw -a tarpaulin which is large enough to cover completely the entire pile -of feed over the pile. Allow a minimum margin of 2 feet on the floor -for sealing. The tarpaulin should be of treated material, preferably -rubberized, to prevent leakage and to be impervious to the fumigant. -Seal the marginal excess of tarpaulin with filled bags or weights. The -fumigant is released from the container through a tubing extending from -the container under the tarpaulin to the top of the gas expansion dome. -The same type of fumigant, dosage, exposure, and temperature required -for vault or chamber fumigation are employed, and the same precautions -are observed when removing the tarpaulin after the exposure period. If -circumstances prevent a tight sealing of the tarpaulin use an increased -amount of fumigant to compensate for leakage. - -_j._ USE AND PREPARATION OF GRIT. Grit is a prepared mixture which -serves as a mechanical grinder for the food in the pigeon’s gizzard -and assists in assimilation. Grit also purifies the crop and supplies -lime for bone building and forming of egg shells. Many grit mixtures -are available, most of which contain crushed oyster shell, gravel, -sand, small sea shells, crushed limestone, salt, charcoal, and other -ingredients. - -(1) Between 5 and 10 percent of the food fed a pigeon should be grit. -Normally 5 percent is sufficient, except during the breeding season -when as much as 10 percent may be fed since the parent pigeons pump -grit into the youngsters when they start eating grains. - -(2) A preferred grit is made as follows: - -(_a_) Thoroughly mix (in the manner of mixing mortar) 20 pounds of -medium granite grit, 20 pounds of medium oyster shell, 20 pounds of -medium crushed limestone, 5 pounds of medium charcoal, and 1/8 pound -of oxide of iron (hematite). Then dissolve 3 pounds of table salt in -boiling water and add just enough of this solution to the mixture to -dampen it thoroughly. Do not add too much water. Thoroughly mix the -whole preparation and allow to dry before feeding to birds. - -(_b_) Each of the various ingredients in the mixture has a purpose. The -granite is a grinder and pulverizes the food; the oxide of iron has -a beneficial effect upon the blood and acts as a tonic; the charcoal -purifies the crop, acting as a stomachic, that is, strengthening or -stimulating action of the stomach. Limestone provides the materials for -strengthening the bones. The oyster shells contribute lime which enters -into the composition of bones and egg shells. - -(3) The grit mixtures used are listed in the Signal Corps General -Catalog, as Stock Nos. 9A1321 (color red), and 9A1322 (color natural) -“Seashell” or equal. - -(4) Keep grit in the loft constantly except during the 24 hours before -the pigeons are to be sent away to a point 50 or more miles distant -for immediate liberation. Since grit contains salt and minerals which -cause thirst, pigeons might land en route for water, thereby losing -valuable time and exposing themselves to the danger of being shot or -captured. Place the grit in a wooden box designed so that the pigeons -cannot easily introduce foreign matter into the mixture. Inspect the -box daily and remove all foreign matter. Refill the grit container with -dry grit as needed. Once a week empty the grit container and clean it -thoroughly. Add a fresh supply and destroy the old grit. Always keep -an ample supply of grit in stock at the loft. - -[Illustration: - - (1) _Correct_ (2) _Incorrect_ - -_Figure 13. Holding pigeon for inspection._ - -TL70182] - -[Illustration: _Figure 14. Catching pigeon in crate._ - -TL70183] - -_k._ ALLOWANCE OF FEED AND GRIT. (1) The annual allowance of -feed mixture is 52 pounds for each pigeon because the average pigeon, -including those breeding and those not breeding, consumes 1 pound of -grain per week. - -(2) The annual allowance of grit is 6 pounds a pigeon. - - -23. Bathing - -_a._ No other class of fowl, except the duck family, enjoys a bath as -much as pigeons. Pigeons that are kept clean have less trouble with -mites or feather lice. 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 week. To prepare the solution, boil one pound of quassia -chips in 2 gallons of water for 20 minutes. Strain off the liquid and -use 2 quarts of this solution to 3 gallons of bath water. - -_b._ As far as practicable, provide bath water daily during warm -weather but omit in freezing weather. Approximately 1 hour after the -morning feeding prepare the bath pan PG-38 and leave it in position -about 1 hour. Scrub the pan thoroughly after the pigeons have finished -bathing. During the breeding season provide the bath after the morning -feeding as usual, but on alternate days provide the bath in the early -afternoon. This method enables both cocks and hens to bathe every other -day (see par. 44_a_). - - -24. Catching and Handling - -Great care must be exercised when catching and handling pigeons because -their flying ability depends upon their physical condition, and awkward -and improper handling may result in the loss or breaking of tail and -flight feathers. The correct methods of catching and handling birds are -shown in figures 12 and 13. - -_a._ CATCHING IN CRATE. To catch a pigeon in a crate or container, -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 (fig. 14); then -turn the bird around (facing bird to door or entrance) and gently -grasp it between both hands for lifting from crate. Bring pigeon to -normal position in front of the waistline. Pigeons must be taken head -first from all crates to prevent injury to the feathers. - -[Illustration: - - (1) _Correct_ (2) _Incorrect_ - -_Figure 15. Crating a pigeon._ - -TL70184] - -_b._ CATCHING IN LOFT. This should be done with great care and ease as -both the physical and feather condition of a pigeon may be impaired by -awkward handling. There are several good methods for catching pigeons. -The following one has been found to be satisfactory when carried out -properly: - -(1) Always catch pigeons while in nests or on perches (fig. 15). -Approach pigeon calmly, avoiding sudden movements that might frighten -it. - -(2) Grasp bird by a quick movement of the hands. Catch it from the -front, with the thumbs on its back and fingers under its body. - -=Caution=: Never attempt to catch birds in the aviary, or when they are -flying about the loft. - -_c._ INSPECTING BIRDS. When examining the wings, back, or tail feathers -of a pigeon, always hold its chest or front portion against your body -(fig. 12) for security. To examine the head, eyes, or bill, place the -bird properly in one hand using the other hand as a front or side -support, leaving fingers free for examination. - -_d._ CRATING BIRDS. Hold the bird with your thumb across its back and -its legs between your first two fingers; place the palm of the other -hand over the front part of the pigeon, extend fingers downward in the -direction of the keel (fig. 15), and guide the bird into the crate. Do -not release until bird’s feet are firmly on crate floor. Avoid crating -birds with one hand only. - - - - -SECTION IV - -LOFT MANAGEMENT AND RECORDS - - -25. Routine - -A pigeoneer in charge of a loft can best care for his pigeons by -observing the following daily routine in loft management: - -_a._ Upon entering the loft, make a general inspection to see that -everything is in order. - -_b._ Sweep or scrape all sand and droppings and sift through a fine -screen. Add new sand and spread in a thin layer. - -_c._ Provide fresh drinking water (par. 20). - -_d._ Provide bath water (par. 23). - -_e._ Conduct prescribed exercise and other training for pigeons -according to schedule. This may include all types of flights. - -_f._ Post loft records. - -_g._ Prepare daily quantity of feed and give prescribed portions. - -_h._ Inspect all pigeons as to condition, health, mating, breeding, -etc., whenever required. - -_i._ Carry out any special instructions given for the day. - - -26. Classification of Pigeon Colors - -_a._ The color of the upper body and wings determines the principal -color classification of pigeons. In addition to principal -color classification (see _b_(1) below), include the following -classifications when applicable: - -(1) If any of the primary flights are white, the pigeon is classed as -a “white flight.” Unless the flights are pure white the classification -“white flight” is not made. - -(2) If all the coverts exhibit a light gray fringe on their outer -edges, presenting a checkered appearance rather than a solid color, the -pigeon is classed as “checkered.” - -(3) When a pigeon has white patches of feathers on its head, it is -classed as “pied.” If these white patches extend to its body, it is -classed as “splash.” - -(4) If a pigeon exhibits one or two white feathers about the eyes, it -is classed as “tick.” - -_b._ Main color classifications for pigeons and their authorized -abbreviations follow: - -(1) _Principal colors._ - - _Type_ _Abbreviation_ _Description_ - - Black (Blk) All feathers are black. - - Blue (B) All feathers are grayish blue, generally - with two black bars on each wing. - - Silver (Sil) All feathers are deep grayish silver, - generally with two red bars on each - wing. - - Red (R) All feathers are a solid brownish red - (often called chocolate). - -(2) _Checkers._ - - _Type_ _Abbreviation_ _Description_ - - Black Checker (Blk ch) Principal color black with dark - gray or checker markings on rump - and underpart of body. - - Dark checker (Dk ch) Similar to black checker but showing - more distinct checker markings on - the wing. - - Blue checker (B ch) Principally blue with checker - markings on the body and wings. - - Red checker (R ch) Principally red with checker markings - on the body and wings. - - Dun (Dun) Similar to silver except principal - color is of a darker shade. - - Mealy (Mly) Similar to dun except that they do - not have sharply defined red - markings on the wings. - - Grizzle (Griz) Principal colors consist of red, - black, and white mottled together. - (Often the black or red colors are - not present.) Birds also will be - found with grizzle markings around - the head and neck only. However, - these birds will be classified as - grizzles and the wing markings may - be indicated as well. - -(3) _Combinations._ Examples of combinations of colorings and markings, -together with their authorized abbreviations, are— - - (_a_) Black with white flights pied (Blk wft pd). - (_b_) Red with white flights (R wft). - (_c_) Blue pied (B pd). - (_d_) Black splash (Blk spl). - (_e_) Red checkered splash (R Ch spl). - (_f_) Blue checkered tick (B Ch tk). - (_g_) Blue with white flights (B wft). - (_h_) Checkered (Ch). - (_i_) Grizzle with blue wing markings (B griz). - - -27. Records and Reports - -The records and reports required for each pigeon unit are Breeding -Card, Pigeon Breeding Record, Pigeon Flight Record, Pigeon Pedigree, -and Monthly Pigeon Loft Report. - -_a._ BREEDING CARD, WD SC FORM 1132 (fig. 16). 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 nest. It remains -there during the breeding activities of the particular pair of parent -pigeons. The data provide the initial identification record of the -youngsters and permit a careful check on the progress of their -development. Entries must be timely, accurate, and legible. When the -youngster leaves the breeding compartment, pertinent information from -the breeding card is entered on the Pigeon Breeding Record (_b_ below). -Fill in the breeding card as follows: - -(1) _Pair number._ Number of the nest compartment occupied by the -parent pigeons. - -[Illustration: _Figure 16. Pigeon breeding card._ - -TL70185] - -(2) _Loft of._ Name of the post, camp, or station where the loft is -located, and the designation of the loft. - -(3) _Season._ Calendar year. - -(4) _Cock number._ Date on the leg band that relates to the cock’s -identification. - -(5) _Color._ Color of the cock. - -(6) _Sire and dam._ Strain of each of the cock’s parents. - -(7) _Hen number, color, sire, and dam._ Data relating to the hen, -similar to that furnished on the cock. - -(8) _Date laid._ Month and day each egg is laid. - -(9) _Hatched._ Month and day each egg is hatched. - -(10) _Banded._ Month and day each youngster is banded. - -(11) _Band number of youngsters._ The letters USA, and year of hatching -appear in the left column of the band placed on right leg of youngster. -Loft designation and serial number assigned to the youngster appear in -the right column of band. - -(12) _Color, sex, remarks._ Color of the youngster and remarks, such -as disposition when it leaves the breeding compartment. Generally, sex -cannot be determined at this time and is entered at a later date. - -(13) _Egg disposition._ If the egg is removed from its parents to be -hatched by other pigeons, or if it is destroyed, its disposition is -entered on the card. - -_b._ PIGEON BREEDING RECORD BOOK, WD SC FORM 67 (fig. 17). The pigeon -breeding record is a _permanent_ record maintained at each loft where -breeding activities are conducted. Data are taken from the breeding -card of the youngster (see _a_ above) and the breeding record of the -parent pigeons, and are entered as follows: - -(1) _Band number._ Band numbers assigned to youngsters hatched during -the year, in numerical sequence. - -(2) _Color._ Opposite the band number, color and sex of each youngster. - -(3) _Nest number._ Number of the nest occupied by the parent pigeons. - -(4) _Band number, color, sire, dam._ Data on each parent, on a separate -line. - -(5) _Band number, color, g. sire, g. dam._ Data for the parent pigeons -(grandparents of the youngsters), entered on separate lines, are -obtained from the breeding records of the grandparent birds. - -(6) _Strain._ Opposite their band and color, strains of the -grandparents of the youngsters. - -[Illustration: _Figure 17. Pigeon breeding record._ - -TL70186] - -(7) _Notes._ A small space below each entry, as indicated in figure 16, -is used to show: - -(_a_) Date youngster was hatched. - -(_b_) Performance record of the youngster. - -(_c_) Band numbers of any of its outstanding offspring. - -(_d_) Under Sire and Dam, performance record of parent, including -maximum flight distance to date, and outstanding racing performance if -any. - -_c._ PIGEON FLIGHT RECORD BOOK, WD SC FORM 1183 (fig. 18). 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 training. Each flight made by a pigeon is entered on its record. A -flight record is started for each youngster when it is removed from its -parents and placed in the flying loft. The record is kept up to date. -Entries should be made as follows: - -(1) _Band number._ Data on the identification band as shown on the -breeding card. - -(2) _Color._ Color of the pigeons, also taken from the breeding card. - -(3) _Sex._ If the sex cannot be determined when the form is started, it -is entered later. - -(4) _Hatched._ Date shown on the breeding card. - -(5) _Flight record._ Record of each flight on a separate line under -each column as follows: - -(_a_) _Date of flight._ Month, day, and year the flight was made. Year -may be entered at the head of the column to avoid repetition. - -(_b_) Nature of flight. Appropriate description of flight, such as -training, signal communication, or race; and how tossed, such as -single, double, or group. These abbreviations of entries may be -used: Tng, for training; Sig Com, for signal communication; ST, for -single-tossed; DT for double-tossed; GT, for group-tossed. - -(_c_) _Competition._ Number of lofts and the number of pigeons entered -in a competition or race. - -(_d_) _Distance._ Distance traveled in miles (air line) for each -flight, and the _direction from the loft to the point of release_. -Abbreviations for directions may be used, for example, NW, SE, etc. - -(_e_) _Position and speed._ Position won in a race or single-tossed -training flight (such as first, second) and the speed attained in -yards per minutes (YPM) or miles per hour (MPH). Speed is entered for -all flights if facts are available for calculation. When birds are -group-tossed, enter “late” for those failing to arrive at the loft with -the group. If birds break away and arrive at the loft in advance of the -group, note position of arrival (such as 1, 2, etc.). - -_d._ PIGEON PEDIGREE RECORD, WD SC FORM 68 (fig. 22). The pigeon -pedigree record is kept for each pigeon used for breeding. Data are -taken from breeding and other pedigree records, and are entered as -follows: - -(1) Name, color and sex, registry number (band number), date hatched, -by what loft bred, and flight record. - -(2) Band numbers and color of parents. - -(3) Band number, colors, and strains of grandparents. - -(4) In “remarks” include all matters about the pigeon or its strain -which bear upon its ability and breeding value. - -(5) In the spaces under Father, Mother, Grandfather, and Grandmother, -enter appropriate information concerning their flying and breeding -records. Pigeon pedigree record, WD SC Form 1177, which is a long -form, may be used when necessary if the pedigree is available for the -great-grandparents. - -[Illustration: _Figure 18. Pigeon flight record._ - -TL70187] - -_c._ MONTHLY PIGEON LOFT REPORT, WD SC FORM 1133 (figs. 20 and 21). The -monthly pigeon loft report is prepared for each pigeon unit on the last -day of each month. Blank spaces on the report are filled in as follows: - -(1) _Date._ Day, month, and year. - -(2) _Organization._ Unit submitting report. - -(3) _Station._ Name of post, camp, or station at which the unit is -located. - -(4) _Pigeons on hand._ These notations pertain to birds over 4 weeks of -age. - -(_a_) _Old cocks._ Total number of male pigeons over 1 year of age. - -(_b_) _Old hens._ Total number of female pigeons over 1 year of age. - -(_c_) _Youngsters over 4 weeks of age._ Total number of pigeons between -4 weeks and 1 year of age. - -(5) _Aggregate total._ Total number of pigeons, old and young, listed -in (4) above. - -[Illustration: _Figure 19. Pigeon pedigree record._ - -TL70188] - -(6) _Authorized strength._ Total number of pigeons authorized. - -(7) _Breeding activities._ - -(a) _Mated pairs._ Total number of pairs of parent pigeons mated for -breeding purposes. - -(b) _Eggs._ Total number of eggs in nest. - -(c) _Hatched._ Total number of youngsters under 4 weeks of age. - -(8) _Other pigeons._ (_a_) _Donated._ Total number of pigeons donated -to the Signal Corps by civilian pigeon fanciers. - -(_b_) _Loaned._ Total number of pigeons loaned to the Signal Corps by -civilian pigeon fanciers. - -(_c_) _Total._ Total number of donated and loaned pigeons on hand. - -(9) _Losses during month._ (_a_) _Disease._ Total number of banded -pigeons lost or destroyed during the month as a result of disease. - -(_b_) _Accident._ Total number of banded pigeons lost during the month -as a result of accident. - -(_c_) _Flight._ Total number of pigeons lost during month while in -flight (enter band numbers under remarks). - -(_d_) _Sale._ Total number of banded pigeons sold as surplus during the -month, if any. If none, so state. - -[Illustration: _Figure 20. Monthly pigeon loft report, front._ - -TL70189] - -(_e_) _Total._ Total number of banded pigeons lost during month from -all causes listed. - -(10) _Number of birds shipped during month_ (destination). -Self-explanatory. - -(11) _Number of birds received during month_ (source). Self-explanatory. - -(12) _Summary of training._ Weekly Training Schedules supply -information for both classes of birds. - -(13) _Instruction by loft personnel._ Organizations receiving -instruction, number of hours, and nature of instruction. - -(14) _Personnel._ Self-explanatory. - -[Illustration: _Figure 21. Monthly pigeon loft report, back._ - -TL70190] - -(15) _Loft equipment and supplies._ Self-explanatory. Note any item of -equipment on hand superseded by an item listed. - -(16) _Remarks and recommendations._ Note information on the tactical -operation of the unit; band numbers of birds lost in flight; birds -culled during the month (including youngsters), together with the -reasons for culling; and any remarks and recommendations not covered -elsewhere on this report. (If additional space is needed, use plain -sheets of bond paper.) - -(17) _Commanding._ The name, grade, and office of the officer in charge -are typewritten or printed in ink below his signature. - - -28. Banding - -_a._ Each breeding loft is furnished with identifying metal leg -bands to be used in banding all youngsters. These bands, PG-16, are -manufactured in pairs. Each pair bears the pigeon’s serial number. - -(1) One of the pair of bands bears a marking which includes U*S, the -last two figures of the calendar year the bird was hatched, the letters -SC or AAF, and a serial number. This band is placed on the left leg and -indicates that the pigeon was bred by the United States Army. It should -not be removed as it serves to identify the pigeon with its breeding -record. - -(2) The other band of the pair bears marking identical to that in (1) -above except that in place of the “U*S” it bears the letters “USA.” -This band is placed on the right leg, and it means that the pigeon was -bred by and is the property of the United States Army. This band is -removed whenever the pigeon ceases to remain the property of the United -States Army. - -(3) Characteristic markings of leg bands now used are as follows: - - (_a_) Right leg, USA 44 SC 15. - Left leg, U*S 44 SC 15. - - (_b_) Right leg, USA 44 AAF 407. - Left leg, U*S 44 AAF407. - -(4) The following designations were used prior to 1944: - - FtM. Fort Monmouth - 4CA 4th Corps Area - 4th SC 4th Service Command - 7th SC 7th Service Command - 8CA 8th Corps Area - 8th SC 8th Service Command - 9th SC 9th 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 - -_b._ In addition to the banded pigeons bred and owned by the United -States Army, there are those of the United States Navy, and two large -national associations of civilian pigeon fanciers, the American Racing -Pigeon Union and the International Federation of American Homing Pigeon -Fanciers, as well as those of numerous smaller organizations. The -following examples illustrate the character of the legends used on the -bands: - - USN 32 492 - AU 28 EC 1245 - IF 27 C 6700 - -[Illustration: _Figure 22. Method of banding youngsters._ - -TL70191] - -_c._ When banded pigeons are lost in flight, their band markings are -listed on the Monthly Pigeon Loft Report (par. 27 _e_). - -_d._ Each loft is authorized to use various colored, spiral, celluloid -leg bands for special identification purposes. For example, all pigeons -in a particular compartment of each loft may be fitted with celluloid -bands of the same color to facilitate keeping track of them. These -bands, PG-15, are requisitioned in the following colors: red, yellow, -green, light-blue, dark-blue, black, and pink. - - -29. Loft Equipment - -_a._ T/O & E 11-39 prescribes the authorized allowances of -nonexpendable pigeon equipment for signal pigeon companies and is the -basis for requisition. - -_b._ Army Service Forces Catalog SIG 4-1, Signal Supply Catalog, -Allowances of Expendable Supplies, prescribes the authorized allowances -of expendable items for signal pigeon companies and is the basis for -requisition. - -_c._ The basis for other pigeon units to requisition equipment and -supplies depends upon the number of authorized pigeons they have and -their particular needs. - -_d._ Sufficient descriptive information of items must be indicated -on the requisition to permit positive identification. All required -information pertaining to allowances, supplies on hand, due in (on -requisition), and basis for issue must be clearly stated on all -requisitions submitted to the station signal property officer. - -_e._ In general, the following items of supplies and equipment in -varying numbers will meet normal requirements of pigeon lofts: - - ----------+--------------------+------+------------------------------- - Stock No. | Requisition | Unit | Brief descriptive - | nomenclature | of | nomenclature - | |issue | - ----------+--------------------+------+------------------------------- - 9A315 | Band PG-15 | Ea |Pigeon, leg, marking, - | (Assorted colors)| | celluloid. - 9A315B | Band PG-15 | Ea | - | (Light blue) | |_Note._ When specific colors - 9A315BK | Band PG-15 | Ea | are required applicable - | (Black) | | stock number should be - 9A315DB | Band PG-15 | Ea | indicated on the requisition. - | (Dark blue) | | - 9A315G | Band PG-15 | Ea | - | (Green) | | - 9A315P | Band PG-15 | Ea | - | (Pink) | | - 9A315R | Band PG-15 | Ea | - | (Red) | | - 9A315Y | PG-15 | | - 9A316 | Band PG-16 | Pr |Pigeon leg, identifying, - | (Yellow) | | aluminum; 1 pair to - | | | each pigeon. - 9A426A | Blow gun | Ea |Blow gun, disinfectant, - | | | 1-qt. capacity. - 9A575 | Bowl PG-75 | Ea |Pigeon, pressed wood - | | | pulp. Supersedes - | | | Bowl PG-29. - 9A636 | Brush PG-36 | Ea |Pigeon loft, counter - | | | duster. - 9A725 | Cage PG-50 | Ea |10-bird, training. - 9A755 | Capsules, | Ea | - | multivitamin | | - 9A825 | Chips, quassia | Lbs | - 9A837 | Container, 2-bird | Ea |Container, assembled - | Fiber board | | 11-1/2 × 6 × 6 in.; - | | | dismantled (folded - | | | flat) 15 × 12 × 1/2 - | | | in.; net weight, 1 lb. - 9A941 | Cup, drinking, | Ea | - | 1/2 pt with hooks| | - 9A939 | Crate PG-49 | Ea |20-bird, transportation. - 9A1140 | Egg PG-40 | Ea |Pigeon nest, white - | | | glass. - 9A1219.2 | Feed, pigeon, mixed| Lbs |Feed, pigeon mixture - | | | consisting of: - | | | 25% Corn, American, - | | | small grain; - | | | 10% Kaffir; - | | | 25% Peas, Canada - | | | or First and Best; - | | | 5% Seed, millet; - | | | 20% Vetch, common; - | | | 15% Wheat, hard - | | | red or durum. - 9A1219.4 | Feed, pigeon, mixed| Lbs |Feed, pigeon, mixture - | | | consisting of: - | | | 25% Corn, American, - | | | small grain; - | | | 25% Peas, Canada - | | | or First and Best; - | | | 30% Peas, maple; - | | | 20% Vetch, common. - 9A1219.5 | Feed, pigeon, mixed| Lbs |Feed, pigeon, mixture - | | | consisting of: - | | | 3.5% Buckwheat; - | | | 25.0% Corn, American, - | | | small grain; - | | | 5.0% Kaffir; - | | | 2.5% Oats, hulled, - | | | table grade; - | | | 12.5% Peas, Canada - | | | or First and Best; - | | | 12.5% Peas, maple; - | | | 5.0% Rice, whole, - | | | extra fancy; - | | | 2.5% Seed, canary; - | | | 5.0% Seed, hemp; - | | | 5.0% Seed, millet; - | | | 15.0% Vetch, common; - | | | 6.5% Wheat, hard - | | | red or durum. - 9A1219.7 | Feed, pigeon, mixed| Lbs |Feed, pigeon mixture, - | | | consisting of; - | | | 10% Corn, American, - | | | small grain; - | | | 5% Oats, hulled, - | | | table grade; - | | | 20% Peas, Canada - | | | or First and Best; - | | | 25% Peas, maple; - | | | 5% Seed, hemp; - | | | 5% Rice, whole, extra - | | | fancy; - | | | 20% Vetch, common; - | | | 10% wheat, hard red - | | | or durum. - 9A1219.8 | Feed, pigeon, mixed| Lbs |Feed, pigeon, mixture, - | | | consisting of: - | | | 15% Rice, whole, extra - | | | fancy; - | | | 20% Seed, canary; - | | | 15% Seed, flax; - | | | 20% Seed, hemp; - | | | 10% Seed, rape, - | | | large sweet; - | | | 20% Seed, millet. - 9A1237C | Fountain PG-37-C | Ea |Drinking, pigeon galvanized - | | | iron self-filling, - | | | double opening, - | | | 1-1/2 gallon capacity, - | | | with handle - | | | to facilitate carrying. - | | | Supersedes fountain - | | | PG-37. - 9A1321 | Grit, health, | Lbs | - | pigeon (red) | | - 9A1322 | Grit, health, | Lbs | - | pigeon (natural) | | - 9A1646A | Loft PG-46-A | Ea |Portable, 3-section. - 9A1648 | Loft PG-68/TB | Ea |Portable, combat, - | | | transported by 1/4-ton - | | | Bantam trailer. - 9A1767 | Message holder | Ea |Transparent, plastic. - | PG-67 | | - 9A1838 | Pan PG-38 | Ea |Pigeon bath. - 9A1845-100| Parachute equipment| Ea |Pigeon; a collapsible - | PG-100/CB | | cylinder type container; - | | | 4-bird capacity; - | | | attached to a - | | | 6-ft. parachute with - | | | quick release clip. - 9A1845-101| Parachute equipment| Ea |Pigeon, a collapsible - | PG-101/CB | | cylinder type container; - | | | 8-bird capacity; - | | | attached to a - | | | 9-ft. parachute with - | | | a quick release clip. - 9A1857-103| Pigeon equipment | Ea |Complete unit of issue - | PG-103/CB | | consists of: - | | | 1 each, container - | | | PG-102/CB (2-bird); - | | | 12 each, message - | | | holder PG-67; - | | | 1 each, map overlay - | | | pad Form WD, - | | | SC 181; - | | | 1 each, message book - | | | M-210-A; - | | | 2 each, pencils, Black - | | | 2H (No. 4) SS-P-186. - 9A1857-105| Pigeon equipment | Ea |Complete unit of issue - | PG-105/CB | | consists of: - | | | 1 each, container - | | | PG-104/CB (4-bird); - | | | 24 each, message - | | | holder PG-67; - | | | 1 each, message book - | | | M-210-A; - | | | 1 each, map overlay - | | | pad Form WD, - | | | SC 181; - | | | 2 each, pencils, black - | | | 2H (No. 4) SS-P-186. - | | |Supersedes pigeon - | | | equipment PG-60, - | | | Stock No. 9A1856. - 9A1886-106| Pigeon vest | Ea |Shaped to form a - | PG-106/CB | | pigeon’s body permitting - | | | neck, wing - | | | tips, tail and feet to - | | | protrude, made of - | | | porous fabric and - | | | has strap for carrying - | | | pigeon on paratrooper’s - | | | or scout’s - | | | chest, adjustable to - | | | any size pigeon. - 9A2020 | Shavings, cedar | Lbs | - 9A2034A | Scraper PG-34-A | Ea |Similar in shape to a - | | | putty knife except - | | | blade is 3 in. wide. - | | | Supersedes scraper - | | | PG-34, Stock No. - | | | 9A2034. - 9A2035 | Sieve PG-35 | Ea |Pigeon feed. - 9A2215 | Tobacco stems | Lbs | - 6G260.1 | Disinfectant |Bottle|Disinfectant, Black - | | | Flag (liquid), 1 qt. - | | | or equal. - 6D67 | WD, SC Form 67 | Book |Pigeon Breeding Record - | | | (long). - 6D68 | WD, SC Form 68 | Ea |Pigeon Pedigree - | | | (short). - 6D181 | WD, SC Form 181 | Pad |Map overlay. - 6D1132 | WD, SC Form 1132 | Ea |Pigeon Breeding Card. - 6D1133 | WD, SC Form 1133 | Ea |Monthly Pigeon Report. - 6D1177 | WD, SC Form 1177 | Ea |Pigeon Pedigree - | | | (long). - 6D1183 | WD, SC Form 1183 | Book |Pigeon Flight Record. - ----------+--------------------+------+------------------------------- - - -30. Message Holders - -Message Holder PG-67 consists of a body, cap, leg clamp, strap, -and fastener (fig. 23). The body, cap, and leg clamp are made of -transparent plastic material. - -_a._ To attach message holder to pigeon, place leg clamp of holder, -around the aluminum identification band on the pigeon’s leg and secure -strap by means of the fastener. The message holder must always be -attached with the cap pointing in the direction of the pigeon’s body. -If attached with the cap pointing down it will interfere with the -bird’s walking. 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 flying. In emergencies, a message holder -may be placed on each leg. - -_b._ Pigeons to be used for signal communication should be trained with -the message holder attached to the leg to accustom them to carrying -it. Pigeons should be distributed to combat troops, with message -holders attached if it is known that the receiving troops have not had -training or experience in handling the birds. Otherwise, holders may be -delivered separately. Personnel of a loft should make every effort to -provide message center units being served with necessary information -concerning care, handling, and release of birds. - -[Illustration: _Figure 23. Message Holder PG-67._ - -TL70192] - -_c._ To remove a message from a pigeon, catch the bird after it has -trapped; hold it in one hand, extend its leg, and remove the message -holder with the other hand. Release pigeon in loft. - -_d._ When it is necessary for a pigeon to carry a message and a message -holder is not available, fold message blank, attach it by looping it -around the leg band and tie its two ends together with a piece of -thread or light weight string. - -=Caution=: _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 leg. - -[Illustration: _Figure 24. Message holder attached to pigeon’s leg._ - -TL70193] - - - - -SECTION V - -TRAINING - - -31. Responsibility for Training - -The commanding officer of a signal pigeon company, or the officer in -charge of a pigeon unit, will prepare a training program to serve as a -general guide for activities of the unit. Weekly training schedules for -the guidance of the enlisted personnel will be based upon this approved -training program for the unit. - - -32. Qualifications for Pigeoneers - -_a._ GENERAL. Minimum specifications required for a pigeoneer are—— - -(1) _Skill._ That required for a basic private, plus the ability to -care for, feed properly, catch, and hold pigeons; to attach messages; -and to train birds for messenger service. - -(2) _Knowledge._ That required for a basic private, plus a thorough -knowledge of capabilities, limitations, and habits of homing pigeons. - -(3) _Personal traits._ A pigeoneer who is boisterous and of a turbulent -nature tends to frighten and upset pigeons and thus reduce their -effectiveness. The successful pigeoneer should possess—— - -(_a_) _Dependability._ To perform all his duties regularly and promptly. - -(_b_) _Kindness._ To obtain confidence of the pigeons. - -(_c_) _Patience._ To spend much time and repeated effort required for -training pigeons. - -(_d_) _Neatness._ To maintain a sanitary and attractive loft for the -pigeons. - -(_e_) _Firmness._ To enforce control over pigeons. - -(_f_) _Power of accurate observation._ To note and learn -characteristics of individual pigeons in the loft by observing details -readily and accurately. - -_b._ BASIC TRAINING. Only qualified basic privates are selected for -pigeoneer training. Skill and knowledge to be attained in this course -may be based on this manual. - -_c._ ADVANCE TRAINING. Qualified pigeoneers who complete basic training -prescribed in _b_ above, and who possess the ability, may be selected -for advance training which will prepare them to become specialists or -non-commissioned officers. This training will teach: - -(1) _Skill._ (_a_) Ability to manage a training loft and to train both -young and old pigeons. - -(_b_) Ability to manage a breeding loft and supervise breeding -activities after schedules have been prepared. - -(_c_) Ability to instruct others in (_a_) and (_b_) above. - -(2) _Knowledge._ A pigeoneer should possess a thorough knowledge of -loft management; feeding, training, and breeding of pigeons; and -employment of pigeon communications described in this manual. - - -33. Introduction to Pigeon Training - -It is almost impossible to prescribe any one method for training homing -pigeons. There are certain steps, however, that must be followed if the -birds are to give reliable messenger service. The methods for training -Army homing pigeons are prescribed in this section. However, they are -not the only methods by which birds can be trained. Success with the -birds depends largely on the individual pigeoneer’s experience and -technical knowledge. This is particularly true concerning operation of -combat lofts. - - -34. Settling Pigeons - -Settling is the process of conditioning a pigeon to return to its home -loft when released. 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 increases. Many different methods are used to -settle pigeons to lofts, and no ironclad rules can be set down to cover -all situations. The age of the birds, type of loft, and experience of -the pigeoneer will determine the method used and success achieved. Two -settling procedures will be explained in this section. The first will -be for young birds not strong on the wing, and the second for older -birds that are strong on the wing. These procedures are general and -may be used, with slight variations, to settle birds to all types of -lofts. In the case of the combat loft, however, remember that pigeons -are trained to recognize a certain type of loft rather than terrain -features or geographic locations. A combat loft is moved daily during -training so that the birds do not become accustomed to one location. -Otherwise settling to a combat loft is the same as settling to any -other loft. - -_a._ SETTLING BIRDS NOT STRONG ON WING. The expression “not strong on -the wing” means that pigeons do not have sufficient strength in their -wings to stay in the air for sustained flight, for example, youngsters -removed from the nest when 28 to 36 days old. These young pigeons are -tame and easy to handle; they are not as excitable as older birds -because their sense of fear has not yet developed. For these reasons -they can be easily settled. They are not strong enough on the wing, -however, to stay away from the loft for prolonged periods. - -(1) _Feed and water._ Feed birds liberally on the first day they are -placed in the loft, but never feed them heavily at any time after that. -Make sure the water fountain is placed where it can be found easily. -Young pigeons should be kept prisoners for about 2 days. During this -time watch them carefully to determine whether all have learned how to -drink. If any bird appears sleepy it may not have learned how to drink -or where to obtain water. This bird can be taught to drink by forcing -its entire beak into the water. - -(2) _Learning to trap._ It is of the utmost importance that pigeons -used for delivering messages trap promptly. A bird may be the fastest -flyer in the loft yet be useless because it will not trap immediately -upon return to the loft. The message cannot be removed from the -pigeon’s leg if the bird stays on the roof of the loft instead of -entering the trap. For this reason it is essential that trapping -exercises be carefully carried out. The best time for this training -is when birds are being settled. 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 around. This enables them to become -familiar with the outside of the loft and the surrounding territory. On -the third day catch the youngsters, place them on the landing board, -and gently push one at a time through the trap. Some birds may take to -the wing but they will only stay in the air a few minutes at any one -time. These pigeons will not fly away; they are merely learning the use -of their wings and will return when tired. 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 trap. After the birds have -learned how to go through the trap allow them to remain outside the -loft for about 1/2 hour and then persuade them to trap into the loft -themselves. The birds are especially nervous at this time and should -not be frightened. While persuading the birds to enter the loft, the -pigeoneer should give them a small amount of feed by hand, and at the -same time acquaint them with the feed call. - -(3) _Exercising._ On the fourth and following days of training the -birds may be turned out morning and late afternoon for approximately -1/2 hour of exercise. After each exercise period continue training the -birds to trap promptly upon their return to the loft. At this time -they should be fed only enough to assist in trapping. On these first -few days the pigeons may exercise singly or in small groups. On the -eighth day or soon after, however, most of the birds will begin to -take their exercise flights in one compact flock. As soon as they do -this, exercise the birds at noon as this will condition them faster -and also accustom them to flying during the heat of the day. If after -the seventh day there are a few birds that do not leave the loft for -exercise, induce them to fly by pushing them gently off the loft with -a bamboo fishing rod or similar pole. After all birds have learned to -exercise in a flock for 1/2 hour or more and then return to the loft -they may be considered settled. They are now ready for their first -training tosses (par. 35). - -[Illustration: _Figure 25. Pigeons in trap of loft._ - -TL70194] - -_b._ SETTLING BIRDS STRONG ON WING. The following method is suggested -for settling pigeons that are 36 days of age or older. It is assumed -that these birds have been trained to trap and that they are familiar -with the feed call. If they have not been taught to trap, then such -training must be carried on in conjunction with this method of -settling. 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 -confined. - -[Illustration: _Figure 26. Hand-feeding pigeons in loft._ - -TL70195] - -(1) _Hunger and tameness._ These are the two most important factors in -settling birds strong on the wing, and the extent to which they are -developed and controlled will greatly determine the speed with which -the pigeons can be settled. - -(_a_) _Hunger._ Never feed pigeons a full ration of feed at any one -time during the settling period. Keep them definitely on the hungry -side at all times. This serves to impress upon them that the loft is -the place to find food. Hand-feeding will control the distribution -of feed and, at the same time, encourage the birds to become tame. -Pigeoneers are urged to hand-feed their birds at all times if possible. - -(_b_) _Tameness._ The pigeoneer should spend as much time as he can -in the loft with the birds. The loft should be arranged so that the -birds will be near the pigeoneer. This will serve a double purpose: the -pigeoneer becomes better acquainted with his birds, and they in turn -lose all fear of him. - -(2) _Confinement._ It may be necessary to confine these birds for -several days, depending on their age. A settling cage to fit on the -landing board and roof of the loft may be constructed from wood and -wire mesh (fig. 27). This confines the pigeons, but at the same time -allows them to become acquainted with the roof, landing board, trap, -and immediate territory around the loft. The qualified pigeoneer can -anticipate by the tameness, hunger, and actions of the birds, when they -are ready to be given their first freedom. - -(3) _First freedom._ Days with overcast skies or light rains are most -favorable for first releasing the birds. Best results can be expected -if birds are released in the late afternoon when they are hungry. When -the pigeoneer determines that the birds are ready to be given their -freedom, or on the third or fourth day of settling at the new location, -the following procedure is observed: - -Force all of the pigeons into the settling cage, except for three -or four birds chosen in advance for their tameness. Give this small -group of birds their freedom. Pigeons love company; therefore, after -taking to the air, these birds will usually be attracted back by the -remaining birds in the settling cage. After the pigeons circle the loft -a few times call them in to prevent them from straying. For this first -liberation move the settling cage on the loft far enough to one side -to expose approximately half of the trap. This permits the pigeons to -enter the loft as soon as they return. - -When the first group returns satisfactorily, give another small group -their freedom. The number of birds in the subsequent groups may be -increased if satisfactory results are obtained with the first few -groups. If the first group, or any part of it fails to return, however, -no other birds should be given their freedom that day. Repeat this -procedure the following day. - -At no time during the first 2 days of liberty should the entire flock -be given its freedom at one time. After approximately 50 percent of the -birds has been given their liberty one or more times, the entire flock -may be given open loft and permitted to go in and out at will during -the late afternoon. Give open loft again the next day at the same time. -On subsequent days allow the birds their freedom each morning and -evening for approximately 1/2 hour of exercise. - -Any birds that fail to take to the air should be gently forced to -exercise. Noon exercise periods will accustom birds to flying in the -heat of the day. 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 carriers. - -[Illustration: _Figure 27. Settling cage for loft, PG-68/TB._ - -TL70196] - -(4) _Summary._ These essential points are to be remembered in settling -young pigeons: - -(_a_) Teach birds to enter loft immediately after each exercise flight. -Loitering outside may become a fixed habit which will make the birds -undesirable for messenger service. - -(_b_) Never drive pigeons from the loft during the first few days of -settling. - -(_c_) Be sure pigeons are exercised and fed _regularly_. - -(_d_) Keep birds as tame as possible and do not overfeed them. - -(_e_) At no time allow the birds to become frightened. - -(_f_) Do not interpret these instructions on settling as ironclad -rules. It may be necessary to vary them from time to time, depending -upon the situation. - - -35. Training for Messenger Service - -This training is started as soon as the birds have been settled to the -loft from which they will be distributed. All pigeons except those -specifically reserved for breeding purposes may undergo training -continuously from the time they are 28 days old until they are no -longer suitable for messenger service. Fundamentally, the methods for -training pigeons to mobile combat lofts are the same as those for -stationary lofts. To avoid confusion, any difference in method will be -noted in the following paragraphs. - -_a._ CONDITIONING. The first step in training homing pigeons for -messenger service is to develop the health and strength necessary to -endure sustained flight. This process is called conditioning. The -degree of training necessary to condition the birds will vary with the -mission for which they are being trained. 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 -distances. - -(1) _Health_ of the pigeon is dependent on proper care. Overcrowding -of birds should be avoided at all times. Good loft sanitation and -ventilation, together with proper diet and uncontaminated drinking -water, are factors in health that are under the control of the -pigeoneer. He is therefore largely responsible for the over-all health -of pigeons in his loft. - -[Illustration: _Figure 28. Releasing pigeons from Crate PG-49._ - -TL70197] - -(2) _Strength_ is developed by exercise flights around the loft, and by -training flights made from distant points. - -_b._ TRAINING FLIGHTS. Pigeons may be given training flights in groups, -in pairs, or singly. This training procedure is sometimes called -“taking the birds down the road for a training toss.” - -(1) _Group tossing._ Three or more birds are released at one time. -Young birds are gregarious and will work more satisfactorily when -released in small groups rather than individually. For this reason -birds being given their first training flights should be group tossed. - -(2) _Double tossing._ A flock of pigeons is released in pairs; each -pair is permitted sufficient time to disappear before the next pair is -released. - -(3) _Single tossing._ One bird at a time is released and permitted -to return to the loft alone. This is valuable training and all birds -should be given two or more single tosses of 10 or more miles before -being used in messenger service. Single tossing should not be practiced -at distances in excess of 10 miles until the pigeons have been well -settled in a particular location. - -(4) _Use of cage PG-50 in training._ Preliminary training of pigeons -should include several brief periods of confinement in the 10-bird -training cage PG-50. After a period of confinement open doors carefully -and allow the birds to emerge of their own free will. The release point -should be within sight of the loft. - -(5) _Use of pigeon equipment PG-103/CB and PG-105/CB._ Pigeons to be -used for carrying messages should be released from these 2- or 4-bird -containers after a brief interval of confinement. This will accustom -them to the boxes before combat use. Make sure fresh water is available -for the birds during confinement period. - -[Illustration: _Figure 29. Cage PG-50, containing pigeons._ - -TL70198] - -[Illustration: _Figure 30. Releasing pigeons from Pigeon Equipment -PG-103/CB._ - -TL70199] - -_c._ ADVANCED TRAINING FLIGHTS. Advanced training of military pigeons -is primarily directional flight training, that is, releasing training -pigeons to fly back in one general direction from various distances -along the same course. The course may be north, south, east or west -as determined by the location of the loft in relation to the point of -release. Directional flights are the most suitable for military use, -since speed and reliability of the bird are considerably increased -and the time involved in training is comparatively short. If properly -trained, however, pigeons will return to their loft from reasonable -distances in any direction. A return flight from a direction different -from the trained line of flight would be called a nondirectional -flight. The speed from nondirectional flights will usually be slower -and less reliable than from directional flights. This is particularly -true when the pigeon must fly from the opposite direction of the -trained line of flight. For nondirectional flights to be reliable, -pigeons should be given training tosses from varying distances from all -points of the compass. Since this type of training is not stressed in -the Army Pigeon Service the subject will not be discussed any further. - -[Illustration: _Figure 31. Pigeon Equipment PG-105/CB, containing -pigeons._ - -TL70200] - -(1) _Directional training to stationary lofts._ The stationary loft -training chart (fig. 32) will aid the pigeoneer in directional training -of pigeons when the loft is in a permanent location. During training, -flight speeds will average 30 miles an hour from distances of 13 miles -or more if a direct line of flight is followed. When the training -flights (fig. 32) have been completed, the speed of pigeons will -usually be faster than 37-1/2 miles an hour. To maintain this speed -approximately once a week give pigeons one flight from 40 to 50 miles -and two or more short flights from 15 to 20 miles. Such flights will -keep the birds in condition for messenger service from distances up to -125 miles. Any bird returning in bad condition will be benefited more -by a rest of 3 or more days than by further training. If birds exceed -40 miles an hour on their first training flight from release points -of 13 miles or more, they may be failing to observe variations in -topography. Therefore, to be conservative during this training period, -release them again from the same point in order that they may learn -thoroughly the physical characteristics of the region over which they -fly. This second liberation from the same point greatly assists in -avoiding losses at future liberating points from greater distances. A -second liberation is also recommended if the birds return at speeds of -less than 20 miles an hour, since it can be assumed that they did not -follow a direct line of flight. A second flight over the same course -gives the birds an opportunity to learn a more direct line of flight. -Unless adverse weather conditions exist, pigeons generally continue to -fly in a direct line once it is learned. Strong head winds and the need -to fly around local storms will slow the birds down. - -[Illustration: _Figure 32. Stationary loft training chart._ - -TL70201] - -[Illustration: _Figure 33. Combat loft training chart._ - -TL70202] - -(2) _Directional training to combat lofts._ Combat (or mobile) lofts -are used during combat when it is necessary to establish immediate -pigeon communication. Since pigeons may be required to furnish reliable -messenger service within 8 days after moving to a new location, their -training must be carefully planned and skillfully accomplished. -Flight training begins as soon as the loft is established near the -headquarters to be served. Until this time, however, the birds are -not given any training tosses. They are, of course, 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 moved. Give the -birds their first exercise flight shortly after establishing the new -location. After the birds have had a brief rest they are given their -first training toss. If weather permits, group toss the birds many -times each day thereafter. Increase the distance and reduce the size -of the group each day so that the birds may be trained to distances of -25 to 50 miles in 5 days. When giving this flight training, follow the -combat loft training chart shown in figure 36. - -_d._ REMOBILE TRAINING. (1) _Remobiling._ After combat birds have -been moved into a stationary position and have been flown from this -location, it is desirable to train them to mobility again before -moving them into a new location. 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 moved. -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 moved. The birds -should become accustomed to searching for the loft regardless of its -location. After this stage of training has been reached, the loft -should be moved farther and farther away from the old location. Work -the pigeons as a regular mobile team from this point on, always making -sure that the birds are allowed plenty of time in the settling cage -before they are released. This process of remobiling homing pigeons -can best be accomplished with young birds that have not been settled -in one location for more than 6 weeks. If there is a shortage of young -birds and it is necessary to use older birds which have been remobiled -numerous times, transport them to the new location as many times as -possible. Feed the birds at the new location and never at the old home -loft. The birds will thus learn to retrace their flight to the new loft -if they return to their previous location. This method is useful only -when the new location is known in advance. Birds that fail to perform -properly as message carriers and are unsuitable for breeding purposes -should be destroyed. Birds showing symptoms of sickness should be -removed from the loft and forwarded for hospitalization, or destroyed -if hospitalization facilities are not available. - -(2) _Reestablishing new location._ If the tactical situation requires -the message center to be moved forward, a new loft with birds that -have been trained in mobility will be placed in the new location. The -old loft may continue to operate until the new loft has established -reliable communication. This method of operation insures continuous -message service. As soon as the new loft has established reliable -message service, the old loft will be removed, and if the birds are -still suitable for combat loft flying the loft will be remobiled. If -the birds are no longer suitable for combat flying because of numerous -resettling at different locations, or from being settled in one -location too long, they may be returned to the base camp and put in one -of the breeding sections. The combat loft will then be restocked with -new youngsters from the breeding lofts and training in mobility will -begin. - -_e._ TRAINING PRECAUTIONS. (1) _Overtraining._ Care should be taken -during flight training not to overtrain the birds. Such training does -more harm than good, particularly if long distances are involved. -Overtraining can be detected by the slightly dizzy, sleepy, and -unbalanced appearance of the birds while resting. When this condition -occurs, allow the pigeon to rest for a few days with open loft but no -forced exercise. - -(2) _Feed mixtures while training._ The birds should have access to -fresh water and grit at all times. Make sure that the feed is clean -and in the best possible condition. 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 condition. - -(3) _Training losses._ Forcing the birds to undertake distant flying -before they become properly settled to a location causes frequent -losses during the training stage. Care should be taken to limit the -first few training flights to distances of approximately 1 mile or less. - -(4) _Catching pigeons._ The pigeoneer should avoid quick or sudden -movements in the loft and should never chase the birds in order to -catch them. When it is necessary to catch pigeons during daylight -hours, close the blackout windows or insert the shutters to darken -the loft. The pigeons may then be picked up easily with the aid of a -flashlight. The pigeoneer should avoid catching the pigeons in the loft -immediately after their return from a training flight. - - -36. Delivering Pigeons by Parachute - -_a._ EQUIPMENT. Parachute equipment PG-100/CB consists of a -collapsible, cylinder-type, 4-bird container and a 6-foot hemispherical -baseball-type parachute with a quick release clip. Parachute equipment -PG-101/CB is of similar design except that the container has an 8-bird -capacity and is attached to a 9-foot parachute. This equipment is -specifically designed to supply initially or to resupply pigeons to -infantry parachute troops, infantry glider troops, or any isolated -forces requiring delivery of pigeons by air. - -[Illustration: _Figure 34. Factory-packed parachute equipment -PG-100/CB, containing pigeons._ - -TL70203] - -_b._ INSTRUCTIONS FOR USE. To insure safe delivery of the pigeons, -caution must be observed when attaching containers to the parachutes. - -[Illustration: _Figure 35. Parachute laid out on flat surface._ - -TL70204] - -[Illustration: _Figure 36. Parachute folded lengthwise._ - -TL70205] - -[Illustration: _Figure 37. Parachute folded into pack._ - -TL70206] - -[Illustration: _Figure 38. Parachute pack tied and static line -attached._ - -TL70207] - -The instructions printed on each parachute pack should be strictly -adhered to. - -_c._ RESULTS. Best results will be obtained when pigeons are launched -between the altitudes of 200 and 1,000 feet with air speed not -exceeding 125 miles an hour. Pigeons launched within these general -limits are less likely to become lost because of excessive drift. The -possibility of injury to the birds from high speed air rushing through -the container, or from shock when the parachute opens, will be reduced -to a minimum. - -_d._ INSTRUCTIONS FOR REPACKING PARACHUTES. The following method is -suggested for repacking either 6- or 9-foot parachutes for future use -after they have been used once for dropping pigeons to ground troops. - -(1) Stretch parachute full length, 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 disk. Straighten all shroud lines, -making sure none are twisted. Lay the parachute on a flat surface and -pick each fold of the canopy as one would pick petals from a flower, -dividing the folds and associated shroud lines equally on each side -(fig. 35). Eliminate creases by running the hand between the folds. - -(2) Make an “S” fold in the canopy lengthwise from the crown (fig. 36). -The hem will form a large letter “S” if the fold is made properly. - -(3) Lay the shroud lines in small “S” folds on the canopy starting -approximately 10 or 12 inches back from the hem, making a sufficient -number of folds to bring the shroud line separator disk close to the -hem of the canopy. The parachute is now ready to be folded into a pack. -To do this, make three accordion folds in the canopy (fig. 37). - -(4) Tie the folded canopy in position with two tie cords of not more -than 15 pounds strength. Place one cord approximately 2-1/2 inches -back from the hem and the other cord 2-1/2 inches from the end of the -pack. Attach the static line to the tie cord near the end of the pack, -leaving enough tail for another tie to be made to the other tie cord -near the hem with 3 inches of slack left between the two ties (fig. -38). The static line must have a tensile strength of at least 200 -pounds and be 15 feet long. The 3 inches of slack left between the two -ties are necessary for each tie cord to receive a sharp individual -snap; otherwise both cords will break simultaneously. - -(5) Push the remainder of the static cord between one of the folds in -the parachute. The parachute is now ready for reuse. - - - - -SECTION VI - -MATING AND BREEDING - - -37. Mating - -_a._ GENERAL. Pigeons will keep the same mate for life unless forcibly -separated. The desire to mate is a natural instinct. Since pigeons are -monogamous their mating can be controlled for breeding purposes. If -left to their own inclinations, pigeons will mate between the ages of -4 and 9 months. Mating for breeding purposes, however, should not be -permitted until pigeons are at least 9 months of age. - -_b._ PURPOSE. The aim in mating is to produce youngsters which are -equal, if not superior, in ability, to either of the parents. Such -youngsters are obtained by selecting breeder stock with pedigree, -performance, physical qualities, and temperament which will probably -produce youngsters of the required type. - - -38. Sex - -_a._ Sex of the pigeon is difficult to determine without experience; -however, some external characteristics help recognition. Under ordinary -circumstances the cock usually has— - -(1) Broader skull. - -(2) Larger head. - -(3) Larger bill and wattle. - -(4) Stronger neck. - -(5) Broader shoulders. - -(6) Closer vent bones. - -(7) Larger legs and feet. - -_b._ In some cases, where the physical characteristics of the male and -female are similar, it is often necessary to observe their actions when -together to determine sex. Some of the common actions of the cock are: - -(1) Chasing hen when cooing. - -(2) Scraping of the tail when cooing. - -(3) Pecking the head of the hen when she shows no desire to mate. - -(4) Cock’s coo is deep and full, while hen’s is sharp. - - -39. Selection of Stock - -_a._ GENERAL. Stock for breeding at a loft should be selected with -the advice of the pigeon expert in charge of breeding. The pigeoneer -who desires to become an expert in the art of breeding pigeons is -encouraged to study additional literature on this subject. The pedigree -for at least two generations is used to determine probable qualities of -future youngsters since it shows family, strain, and kind of flying in -which the birds excel, as well as the performance of other youngsters -produced by the same parent. - -_b._ PHYSICAL QUALITIES. Pigeons selected for breeding should be in -good health and as nearly perfect physically as possible. A pigeon -which has had a serious injury, or has been very ill, is unsuitable. -The following physical qualities are desirable: - -(1) _Feathers._ Feathers should be of good quality. Flights, which are -most important, should be heavy and wide, and should overlap when the -wing is extended, showing no gaps. Birds with very thin flight should -not be bred. Body feathers should be soft and plentiful. Those on neck -and chest should be glossy and iridescent. - -(2) _Eye._ The eye is complex and is of great importance. It should -never be of a sunken or extended nature, but should completely fill -the orbit (bone cavity containing the eye) and be surrounded by a fine -white textured cere. The eye should be clear and bright; its color is -of no importance. The eye may be best examined with a magnifying glass. - -(_a_) The pupil is approximately one-third the size of the eye. It -dilates and contracts according to intensity of light and distance of -object being focused. The pupil should be black and brilliant. - -(_b_) A thin visible muscle (often called the scouting sight) should -completely encircle the pupil. This muscle dilates and contracts the -pupil. A portion of the muscle may be of a darker shade and located -either at the front or lower front of the pupil. This muscle should -be prominent in at least one of the birds selected for breeding to -produce a higher percentage of dependable birds. If pigeons which do -not possess this muscle, or which have only a small portion of it -visible, are to be used for breeding purposes, they should be mated to -pigeons having a muscle which is more prominent even though it may not -completely surround the pupil. - -(_c_) The iris determines the color of the eye. It should be well -blended and possess the brilliance denoting life and observance. -Pigeons possessing faded or weak eyes are not desirable for breeding -purposes. - -Splashed birds often possess a “bull eye” which has an iris of a solid, -dark purplish-brown color. When this color appears only on a part of -the iris, the bird has a splashed eye. It is hard to detect the muscle -surrounding the pupil when the “bull eye” is present. - -The color of the iris may be maroon, ruby-red, rose, pink, walnut, -chestnut-brown, orange, yellow-orange, carrot, violet, grayish white, -or pearl. When the iris consists of one color only, it will be -considered a “full eye.” Two colors may occasionally be present in the -iris, such as red and yellow, orange and yellow, and so forth. The two -colors should be well blended in any case. “Full eyes” and “two-colored -eyes” are both satisfactory for breeding purposes. Mated birds should -have irises of similar shades. - -The outer part of the iris is normally darkest; the color diminishes -toward the center of the eye. This coloring is more pronounced when the -birds are in top condition. - -(_d_) The thin line circumscribing the iris should be extremely dark -and very distinct. - -(_e_) The remainder of the eyeball should be dark and well covered by -the cere. The bird is said to have an “open eye” when the portion of -the eyeball which should be covered by the cere is visible. Birds with -open eyes are undesirable for breeding. - -(_f_) The upper and lower lids are a part of the eye cere. A third lid -which is a transparent membrane frees the eye from foreign material. -The blinking of the third lid can scarcely be detected when the pigeons -are in perfect health. - -(3) _Size and temperament._ Medium-sized pigeons are most desirable and -birds should be mated to attain this uniform size. Birds being mated -to breed stock for pigeon communication should be calm and easy going, -not high-strung. Nervous or excitable birds should never be mated. - - -40. 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 -young, amplifying the good qualities and minimizing the bad. Line -breeding requires the services of an experienced pigeoneer. Only -champions which are physically perfect should be mated. Except for line -breeding, inbreeding should not be practiced. - - -41. Nests - -_a._ Bowl PG-75 is an expendable item made of pressed wood pulp and is -used as a nesting place for pigeons. It is advisable to replace the -bowls occasionally to avoid vermin. Cocks display a keen desire to use -the same nest compartment each time they are mated or, if moved to a -different loft, the nest compartment in the same relative position as -the one occupied previously. If not permitted to do this, the cock will -fight the occupant of the compartment. Therefore, consult previous -breeding records carefully in assigning nest compartments. Hens do not -show this trait, but accept a change in compartments and follow their -mates. - -_b._ Keep a supply of tobacco stems for nest material in a rack on the -floor of the loft. Allow the pigeons to arrange this material to suit -their fancy. Put a handful of sawdust or wood shavings in the nest bowl -to prevent breaking of eggs. - - -42. Control of Breeding - -The method of control given below is simple, natural, and successful; -it requires minimum handling of the birds. - -[Illustration: _Figure 39. Parent pigeons in nest with youngsters in -Bowl PG-75._ - -TL70208] - -_a._ TIME. Since best youngsters are obtained when birds are mated -during February, March, and April, whenever possible, arrange all -breeding for the year during these months. Eggs which should not be -hatched should be replaced with EGG PG-50 (glass). - -_b._ MATING. To begin breeding, place each pair to be mated in its -nest, and confine for approximately 1 day. Open one of the nests and -allow the pair to leave and return at will. The pair may be considered -mated after it returns to the nest several times. Close the nest -compartment and proceed in the same manner with the next pair, and so -on until each pair is mated. - -_c._ AFTER MATING. To minimize the danger of birds entering the wrong -nest and fighting, open only alternate nest compartments for the first -few days after mating. - -_d._ FOLLOWING SEASON. Any pair producing outstanding youngsters should -be mated the same way each year. Mated pairs producing unsatisfactory -youngsters should be separated and each pigeon remated. Destroy breeder -pigeons which produce unsatisfactory youngsters subsequently. - - -43. Laying - -The first egg is usually laid during late afternoon from 7 to 10 days -after nesting has been started. The second egg is laid approximately 44 -hours later. As a rule, parent birds do not hover the first egg until -the second egg has been laid. This usually enables the youngsters to -hatch within 1 hour of each other, and gives each one an equal chance. -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 laid. -Fertility is indicated if the egg becomes a light bluish color after 10 -days, or if it shows blood lines after 5 days when held up to the sun’s -rays. Do not destroy the first pair of eggs as it is generally believed -that they often produce the best youngsters of that year. - - -44. Hatching and Feeding - -_a._ The incubation period is from 17 to 18 days long. The hen pigeon -usually sits from 1600 of one day to 1000 the following morning; the -male pigeon sits the remainder of that day. - -_b._ The young pigeons are fed by both parents. Their first feed is a -thick, creamy-white excretion produced in the crop of both female and -male (pigeon milk or pap). Pigeons are the only birds both sexes of -which produce milk for their young. The young pigeon places it’s bill -down the throat of either parent, and the parent in return forces the -food into the young one’s throat. This method of feeding is known as -“regurgitation.” - - -45. Identification - -The identification record of the pigeon is started when the hen lays -the egg. Until the time that the youngster leaves the nest compartment, -this record is kept on a breeding card (par. 27). For identification -purposes, each pigeon is banded when approximately 8 days of age (par. -28). - - -46. Culling - -It is necessary to cull (destroy) severely to keep the stock in a loft -up to standard. Cull birds which do not meet physical requirements -for breeding unless all birds are needed. In addition, destroy those -which show a definite lack of intelligence, or which do not perform up -to the average. About 30 percent of the young bred in any one season -are normally under the physical standard and should be culled to keep -the stock from degenerating. In addition to losses sustained through -culling, 20 to 30 percent of the remaining stock may be expected to -be lost during training flights, as result of disease and injury, or -through additional culling because of substandard performance. - - - - -SECTION VII - -DISEASES AND MEDICINES - - -47. General - -Certain diseases attack pigeons. Normal preventive methods usually -protect pigeons from disease. If, however, these diseases are not -detected immediately, they are likely to sweep through the loft, -destroying or ruining most of the birds. It is necessary, therefore, -that the pigeoneer be able to detect, correctly diagnose, and treat the -more common pigeon diseases, in addition to taking preventive measures. - - -48. Prevention of Disease - -Disease prevention is much simpler and cheaper than control or cure. -Medicines are only emergency measures used in an attempt to overcome -disease. - -_a._ SANITATION. This is the most important way of preventing disease -and its value should never be underestimated. The following rules for -sanitation in the care of pigeons must be strictly adhered to: - -(1) Keep loft clean and dry. - -(2) Keep drinking fountain clean and water free from pollution. - -(3) Quarantine new stock until certain that all birds are free from -disease. - -(4) Never permit stray pigeons, wild birds, or rodents (mice, rats, -etc.) to enter the loft. - -(5) Never feed pigeons on a dirty floor, because most of the more -serious diseases are transmitted through the droppings. - -(6) Bury or burn diseased birds that have been destroyed. - -(7) Immediately isolate birds showing any signs of sickness. - -(8) After touching diseased birds disinfect the hands before handling -other birds. - -(9) Thoroughly clean and disinfect lofts contaminated by disease. - -_b._ LOFT CONDITION. Pigeons must never be crowded in the loft. It is -best to subdivide large lofts into smaller compartments for better -control and ease of observation. Sunlight and dryness are two great -natural disinfectants which should be utilized fully through plenty of -window space and adequate ventilation. Eliminate strong direct drafts -because they chill birds and lower their resistance to disease. - - -49. Control of Disease - -_a._ Pigeons showing any signs of sickness must be segregated -immediately. In combat lofts there is normally no place available to -isolate and treat diseased birds, therefore, it is usually advisable to -destroy them and burn or bury their remains to avoid contaminating the -rest of the flock. - -_b._ In any case of disease, 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 carriers. Cresol, saponated solution, is an -efficient disinfectant when used in a 4-percent solution in warm or -hot water. This disinfectant is issued to signal pigeon companies. - - -50. 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 diseases. For -convenience, the various organs are divided into groups or systems -according to their functions. - -_a._ RESPIRATORY SYSTEM. (1) Mouth and nostrils admit air. - -(2) Glottis or larynx is the opening into the trachea. - -(3) Trachea conducts air to and from the lungs. - -(4) Lungs are organs of gaseous interchange. Air spaces are surrounded -by a network of capillaries. Here the blood gives off carbon dioxide -and takes on oxygen. - -(5) Nine air sacs cool the pigeon, give it buoyance, and mechanically -aid the pigeon to breathe. - -_b._ DIGESTIVE SYSTEM. (1) Mouth is the opening through which food is -received. - -(2) Esophagus conducts food to the crop. - -(3) Crop, or ingluvius, stores and softens the food. - -(4) True stomach, or proventriculus, furnishes gastric digestive juices -that digest proteins and carbohydrates. - -(5) Gizzard is the grinding and mixing organ. - -(6) Pancreas furnishes digestive juices that digest fats, proteins, and -carbohydrates, besides furnishing certain internal secretions. - -(7) Liver produces bile which helps digest food. - -[Illustration: _Figure 40. Loft cleaning equipment._ - -TL70209] - -(8) Intestines provide space for food while it is being digested -and absorbed by the blood stream. The intestines also furnish some -digestive juices. - -_c._ CIRCULATORY SYSTEM. The circulatory system consists of the heart, -arteries, veins, and capillaries. 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 tissues. The heart consists -of four chambers: two ventricles and two auricles. 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 lungs. Here waste -matter, such as carbon dioxide, is eliminated from the blood and fresh -oxygen is restored. The blood then returns to the heart through a vein -entering the left auricle. Proceeding from the left auricle to the left -ventricle, it is pumped out through the arteries to the capillaries, -which are the smallest vessels of the body. The capillaries circulate -the blood through every tissue of the body, dispensing oxygen and food. -The blood then picks up waste material on its return to the heart -through the veins. The circulation of blood in the pigeon is very -rapid, and with the heart beating 200 to 300 times a minute, only a few -minutes are required to complete the circuit. - -_d._ REPRODUCTIVE SYSTEM. (1) Male birds have two testes (testicles). - -(2) Female birds have one (left) ovary and one oviduct, or egg tube, -through which the yolks pass to get the albumin, shell membrane, and -shell. - -_e._ URINARY SYSTEM. The kidneys take impurities out of the blood, and -pass them into the cloaca (combination bladder and rectum). - - -51. Indications of Sickness - -_a._ The common indications of sickness are— - -(1) Refusing to eat. - -(2) Dull, watery eyes. - -(3) Droopy appearance with ruffled feathers and no desire to move. - -(4) Green, watery droppings. If such droppings are noted in the loft -all birds should be watched until the sick one is detected. - -_b._ The easiest and best way to detect sick pigeons is to observe the -birds at feeding time. The pigeoneer should also examine all birds as -they are being basketed for training tosses. - - -52. Diseases - -Pigeons are subject to numerous infectious and contagious diseases. -These diseases are caused by germs such as bacteria and viruses, and -are transmitted in poor feed, dirty water, unclean lofts, and similar -conditions showing mismanagement. Infectious diseases are contagious if -the birds themselves transmit germs to one another. - -_a. Pigeon pox_ is a common infectious, contagious disease which -usually affects unfeathered portions of the pigeon’s head and feet. -Pox often develop on the mucous membrane, lining of the mouth and -throat. In an outbreak, both types are usually seen. The pox appear as -swellings covered with light yellow material and are sometimes called -wet pock, diphtheria, or canker. - -(1) _Symptoms._ The course of the disease runs about 4 weeks. - -(_a_) The virus gets into the skin or mucous membrane and causes a -wartlike swelling, called a pock, at the point of infection. The virus -grows and causes the pock to enlarge for about 10 days. - -(_b_) During the next 10 days the tissues begin to die and turn -yellow. Sometimes a blister forms in the pock, but only a slight -enlargement occurs during this period. During the last 10 days the -affected tissues begin to dry and form scabs which soon heal and drop -off. - -(_c_) Pock in the mouth and throat follows the same course as in (_b_) -above except they are covered with a light yellow layer of tissues. -Instead of becoming a dry scab formation, the pock becomes a yellow -cheesy formation. - -(2) _Treatment._ Usually this is of little value, as pox will run its -course of about 4 weeks, regardless of treatment. - -(_a_) One percent yellow oxide of mercury ointment will help soothe -affected eyes. - -(_b_) Pock in the mouth may be cut away, and the area painted with -tincture of iodine or carefully cauterized with silver nitrate to stop -bleeding. - -(_c_) Birds that refuse to eat may be fed by force until the disease -runs its course. - -(_d_) Vaccination has no curative value on affected birds. - -(_e_) Thoroughly clean and disinfect loft after an outbreak of this -disease. - -(3) _Prevention._ This is simple if all susceptible birds are -vaccinated. Vaccination against pox is one of the most successful known -because all birds receiving it are made permanently immune. Birds may -be vaccinated at 5 or 6 weeks of age. - -(_a_) Pluck five or six feathers from the breast region of the bird and -brush the vaccine into the follicles. - -(_b_) In about 10 days the follicles swell and a pock develops. This -runs a course of about 4 weeks and heals. - -(_c_) All susceptible birds in a loft should be vaccinated at the same -time and each should be examined for “takes” after vaccinations. - -_b._ PARATYPHOID is a common infectious disease of pigeons and is -probably the most devastating of bacterial infectious diseases at -the present time. It may affect the bird in many ways, and produce -such a variety of symptoms that it is often mistaken for numerous -other diseases. The only definite way of diagnosing paratyphoid is by -laboratory tests. A tentative diagnosis can be made, however, upon -observing typical symptoms. - -(1) _Symptoms._ The course of the disease varies from a rapidly fatal -blood poisoning to a slow, chronic disease with, or without, complete -recovery. The infection may take place through the egg, by way of milk -fed to youngsters, or by contaminated feed, water, and grit. The manner -of infection has no bearing on the course of the disease. The germs may -get into the blood-stream, go all through the body, and cause sudden -death; or the infection may be less severe and localize in any one of -the numerous organs. - -(_a_) Bacteria may localize in the intestines and produce mild to very -severe inflammation. This usually results in diarrhea. - -(_b_) Localizations in the lungs are very common and appear as hard, -dried abscesses. These are seldom so serious as to cause respiratory -distress. - -(_c_) Joint boils result from direct localization of the germs in the -joints of the legs or wings. Naturally this produces lameness. - -(_d_) Inflammatory reactions of the spleen and liver are often the -result of the localization of the germ in these organs. Chronic -inflammation of the entire liver is also observed. The abdomen of such -birds usually fills with fluid and the bird then gets thin and dies. - -(_e_) Paratyphoid germs quite often localize in the brain and cause -abscess formation. Such abscesses cause a variety of symptoms, -depending on which part of the brain is involved. Usually the bird -shows loss of equilibrium. It may twist its head and neck about, show -trembling of the head and neck, or other nervous symptoms. Such birds -rarely recover. - -(_f_) Occasionally the germ will localize in the eye. The inside of the -eye turns white and sight is lost. Only rarely are both eyes involved. -Such birds appear to be very ill and usually die in a short period of -time. - -(_g_) Germs may localize in the ovary of the female or testes of the -male. Such birds may show no symptoms, or they may become sterile. Eggs -laid by such birds may be infertile. Youngsters, if hatched, may be -weak and die soon after. Germs may localize in the oviduct and cause an -impacted oviduct. - -(_h_) The only definite way of diagnosing paratyphoid is by laboratory -tests. A tentative diagnosis can be made, however, upon observing the -typical symptoms. - -(2) _Treatment._ Treatment is useless for visibly affected birds. -Neither drugs nor vaccines seem to be of any value in treating this -condition. Many birds recover from mild infections without treatment. -Therefore, 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 disease. - -(3) _Prevention._ Since contamination of feed, water, and grit by -droppings is probably the greatest cause of paratyphoid, sanitation is -the best preventive. - -(_a_) Clean the loft scrupulously. - -(_b_) Maintain sanitary drinking fountains with fresh water to avoid -spreading infection by way of water. Take special care to prevent -dampness from spillage or leakage around the drinking fountain, as this -makes an ideal place for bacteria to accumulate. - -(_c_) Feces from birds with diarrhea should be removed from the loft as -soon as noticed. - -(_d_) Frequent disinfection of the loft with a strong disinfectant like -4 percent saponified cresol will help keep down contamination. - -_c._ TRICHOMONIASIS. This is a very common disease of pigeons commonly -seen in the mouth, esophagus, or crop in the form of cheesy yellow or -white lesions. For this reason it is often called “canker” by pigeon -fanciers. The cause is a motile one-celled organism. Only the common -type of this organism will be considered here. This disease has many -carriers. It shows up only where sanitary conditions are bad or other -diseases are present. - -(1) _Symptoms._ The course of the disease varies according to -resistance of the affected bird, treatment, and care. Young birds in -the nest become infected through “milk” of infected parents. Infection -doubtless spreads by contact while “billing” and fighting. Germs cause -affected tissues to die. This results in the formation of a sore or -opening down into the tissue with a varying-sized yellow, cheesy -exudate or scab forming over it. Sometimes such scabs become very large -and nearly fill the mouth, throat, or crop. - -(2) _Treatment._ Various drugs and chemicals have been used to treat -trichomoniasis. However, this condition has proved quite unresponsive -to usual medication. In fact, drugs do not have much, if any, direct -effect on the healing of tissue. All that medicine can do is to cut -down the number of parasites present and permit nature to repair the -damage done to the tissue. Suggested procedures for treatment follow: - -(_a_) Remove all yellow pus patches with cotton swabs. Then paint area -with a mixture of iodized oil and sulfanilamide powder. The iodized oil -is prepared by using 1 gram iodine, 1.5 grams potassium iodide, and 2 -ounces light petrolatum. The iodine requires some time and frequent -shaking to dissolve. Make a small cotton swab on an applicator stick, -dip it into the oil, roll it in the sulfanilamide powder, and then -apply to cleaned trichomoniasis (canker) lesion. Daily treatment, rest, -and an abundance of good feed are necessary. - -(_b_) Clean off exudate by local applications of tincture of iodine, -or a mixture of one part iodine to three parts glycerine; at the same -time lesions will respond to such treatment. Silver nitrate may be used -either in stick form or in solution. - -(3) _Prevention._ Sanitation is the best preventive. - -(_a_) Correct predisposing causes such as wet floors, nests, and -perches. - -(_b_) Try to isolate infected birds, provided the number is not too -large. - -(_c_) Attempt to control spread of parasitic infestation by using a -parasiticide like copper sulphate in the drinking water. This is used -in a 1-2000 solution. - -_d._ TUBERCULOSIS. This is an infectious and highly contagious disease -caused by a highly-resistant germ which can live in soil for 2 years. - -(1) _Symptoms._ The young die suddenly and old birds waste away. -Grayish white nodules appear in liver and spleen, basket ulcers in -intestines, and yellow nodules in all parts of the body. - -(2) _Treatment._ There is no treatment for tuberculosis. Destroy all -affected birds and thoroughly clean and disinfect loft. - -(3) _Prevention._ Keep all stray pigeons out of loft and maintain -sanitary conditions at all times. - -_e._ ONE-EYE COLD (CONJUNCTIVITUS). (1) _Symptoms._ There is a watery -discharge from the eye, and the surrounding membranes are frequently -swollen. - -(2) _Treatment._ Place bird in a warm room and treat eye daily with one -drop of metaphin, or one drop of 15 percent argyrol. - -(3) _Prevention._ Provide proper ventilation in the loft. Avoid -dampness and drafts. - -_f._ GOING LIGHT. This is not a disease in itself but a symptom or -result of a disease. Any pigeon showing loss of flesh should be -isolated and observed until the affecting disease is determined. - -_g._ DIARRHEA. This is not usually a distinct disease, but the result -of some other disease. - -(1) _Symptoms._ Droppings are green and watery. - -(2) _Treatment._ Sick birds should be isolated and observed to -determine if they have some other disease. Feeding of rice will usually -check the condition if it is caused by feed or drinking water. - -(3) _Prevention._ Sanitary loft conditions, proper diet, and fresh -drinking water will help prevent it. - -_h._ SOUR CROP. Sour crop is caused by damp or mouldy grain, impure -water or lack of grit. - -(1) _Symptoms._ The pigeon will sit with feathers ruffled. A greenish -diarrhea usually accompanies sour crop. On examination the crop is -found to be hard and distended. - -(2) _Treatment._ Hold the bird with head down and gently press on -the crop until all feed has been removed. Flush out the crop with a -solution of 4 teaspoons of bicarbonate of soda to a quart of warm -water. Feed a light mixture, consisting mostly of rice, millet, kaffir -corn, and other small seeds. Repeat the cleaning and flushing of the -crop daily, if necessary, until this condition clears. - -(3) _Prevention._ Sanitary loft conditions, proper diet, and fresh -drinking water will help prevent it. - - -53. External Parasites - -Many insects and related species live off other animals. Some of these -parasites, like lice, live on the host but feed only upon bits of its -feathers and tiny scales and excretions of the skin. Others are more -vicious and suck blood from the animal. Diseases are often spread from -bird to bird through the life habits of these parasites. - -_a._ LICE. Lice are undoubtedly the most common of these external -parasites. - -(1) _Different species._ There are at least six different species of -lice that attack pigeons in this country. The three most common are— - -(_a_) _Feather louse._ This is the long, slender species that lives on -the barbs and shaft of the feather over nearly any part of the bird’s -body. - -(_b_) _Golden feather louse._ This louse is a little shorter and much -broader and lives on the feathers, particularly on the bird’s body. - -(_c_) _Body louse._ This is the largest of the pigeon lice. It lives on -the skin rather than on the feathers. It is thought that these lice, -by biting the very young pin feathers when they are filled with blood, -cause the small pinhole perforations often seen in pigeon feathers. - -[Illustration: _Figure 41. Life cycle of pigeon lice._ - -TL70210] - -(2) _Habits_ (fig. 41). In order to combat lice properly and -intelligently, it is necessary to know something about where and how -they feed, live, and breed. - -(_a_) Adult lice live on the skin and feathers of the bird and only -rarely leave the pigeon. When accidentally dislodged, they crawl very -short distances to other birds. Lice cannot live longer than a few days -away from the birds. - -(_b_) Lice eat bits of feathers, scales, and other debris off the skin. -They do not suck blood. - -(_c_) Female lice lay eggs (nits) along the shafts of the feathers, -particularly on the primary coverts. - -(_d_) Louse eggs hatch in 10 to 14 days. - -(_e_) Young lice eat, molt (3 to 5 times), and grow to maturity in -about 14 days. - -(3) _Diagnosis._ Infested pigeons are restless and constantly pick and -scratch in an effort to dislodge the lice. Heavily infested birds may -become weak and thin because the constant annoying movement of lice -interferes with their proper relaxation and rest. Careful examination -of the birds will reveal the lice. - -[Illustration: _Figure 42. Life cycle of common red mite._ - -TL70211] - -(4) _Treatment._ The use of sodium fluoride is a good standard method -for ridding pigeons of lice. It can be applied in two ways: - -(_a_) _Dip method_ is very efficient, but can be used only in warm -weather. Birds should be dipped on a warm, sunny day early enough so -they will dry before night. Each bird is immersed into the solution -up to the head, and the feathers ruffled to allow penetration of the -solution. Then the mouth and nostrils are held shut and the head -immersed. The dip is made of 1 gallon warm water, and 1 ounce sodium -fluoride. - -(_b_) _Dust method_ may be used at any time. The birds are held while -a few pinches of powdered sodium fluoride are dusted into the feathers -over various parts of the body. Sodium fluoride poisons lice when -they eat it. Efficiency in delousing birds depends on thoroughness of -wetting or dusting. - -(5) _Repeat treatment._ Neither method above will kill nits nor prevent -them from hatching; therefore, the delousing must be repeated in 10 to -14 days in order to kill newly hatched lice. - -(6) _Prevention._ Normally, only pigeons carry pigeon lice. For this -reason, the spread of lice to or from other kinds of birds is of no -concern. However, common pigeons and stragglers are prolific sources of -spread. Contact in crates is also a common source of infestation. Lice -are often brushed from infested birds onto the hands and clothing of -pigeoneers who later carry them to clean birds handled later. - -_b._ RED MITES. Red mites are a common parasite of the pigeon. - -(1) _Habits_ (fig. 42). It is important to note the difference between -the habits of lice and mites. - -(_a_) Mites live in, on, and under the nest bowls, nest boxes, and any -available crack or crevice. - -(_b_) Mites go onto the birds only long enough to feed—usually about -1/2 hour. - -(_c_) Red mites suck blood from the pigeons. It is the engorged blood -that makes the mite red. - -(_d_) Mite eggs are deposited in the cracks and crevices or debris -around the nest box where they live. - -(_e_) Eggs hatch in 2 or more days, according to weather conditions. - -(_f_) Newly-hatched mites mature in about 5 days. - -(2) _Diagnosis._ Pigeon’s loss of condition is the most evident -indication of mite infestation. Actual loss of blood is probably less -harmful to the bird than annoyance caused by crawling and biting of -mites. - -(3) _Treatment._ Most good disinfectants supplied to lofts will kill -mites satisfactorily if worked well into all cracks and crevices. -Oily disinfectants are inexpensive and very effective, but leave the -loft rather unsightly. Whitewash kills only by covering up and is -ineffective if any areas are missed. For this reason, some of the more -refined cresols are used. Four percent saponified cresol in warm water -is quite effective. - -(4) _Repeat._ Since the cresol does not kill the eggs, it is necessary -to repeat treatment in 5 to 7 days. - -(5) _Prevention._ Mites that attack pigeons are apparently the same -as found on other birds, including domestic poultry. Therefore, wild -birds, straggling pigeons, and neighborhood poultry are possible -sources of infection. Light, dry, airy lofts do not favor breeding of -mites. - -_c._ Pigeon flies which are particularly troublesome in warm climates -are true flies with short, flat, wide bodies and long wings. - -(1) _Life cycle_ (fig. 46). (_a_) Pigeon flies live among body feathers. - -(_b_) They leave the birds only to deposit larvae, or when disturbed. - -(_c_) Adult flies suck blood from the birds. - -(_d_) Female flies deposit living larvae in or around the nest bowl, -nest box, or around the loft. - -(_e_) Newly deposited larvae are white and about the size of a small -buck shot. Within a few hours, a hard shell forms around them and they -turn from white to brown and then to jet black. - -(_f_) Young flies emerge from these shells in about 30 days and are -ready for their first meal of blood. - -[Illustration: _Figure 43. Life cycle of pigeon fly._ - -TL70212] - -(2) _Diagnosis._ Pigeon flies can easily be observed crawling among -the bird’s feathers. Their movement as well as biting greatly annoys -the birds. However, the greatest damage they do is transmitting pigeon -malaria. - -(3) _Treatment._ A very effective and easily applied method of -treatment is to dust the birds lightly with pyrethrum powder. Sweep -nest boxes and loft carefully to collect pupae so that they can be -destroyed. Pigeon flies will not travel far from the birds; therefore, -keep stragglers out of loft and carefully inspect newly-introduced -birds to avoid admitting flies. - -_d._ MOSQUITOES. Mosquitoes are a very common but usually -underestimated pest. Besides molesting the birds by biting and sucking -blood, they may transmit pox. These troublesome insects breed in -standing water, such as swampy areas, old tin cans, and rain barrels. -Control consists of draining or oiling breeding places and using -screens on loft openings. - -_e._ Other parasites attacking pigeons are fleas, chiggers, ticks, -bed bugs, depluming mites, feather mites, air sac mites, subcutaneous -mites, sand flies, and beetle larvae. Fortunately, these are rare. - - -54. Internal Parasites - -These are the worms that live inside pigeons. Round worms are by far -the most numerous. Tape worms are occasionally found in pigeons, but -seldom present a serious problem. - -_a._ Ascarids, or common large round worms are the largest and most -prevalent of the round worms. Adult worms are from 1 to 2 inches long. - -(1) _Habits._ Knowledge of the life cycle of a round worm is of great -importance for successful control of this troublesome parasite. This -worm has a “direct” life cycle (fig. 47) (completing it in one species). - -(_a_) Mature worms live in the upper part of the small intestines and -feed by absorbing food from the intestinal contents through their own -body walls. - -(_b_) Eggs (ova) are deposited by female worms in the intestinal -contents of the pigeon, and later pass out in the pigeon droppings. It -has been estimated that female worms lay as many as 12,000 eggs a day. -Feces from parasitized birds often contain countless numbers of ova. - -(_c_) Freshly deposited worm eggs are much like freshly laid pigeon -eggs, in that they must be incubated before they are ready to hatch. -They need to remain in warm, moist litter or soil for 10 to 16 days -before the worm larvae can develop. Severe freezing, excessively hot -soil, and direct sunlight will destroy the eggs. - -(_d_) When birds eat the incubated eggs, the worms hatch out in their -intestines. - -(_e_) The tiny larvae then “sew” themselves into the lining of the -intestines and begin to grow. - -(_f_) After a few days, the larvae crawl back into the intestinal canal -where they mature in 30 to 40 days. - -(2) _Diagnosis._ Ascarids injure birds in several ways. - -(_a_) When the newly hatched worm “sews” itself into the intestinal -lining the area around the puncture becomes inflamed because of -mechanical injury, loss of blood, and introduced infection. This -localized inflammation renders that part of the intestinal lining -useless for digesting and absorbing food. - -(_b_) The worm absorbs food from the intestinal contents which should -go to the birds. - -(_c_) In order to protect themselves and avoid being digested, the -worms give off a substance that neutralizes digestive juices. This -substance becomes mixed with intestinal contents and prevents proper -digestion. - -(_d_) Worms sometimes become so numerous that they actually clog the -intestines. As many as 500 worms have been found in a single bird. - -(_e_) Worm-infested birds show loss of condition and general -unhealthiness. Diagnosis is made by finding worms or worm eggs in -droppings or by autopsy on typical specimens. - -(3) _Treatment._ The following drugs are only effective against mature -worms and, at best, are only 80 percent efficient: - - 1-CC Oil of turpentine per bird. - 1/2-CC Tetrachlorethylene per bird. - 1/2-CC Carbon tetrachloride per bird. - -(4) _Prevention._ This is relatively simple and practically 100 percent -effective. - -(_a_) Clean loft daily and provide fresh water. - -(_b_) If aviary does not have a wire bottom spread clean sand about 1 -or 2 inches deep over its floor once every two weeks. - -(_c_) Replace moisture and shade by sunshine and dry conditions. - -_b._ Strongyles are the most dangerous of the common round worms and -one of the most common causes of death among poorly kept pigeons. The -“strongyle” is a very small parasite which multiplies rapidly and is a -vicious blood sucker. Adult worms are from 1/2 to 3/4 inches long and -about the same size as thin thread. - -(1) _Habits._ This worm has a “direct” cycle; that gives the key to -successful control (fig. 45). - -[Illustration: _Figure 44. Life cycle of pigeon ascarids._ - -TL70213] - -(_a_) Adult strongyles live in the upper intestinal contents, but may -be found as far up as the crop. - -(_b_) Strongyles are ravenous blood suckers. - -(_c_) Female worms deposit eggs in the intestinal contents which later -pass out in the feces. - -(_d_) Eggs incubate in about 1 day, if conditions are favorable. - -(_e_) Young larvae hatch out and molt about 8 hours later. These larvae -again molt in about 3 days and are then infective. Thus, about 5 days -elapse from the time the eggs are voided by the bird and the time the -young larval worms hatch, molt, and become infective. - -(_f_) The infective larvae are eaten by the pigeons. Then they pass to -the intestines where they mature. - -(2) _Diagnosis._ (_a_) Strongyles injure the birds by lacerating -the intestine and sucking blood. After the parasite moves on, the -laceration still bleeds considerably before a blood clot forms. Each -laceration results in an area of infection and inflammation. - -(_b_) Constant movement of the worms over the inflamed intestine adds -to the irritation. - -(_c_) Severe, and sometimes rapid, loss of condition and accompanying -anemia are usual symptoms. Diagnosis is confirmed by finding strongyles -in the intestine upon autopsy of typical specimens. - -(3) _Treatment._ Treatment is not satisfactory. One-half CC doses of -tetrachlorethylene may be tried. - -[Illustration: _Figure 45. Life cycle of pigeon strongyle._ - -TL70214] - -(4) _Prevention._ The same methods prescribed for ascarids apply to -strongyles. - -_c._ Other round worms attacking pigeons are numerous, but only -capillary worms will be discussed here. These are very thin, hair-like -worms sometimes found in the digestive tract of pigeons from the crop -down through the intestine. Their life cycle is direct. No satisfactory -drug has been found to rid pigeons of this worm. Fortunately, their -life cycle is similar to that of ascarids, and the same preventive -measures are effective. - -_d._ Tape worms, which are occasionally seen in pigeons, acquire a -length of 6 to 8 inches. - -(1) _Life cycle._ Tape worms have what is called an indirect life -cycle, that is they must pass through at least two different species to -complete it (fig. 46). - -(_a_) Adult tape worms are found in the small intestine. Their bodies -are made up of a head and segments. The head is essentially an anchor -that fastens the worm to the intestine of the bird. The body segments -form at the head and mature as they grow further from the head. - -(_b_) Each segment contains both male and female sex organs and, as it -matures, becomes virtually a packet of tape worm eggs. - -(_c_) Segments break off and pass out in the feces. - -(_d_) The tape worm’s eggs are then eaten by a snail, slug, beetle, or -other insect which becomes the “intermediate host.” Here the tape worm -undergoes a certain amount of development. - -[Illustration: _Figure 46. Life cycle of pigeon tape worm._ - -TL70215] - -(_e_) If the intermediate host is eaten by a pigeon, the young tape -worm attaches itself to the bird’s intestine and soon grows to maturity. - -(2) _Diagnosis._ Tape worms harm the host by injuring the intestine at -the point where they bury their heads, by absorbing food, and by giving -off antenzymes. - -(3) _Treatment._ Unsatisfactory. - -(4) _Prevention._ (_a_) Pigeons must be well-cared-for and fed so that -they will not care to eat the intermediate hosts. - -(_b_) The method of prevention prescribed for ascarids is also -applicable for tape worms. - - -55. Treatment of Injuries - -_a._ CUTS AND WOUNDS. Pigeons have marvelous powers of healing their -own tissues, perhaps because of their high body temperature and rapid -rate of body processes. The following are aids to healing. - -(1) Clean solid or contaminated wounds with boric acid solution or some -very mild antiseptic. Strong disinfectants burn the exposed tissues and -delay wound healing. - -(2) Stitch or suture large tears in the skin to make them relatively -smaller. Avoid placing suture in such a way that a pocket is formed for -this often results in an abscess formation. Use white silk or cotton -thread. - -(3) Remove excessively rough edges or hanging flaps of skin with sharp -scissors. - -_b._ FRACTURES. (1) Broken bones in the extremities of the legs usually -respond readily to treatment; those involving the large bones present a -more complicated problem. - -(2) The type of fracture governs the seriousness of the injury. - -(_a_) _Simple_ fractures are those in which there is no break in the -skin in the region of the fracture. - -(_b_) _Compound_ fractures are those in which there is a break in the -skin over the bone injury. - -(_c_) _Partial_ fractures are those in which the bone is cracked but -not completely separated. - -(_d_) _Complete_ fractures are those in which there is actual -separation of the parts of bone. - -(_e_) _Comminuted_ fractures are those in which the bone is splintered -or fragmented. - -(3) Treatment of fractures is quite simple: bring broken parts into -contact and immobilize them to avoid movement which might injure -delicate healing tissues. - -(_a_) Since bones heal in whatever position they are placed, it is -necessary to splint the limb in as nearly normal a position as possible. - -(_b_) Take care that the splint does not interfere with healing. - - _1._ Do not bandage splint too tightly. The bandage must be snug - to avoid movement of the parts, however, if it is too tight, the - blood supply will be cut off and the limb will die. Splints applied - before the injured limb has swollen must be closely observed for - several hours, or until the swelling has reached its maximum so - that circulation is not impeded. - - _2._ Pad limb with cotton or gauze to protect it from the hard - surfaces of the splint. - - _3._ Dust powdered boric acid on the region of the fracture, - particularly if the fracture is compound. - -(_c_) Splints may be easily and satisfactorily fashioned from pieces -of pliable tin. Cut and bend to fit contour of limb in normal resting -position (fig. 47). Splints for fractures in the shank should extend -down along the shank on one side, then bend to form a loop down around -the foot and back up the opposite side of the limb. 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 foot. - -(_d_) Splints should be left in place for 3 weeks before removing. -Healing, if successful, will be sufficient to permit removal of splint -at this time. - -_c._ TORN CROPS. These may be successfully sutured if the edges are -turned in so that the outside surfaces, not the lining, of the crop -come in contact. The skin may then be sutured to help support the crop. - -[Illustration: _Figure 47. Splint for broken leg._ - -TL70216] - - -56. Medicines - -The following items of medical supplies and equipment, in the -quantities listed in existing instructions, should meet normal -requirements. - - 33775 Needle, eye, size 4, 3/8-circle, 6-in. - 36624 Cotton thread, No. 80, 150 yds. - 77110 Basin, hand. - 77410 Capsule, size 00, gelatin, 100. - 77600 Cork, No. 2, 1/2 × 3/8 in., 100. - 77950 Dropper, medicine. - 78090 Graduate, 10-CC, glass. - 79460 Vial, 1-oz., with screw cap. - 91110 Iodine, 15 GR, and Potassium; iodide, 22.5-GR, USP, - 10 tubes. - - ☆ U. S. Government Printing Office: 1945—621966 - - - - - -End of the Project Gutenberg EBook of The Homing Pigeon, by Various - -*** END OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK THE HOMING PIGEON *** - -***** This file should be named 55084-0.txt or 55084-0.zip ***** -This and all associated files of various formats will be found in: - http://www.gutenberg.org/5/5/0/8/55084/ - -Produced by deaurider, Brian Wilcox and the Online -Distributed Proofreading Team at http://www.pgdp.net (This -file was produced from images generously made available -by The Internet Archive) - - -Updated editions will replace the previous one--the old editions will -be renamed. - -Creating the works from print editions not protected by U.S. copyright -law means that no one owns a United States copyright in these works, -so the Foundation (and you!) can copy and distribute it in the United -States without permission and without paying copyright -royalties. 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