Part 3

(_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.

(_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.

_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.

_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.

(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.

(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.

_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.

(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.

(_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.

(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: