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]