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.
Figure 6. Stationary loft.
Figure 7. Loft PG-46-A.
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.