★ ★
| 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.