www.history.navy.mil/library/special/homing_pigeons.htm

I found this link pertaining to training new recruits in the use of homing pigeons in the U.S. Navy. Its dated 1918 , but there's some good information about the handling , caring for , and training of pigeons .

I found it interesting how the young birds were shipped out by rail in crates and you sort of " nursed them back to health " after their long journey . Shipping and transportation has changed a lot over the years , but basic care hasnt changed much at all and these guys were pretty much right on the ball about their birds . They even give the name of a tonic for the birds to keep them healthy .

Actually it wasnt that many years ago that the U.S Armed Forces were still using pigeons as a communications backup . That would have been a cool branch of the service to be in !

Hambone

That is a facinating link, Hmbone! I found some pretty cool info there as well. Thank you for posting it. I think we are all learning all the time!

hambone wrote:www.history.navy.mil/library/special/homing_pigeons.htm

I found this link pertaining to training new recruits in the use of homing pigeons in the U.S. Navy. Its dated 1918 , but there's some good information about the handling , caring for , and training of pigeons .

I found it interesting how the young birds were shipped out by rail in crates and you sort of " nursed them back to health " after their long journey . Shipping and transportation has changed a lot over the years , but basic care hasnt changed much at all and these guys were pretty much right on the ball about their birds . They even give the name of a tonic for the birds to keep them healthy .

Actually it wasnt that many years ago that the U.S Armed Forces were still using pigeons as a communications backup . That would have been a cool branch of the service to be in !

Hambone

Thanks for sharing this link Hambone!

I was a member of the Territorial Army for 8 years and just left service in March this year. I would have just loved to have been a member of this branch had they still used pigeons today!

Lindi