Notes about homing pigeons

homing_pigeon_notes.md

Notes about homing pigeons

• What were homing pigeons used for? Since homing pigeons can find their way home over very long distances, they were used to carry messages.
• How does the 'homing instinct' work? Via magnetoreception, or by sensing the Earth's magentic field. Essentially, homing pigeons have a built-in, biological compass. Scientists are not sure how this actually works.
• Does weather affect homing pigeons' ability to deliver messages? Yes. Bad weather affecting sky conditions can slow homing pigeons down. They have been found to be slow when the sky is grey with a low ceiling and high humidity.
• When do homing pigeons molt? They should molt once per year. When they're unmated, they usually molt beginning in May or June. If they're mated, they'll start molting about 1 week after the second set of eggs has been laid in the new season. Pigeons should be allowed to rest while they're molting, as it places a lot of physical strain on them.
• How do homing pigeons carry messages? If you have a message holder, you should place the message in the holder then attach the holder to the pigeon's leg via the pigeon's identification band. If there is no message holder available, you should fold them message and attach it by looping it around the leg band and tie its two ends together a piece of thread or string. Never wind a string or rubber band around the pigeon's leg because it may cut off circulation (this can be dangerous).
• How should I feed a homing pigeon? Feed twice per day, morning and evening. They should only be fed a handful of grain at a time. Diet should include legumes, seeds, cereal grains, green foods, and grit. Examples: buckwheat, flaxseed, corn, peas.