How did pigeon by mail work

The fascinating world of pigeon post!

Pigeon post, also known as homing pigeon post, was a system of communication that used trained homing pigeons to carry messages between two points. This method was used extensively during times of war, particularly during World War I and World War II, as well as in peacetime for commercial and personal purposes.

Here's how it worked:

Training the Pigeons

Homing pigeons were trained to fly back to their loft, which was usually located near their point of origin. This was achieved through a process called "imprinting," where the pigeons were raised in a loft and fed a diet of food and water. As they grew, they were released in the surrounding area and encouraged to return to the loft. This process was repeated multiple times to imprint the pigeons with the location of their loft.

Message Preparation

Before sending a message, the sender would write the message on a small piece of paper, usually around 2-3 inches square. The message was then rolled up and attached to the pigeon's leg using a small clip or band.

Release and Flight

The pigeon was then released at the sending location, usually at a designated time. The pigeon would fly back to its loft, carrying the message with it. The flight distance could vary greatly, from a few miles to hundreds of miles.

Reception

When the pigeon arrived at the loft, it would be greeted by the pigeon keeper or handler. The message would be removed from the pigeon's leg, and the recipient would be notified that a message had arrived.

Speed and Reliability

Pigeons were incredibly fast and reliable messengers. They could fly at speeds of up to 80 km/h (50 mph) and cover distances of over 1,300 km (800 miles) in a single day. The average delivery time was around 12-14 hours, although some pigeons were known to deliver messages in as little as 2-3 hours.

Security

Pigeon post was considered a secure method of communication, as the messages were not easily intercepted or decoded. The pigeons were also trained to fly at high altitudes, making it difficult for enemy forces to shoot them down.

Decline and Legacy

With the advent of modern communication technologies, such as radio and satellite communication, pigeon post gradually declined in popularity. However, the legacy of pigeon post lives on, and many pigeon enthusiasts and historians continue to study and appreciate the remarkable achievements of these incredible birds.