A record-keeping system for a pigeon breeding and research colony

Seven different records were used to monitor a 2,000-bird pigeon colony. A nest card was placed on each nest box to record current production. This information was collected monthly and transferred to a breeding pair record which was used to evaluate yearly reproductive performance as well as to maintain a record of the number of offspring produced. An individual record was maintained on each bird to record it life history and pedigree. Weekly, when new offspring were banded, a squab data sheet was taken into the pen to record the offspring's permanent leg band number, hatch date, strain, pen number, and parents' band numbers. An individual pen record was used to record the leg band numbers of each bird occupying each pen. A monthly death record and a health record were maintained to monitor the colony's health status. From examination of the death record, one could determine if the mortality was excessive and if any specific pens were involved. On the health record were recorded diet, monthly morbidity and mortality, results of monitoring programs, and any treatments rendered. The system provided ready accessibility do detailed records of production, pedigrees, pen locations of birds, colony health status, and the number, strain, and age of birds available for research.