Force all of the pigeons into the settling cage, except for three or four birds chosen in advance for their tameness. Give this small group of birds their freedom. Pigeons love company; therefore, after taking to the air, these birds will usually be attracted back by the remaining birds in the settling cage. After the pigeons circle the loft a few times call them in to prevent them from straying. For this first liberation move the settling cage on the loft far enough to one side to expose approximately half of the trap. This permits the pigeons to enter the loft as soon as they return. When the first group returns satisfactorily, give another small group their freedom. The number of birds in the subsequent groups may be increased if satisfactory results are obtained with the first few groups. If the first group, or any part of it fails to return, however, no other birds should be given their freedom that day. Repeat this procedure the following day. At no time during the first 2 days of liberty should the entire flock be given its freedom at one time. After approximately 50 percent of the birds has been given their liberty one or more times, the entire flock may be given open loft and permitted to go in and out at will during the late afternoon. Give open loft again the next day at the same time. On subsequent days allow the birds their freedom each morning and evening for approximately 1/2 hour of exercise. Any birds that fail to take to the air should be gently forced to exercise. Noon exercise periods will accustom birds to flying in the heat of the day. When all birds have learned to exercise freely in a flock and then return to the loft they are considered settled and ready for further training as message carriers. [Illustration: _Figure 27. Settling cage for loft, PG-68/TB._ TL70196] (4) _Summary._ These essential points are to be remembered in settling young pigeons: (_a_) Teach birds to enter loft immediately after each exercise flight. Loitering outside may become a fixed habit which will make the birds undesirable for messenger service. (_b_) Never drive pigeons from the loft during the first few days of settling. (_c_) Be sure pigeons are exercised and fed _regularly_. (_d_) Keep birds as tame as possible and do not overfeed them. (_e_) At no time allow the birds to become frightened. (_f_) Do not interpret these instructions on settling as ironclad rules. It may be necessary to vary them from time to time, depending upon the situation. 35. Training for Messenger Service