messages

[JamieB]

I would like to set up a small loft at our store 12 miles away so my husband and I can send messages back and forth to entertain some of our young customers. I am looking for message capsules similar to those used by the military in WWII. Does anyone know where I might be able to find some? I've already searched e-bay and come up empty handed.

[TheSnipes]

I have no idea where you get those capsules (try asking these folks http://www.pigeongram.com/ what they use?), but I love your avatar.

[MaryOfExeter]

There's normally at least one person on eBay with WWII capsuls/leg bands.
I checked last night actually, which those are ended now but...I'm sure there will be more, so check back there often.

There's still a place that uses pigeons, but they send back picture film instead of messages
http://www.shoprma.com/pigeonx/index.htm

You could try something like them....getting some type of ellastic harness with a film capsule on the back

[Matt D.]

Yes there was just a set of them that just ended on Ebay. I was watching them and was going to buy them and the 6 or 8 bands that came with them. If you are going to use them I would suggest that you make your own, Maybe out of small pvc pipe. You dont want to tie on something that expensive and old to a pigeon that might take off with it. I am interested in this too. If it weren't finals week I would make one as a prototype, and then take a picture and see what you think. If you will give me till the weekend I will see what I can do. If not... good luck.

[roxtar]

I would think that using a snap band with perhaps about a 2.5" piece of soda straw attached to the side of it (with one end sealed of course) would work. Finding something to cap the other end or the soda straw would be a bit of a challege but certainly not impossible.

[ace in the hole]

Hi JamieB,

The message capsules you are looking for are on ebay now. Type in ( army pigeon capsule ). I just bought one, there are three left. Good luck, and have fun with them!!

If you do not get one of these keep typing in ( pigeon capsule ) each day and you will find them on there again.

Mark

[Matt D.]

Ok so I found some time to make a nice prototype (CPC-1) and it is on my website that is where I typed it up and didnt think I should retype it here so I will just give you guys a link. http://theracingpigeon.googlepages.c...pigeoncapsules As soon as I can get down to a store I'll Pick up some more supplies to work on the next one.

[A_Smith]

Originally Posted by roxtar

I would think that using a snap band with perhaps about a 2.5" piece of soda straw attached to the side of it (with one end sealed of course) would work. Finding something to cap the other end or the soda straw would be a bit of a challege but certainly not impossible.

Sounds like this may work. A light thin paper for pigeon mail is ciggerate wrapping papers. I'd think about more than one snap band so tube will not twist or catch on something. A small tube that might work,and closes is a capsuel for racing clocks.

[roxtar]

A light thin paper for pigeon mail is ciggerate wrapping papers.

Don't use rolling papers, ink tastes funny when you smoke it

[doveman]

Hi, in response to finding pigeon message capsules try Foy's Pigeon Supplies. I seen some there as well in the catalog.

www.foyspigeonsupplies.com

or try the links pages for other pigeon suppliers at: www.pigeonpeddler.com

[JamieB]

Thanks for all of the input!

I found the message capsules on e-bay, and they are a bit pricey for what I want, although I might like to have one to add to my obsession shelf.

Doveman: I thought I saw some in a Foy's or Seigels catalog, too, but now I can't find them.

TheSnipes: I sent off an inquiry to the Pigeon Gram people. They have an interesting enterprise going on down there. I am looking forward to hearing back from them. (That's a self portrait, by the way.)

Matt, how does the yarn loop (soon to be elastic or something wider) fit on the pigeon? Would it fit the bird in the same way that a backpack fits you or me?

The snap band and race clock capsule ideas sound good.

Oh, oh, oh... I just had a lightbulb moment! I bet sticky-backed velcro would be real useful too.

Cheers,
Jamie

[Matt D.]

I didnt take a pic of it on my bird I will though and get back to you.

[JamieB]

I'll look forward to seeing it, Matt.

Off topic: Are you a M*A*S*H*-head, too?

[Matt D.]

Come on stupid, don't play dumb with me! -- Hawkeye

Yes... there isn't anything better in the world besides pigeons and MASH... Imagine a saturday morning Mash marathon right in the middle of young birds... that is what I think heaven will be. =)

[Matt D.]

Ok as an update I will be out and about Tomorrow and will be getting some pvc and fittings along with velcro and some elastic... will have the next model finished my the end of the weekend.