Canadian Council on Animal Care , Gilman, J. 1984. Chapter IV: Pigeons and Doves. In : Guide to the Care and Use of Experimental Animals, Volume 2 . Canadian Council on Animal Care , Gilman, J. (ed). Canadian Council on Animal Care, Ottawa, Canada.

Valuable guidelines for the housing of pigeons in the research laboratory setting. Following issues are dealt with: (1) Housing and Caging; (2) Microenvironment; (3) Feeding and Water; (4) Breeding; (5) Handling; (6) Health care. There are significant advantages to the use of flight cages [rather than small single-cages] for both pigeons and doves in many behavioral studies in that they permit natural movements and [social] interactions, as well as ensuring a more nearly normal physiological status in the test animals...Pigeons held in small standard pigeon cages to control body weight and other parameters during experimentation are, under this system [Flying Holding], released between periods of experimental use into an indoor flypen, until needed again. The wired off end of a pigeon holding room, 2 x 3 m (7 x 10 ft.) in area, has been used. Perches (nest boxes optional) should be provided and the floor covered with sawdust or paper. Pigeons prefer to roost on a perch or ledge against a wall. Birds subject to this regimen do not lose flying ability, do not fight newcomers introduced into the flypen, maintain a normal body weight, are less labour intensive to look after, and remain healthy. .. As indicated above, pigeons enjoy splashing in water and will frequently bath, if water is available. Access to water for this purpose does not seem to be necessary or particularly beneficial, merely pleasurable. .. Dust control, as in all pigeon rooms, presents a problem, the control of which in this cage system, may be aided by a gentle spraying of the racks andpigeons [they enjoy it] with water.