The history of pigeon reinforcement dates to the mid-20th century when Skinner said he could change the way people behave through conditioning techniques, also known as shaping. Skinner used pigeons as the first subjects of his shaping experimentation. Much of this experimentation occurred when he headed Indiana University's Department of Psychology. The results of Skinner's pigeon reinforcement experiments were published in his book “Are Theories of Learning Necessary?” The U.S. Navy tested Skinner's work through Project Pigeon, which attempted to create a pigeon-guided missile.
Skinner employed several methods for shaping his pigeons' behavior. According to Skinner, food was the primary tool used for shaping. He reduced the pigeons' weights to about 75 percent of their ideal body weights, which subjected the birds to a constant state of hunger. Skinner developed a desired behavioral target and would feed the pigeons only if they displayed that behavior. To discourage aversive behavior, or behavior that did not meet the desired behavioral target, Skinner administered electric shocks to the pigeons.
One reason Skinner chose pigeons as his experimental subjects was the high level of intelligence these birds display. Many pigeon species, especially carrier pigeons, have a homing ability to find their nests no matter how far away they are. Pigeons rely on the earth's gravitational fields to determine their location and navigate back to their nests. Before the invention of electric communication devices, people used carrier pigeons' homing abilities as a way to relay information between two locations. Recent studies done by Professor Hiraki of the University of Tokyo reveal a pigeon's intelligence is higher than that of an average 3-year-old child.
Skinner's shaping behavior studies continue to influence pigeon-related projects in the present day. Among these is the 4-H Pigeon and Dove Project, which helps people raise doves or pigeons as pets. Shaping techniques allow us to mold the way pigeons behave by giving food. Some people consider pigeons pests, though, since these birds unwittingly damage roofs and gutter systems when building nests. Rather than take lethal measures to eliminate pigeons, control the amount of water or food pigeons have access to near your home. Pigeons abandon locations without sufficient water or food. Dispose of any garbage near your home and drain any pools of water in your yard.