FAQ's

Here are some answers to (FAQs) about our doves
that people usually ask us when we attend events with our birds.

Are they pigeons or doves?
We raise and train white rock doves, also known as homing pigeons and racing pigeons (Columba livia). These are the only type of dove that should be released at outdoor functions.

**IMPORTANT** The ONLY type of birds that should be used for dove releases are well trained white RACING PIGEONS!!!

Why can’t people go out and buy some white doves from a pet shop and release them?
Releasing white peace doves is cruel, because they don’t have any homing ability at all. They would become lost instantly upon release and fall easy prey to cats, dogs and hawks. They are very poor flyers and cannot fend for themselves. They can’t stand being exposed to cold or wet weather without shelter. They are used to being fed by people and don’t know how to find food on their own. They would soon starve if not provided with food.

How are they able to find their way home from where they are released?
There ability to return home from long distances has long baffled all scientists. No one quite knows how they find their way home, but they think it is possibly linked to the Sun’s position and the Earth’s magnetic fields at any given time, although memory may also play a role

What happens to the birds after they are released? Once the birds are released it is their nature to want to return home to their mates and offspring. The birds will circle the area, get their bearings and then head home. This is the reason homing pigeons should be used for releases instead of the much smaller, fragile white peace doves.
How are they trained? We can’t tell you – it’s a trade secret!! Our birds are fed a very good diet and follow a weekly flying exercise program to keep them in great shape just like a highly trained athlete. They are trained to figure out where they are and to head home as fast as possible after being released.

What distance are the birds capable of flying back home from?
These birds are capable of returning home from hundreds of kilometers away. But it sometimes takes many hours for them to fly that great a distance. Therefore, we limit them to shorter distances because of the time the release takes place.

Do doves mate for life? Yes!
Doves do mate for life or until one of the partners dies. This lifelong commitment is one of the reasons, doves are a popular symbol for marriage.


Can I release them myself, or is it better to have a release coordinator? While it is possible for anyone to open a box and let the birds go, having an experienced professional who is good at what they do at your event will very much enhance the most special day of your life. There is much more to this than simply showing up and opening the lid.... there is an "art" to it.