frequently asked questions

Here are some answers to (FAQ’s) about doves that people often ask.

• 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.


• Why can’t people go out and buy some white doves from a pet shop and release them? 
  Releasing white ring neck doves (often used in magic acts)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/falcons. 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?
  Their 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 and landmarks 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 ring neck doves.


• How are they trained?
  We can’t tell you – it’s a trade secret!! But is a long and ongoing task one needs to be committed too. Our birds are fed a very special 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 kilometres 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 releases take place.


• Why don't you allow your birds to fly from events farther away if they are capable of much greater distances?
  Our service area is smaller than what our birds are capable of flying home from. But we have to allow the birds enough time to return home before dark. That's why we can't do night weddings. This is done for the safety of our birds, and that's very important to us!


• Can we hold the birds and release them by hand, that way?
  We discourage people from holding the birds because untrained hands can injure the birds. Also this put a lot of stress on the birds. Many photo opportunities have been missed due to the doves being released at the wrong time due to the releasers not having the correct hold on the doves. So to avoid this and so everyone is happy we only allow cage/basket releases.


• What are the chances the bird will Poo on us or one of our guests?
  This has never happened yet, but there are never any guarantees that an accident won't happen. But rest assured, all precautions are taken to prevent it. This is why the cage/basket methodv is a good idea. Remember that accidents are a normal body function. There's a greater chance of getting your dress messed up, if you are actually holding the bird. Another plus for cage/basket releases.


• Can they be released inside?
  No, definitely not. The birds are not trained for indoor releases and cannot find the door, to fly out. They will panic and fly into windows and objects hurting themselves and possibly breaking what they may hit in flight. Also it is very difficult to catch a bird inside a building, when it is afraid for it's life.


• What if the weather is inclement?
  A refund (less deposit) will be issued should we be on location and weather conditions become adverse. Our birds cannot be released under the following conditions: thunder, lightning, Heavy rain, high winds, extreme heat.


• 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.