Welcome to Frequently Asked Questions.

We have answered the questions most often asked about the doves and their behavior.

If you have other questions, feel free to contact us. - click on the Contact Us button on the left side of this page.

Where do the doves live?

The doves live in a loft at our home specially designed for them.  They have access to nest boxes, perches and aviaries where they can enjoy the weather.

Where do the doves go after they are released?

Once released, the doves will typically flock together and circle the area, get their bearings and then head for home to be with their mates and other family members. They can fly as fast as 60 miles per hour, so they generally arrive home before I do.

How do they find their way to their loft? 

There are many species of doves. Ours are known as Rock Doves, a member of the bird family Columbidae.  The more common name is “homing pigeon.”  Their ability to return home remains a mystery, but their strong homing instinct along with extensive training allows them to safely fly to their loft. We breed our doves for their beautiful white color and their ability to return home.

Are they always in their loft when they are not being released at an event?

Heavens no.  Several times a week the doves are taken on training releases or the loft doors are opened and they fly where they choose and for however long they choose,

re-entering their loft at will.

Do weather conditions affect a release?

Yes, adverse weather conditions can affect a release.  While the doves can fly during a light shower, they cannot be released in heavy rain, wind, fog or snow.  They must be able to fly, orient and safely make their journey home.  They also do not see well in the dark so, as a general rule, they need to be released two or more hours before sunset. The safety of our doves is of the utmost importance to us.   If ever the weather conditions do not permit a release, a full refund is given.

Will a dove have “an accident” on me?

 While there are never any guarantee that “an accident” won’t happen, the doves usually don’t produce droppings while in flight. That typically happens when “at rest”. We have never experienced such an accident while our doves are in flight, and we are around them every day of the week.

Will a dove land on me or a guest once released?

This would be highly unlikely. Once the basket is opened, the doves are anxious to exit and begin to flock together.  They much prefer the company of other doves to that of people.

Here is some more information that most people find interesting.

Doves mate for life.   After the courtship begins, a location for their nest will be selected and the male will bring nesting material to the female. She will build the nest.

Ten days after mating, the first egg will appear.  Two days later the hen will lay the second egg.

During the incubation period, the male and female will take turns sitting on the eggs, he during the day and she during the night.

19-21 days later, the babies will be hatched.  Both parents will feed the “squeakers” until they are able to eat on their own.

 Here is a pic of a one-day old squeaker.  These babies have faces that only a mother & father could love!   It takes them a while to grow into their beaks.   It is amazing that something that looks like this at one day old will develop into a beautiful white dove!

From THIS........................................................................To THIS!