What is the difference between Doves and Pigeons?
          All pigeons are actually classified as doves. The species of our birds is white Rock Doves, Columba livia. They are pure white racing homers which can be raced raced to distances up to 500 miles.  The term "pigeon" actually is from the French language meaning "dove".

How does a dove release work at a wedding?
          First, we like to hear what you have planned for your wedding day.  A phone consultation provides an opportunity to talk about those plans and make recommendations that will give you the effect you want.  In most cases you will have many choices. Your imagination and the safety of the birds is the only limit!

What happens to the doves after they're released? 

          These amazing creatures are bred and trained to return to their home-loft quickly and safely upon release at your event.  Each of our doves undergo months of training to allow them to navigate home once they are released at weddings.  Their ability to home depends on their breeding, excellent health and a knowledgeable manager.  Our more experienced, older doves can travel a distance of 200+ miles – at speeds between 35mph – 65mph all the way home!

What would happen if I released doves that I buy from the pet store?
          The doves from the pet store are bred in captivity and have not been taught by their parents how to survive in the wild.  After you release them, they will likely fly to a near by tree or roof top and will quickly starve or fall prey to predators.
 

How many birds can I have released?
          You many have as many birds released as you want, providing we can accommodate a large quantity on the date of your event.  Of course the more birds released, the more spectacular the effect.

At what point during the occasion should the birds be released?

          This is entirely up to you! There can be a lot of creativity in the timing and location of your dove release. We will endeavor to accommodate your ideas. The most popular way to release your doves is after the vows and during your official photographs.

What time of day is best for a release?
           The most popular time to release your doves is after the ceremony with your guests gathered around. The specific time of the day is very flexible, but we must allow the doves enough time to return home before dusk. We will advise you of this at the inquiry stage.

Can I do a dove release at a church wedding ceremony?

          A dove release is a lovely extension of your wedding vows when it takes place just after the ceremony on the church steps or garden area. The doves can also be released at other significant moments or as you leave in place of tossing rice or birdseed. Today many site prohibitions make a dove release one of the few safe and acceptable options for your grand departure.

Are they clean?
          Extremely.  They are refrigerator white and they're bathed before each release.

Is it true that the birds can be released only in daylight?
          Yes!  The distance of the release from home will determine the latest time possible for the release. In order to give the birds sufficient time to return home from our standard 50 mile radius, we cannot release our birds less than two hours prior to sunset. Our policy ensures our doves encounter safe flying conditions and have sufficient time to return to their loft before nightfall.

What if there is bad weather?
          We will not release the doves in bad weather: heavy rain, snow, wind or excessive heat.  Decisions are made on a case-by-case basis, but we find we can complete more than 95% of our releases.

Am I responsible if any birds are lost?
          Not at all.  We have spent a lot of time in training our birds to return home.  It is very rare for them to not come back, or get separated if in a group.

Do the doves ever, er, um ... you know?

          Not during flight.  We take special precautions to help ensure their dignified behavior.   Special diets and feeding programs minimize the risk of accidents during release.