Dove Release Frequently Asked Questions
The following questions are often asked about our white dove release services.
We want all our customers to know that these birds are small but beautiful living creatures. Their health and quality of life is an important part of our business. These birds love to fly (and fast). Our services are tailored to their specific abilities and limitations. We believe you will truly enjoy their energetic participation in your event.
What type of bird do you use?
There are two two types of doves most people are aware of, ringneck doves and rock doves. Both birds serve a useful service by adding visual interest to any event. However there are some very important differences. Like all professional dove release companies we use rock doves in our releases. Ring neck doves are for display only.
The rock dove is also referred to as a homing pigeon. These birds have a strong homing instinct and with proper training have the strength to fly 400-600 miles from an event to their home regularly and safely.
The white ringneck dove or turtledove, as seen in pet stores, does not possess the homing instinct required in locating and returning to it’s home. These birds are not strong flyers and cannot be trained and conditioned for event releases as they are not capable of flying the distances required. Ringneck doves are beautiful in their on right and make attractive pets and are many times used in bird displays. However, they should never be used for release.
Climate
What if it rains on the day of my event?
The doves can be released in light rainy weather, but if a thunderstorm is develops during the day then the release will need to be cancelled.
Our release coordinator will show up as planned. If there is a downpour or inclement weather, we may choose to cancel the dove release. If we choose to cancel the event, a full refund will be granted. The safety of our doves is very important to us; we simple cannot release our doves in conditions which may prevent them from making it home safely
If I have paid for my release and weather prevents the release, can I get a refund?
Yes, based on our cancellation policy below.
“Can I have a dove release during the winter?”
Amazingly enough, doves prefer to fly in colder weather, so yes they can fly during the winter, except for when conditions make visibility poor, or in extremely windy or cold weather.
Release times
“Can I order an evening dove release?”
Certainly, but it can be no later than 2-3 hours before sunset, this time varies depending on the distance and weather. Releases too near sunset can make it difficult for birds to orient and start their journey and arrive back at the loft before sunset.
For a bird, being in it’s loft, is the only really safe place to be. If they have to seek shelter in a tree overnight they may fall prey to an owl, or other night predator. Being white, they stick out like a sore thumb in the night to hunters. A good point to remember is that a flock of white doves is very dramatic. The more sunlight, the better the impact. Our release coordinator will have the right to set a cut-off time for any dove release. (see below) We never release birds without enough time for them to get back to the loft before dusk.
Question: “How many doves can be released?”
You can have a 1 to 10 dove released at one time. More than 10 with some advanced notice.
Dove Handling and Behavior
Can I have a dove release anywhere?
Yes, anywhere except indoors or high predator risk areas.
Where do the doves go after they are released?
Our white doves have the same instinct as homing pigeons do. Within a radius of up to 600 miles, the doves are able to fly home with no trouble at all. They arrive home to their loft, which has plenty of food and water waiting for them.
How long does it take for the doves to fly home?
It depends on the distance from their loft but they will arrive home within hours of the release
How do the doves know where home is?
Doves have a homing instinct that somehow tells them where to fly home to and where it is located. Under excellent conditions they fly between 50 – 60 mph, and usually fly non-stop until they get home. We enhance this instinct with training releases throughout the year. Their lofts are well maintained and food and water is always waiting for them when they arrive which encourages them to head directly there after release.
Will you coordinate a wedding dove release with our photographer?
Yes we will coordinate the wedding dove release with your wedding photographer and videographer to create breathtaking wedding pictures. There are a lot of creative designs in the timing and location of your wedding dove release. We will work closely with your photographer and event coordinator to ensure the best possible results.
Can’t I just use the doves I find in a pet store?
Turtledoves (also referred to sometimes as ringnecks or mourning doves) are poor fliers and should never be released into the wild! They will fall prey to dogs, cats, and hawks. More embarrassing though is that they won’t fly more then a few feet from where you released them. They have almost NO homing instinct and it is considered cruel to release these types of doves. Our birds are vaccinated, wormed and fed healthy diets. They are expensive and require a lot of time and training by experienced handlers. You may spend a few extra dollars hiring us, but you get peace of mind knowing you are providing guests with the unforgettable memory of a professional bird release.
Just like human athletes, our doves have a special diet before your big event so they can perform at top levels without ‘messing up.’ They also fly with their feet tucked up underneath so they won’t soil themselves. While we can never 100% guarantee that a mess may not happen, ‘accidents’ are extremely rare.
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.
Are they clean?
Extremely. They are snow white, and they’re bathed before each release. We also perform regular checks on the health and cleanliness of all our doves.
How can I be certain that a dove won’t “mess” on anyone during the release?
When dealing with live animals, nothing can be 100% certain. However, we do adjust the doves feeding schedule according to their release schedule so we can greatly minimize the chances of an “accident” occurring. The doves know once they get home, they will be fed to their hearts content. This is one of the main reasons our birds return home quickly after each release. They also fly with their feet tucked up underneath so they won’t soil themselves. If you choose to do a hand release verses a cage release the handler will instruct you how to hold the bird to avoid any accidents. While we can never 100% guarantee that a mess may not happen, ‘accidents’ are extremely rare.
How Do I Reserve A Dove Release?
A small deposit of $50 will hold your event. You can pay by check, cash or use PayPal. We will meet to go over your needs and sign a contract. Deposit is due at the time of contract.
Cut-off Time
Cut-off time is calculated based on the time of day and the distances they must travel to get home. If your event is delayed beyond our cut-off time, you will forfeit your release and your entire amount paid (acceptations may be made). Our birds can not be released under the following conditions: High Winds, Thunder, Lightning, Tornado Advisories, Heavy Rain, Fog, Haze, Snow, Ice Storms and or low clouds, extreme Heat or Cold. They Do Not fly at night. No refunds for unexpected dove or guest behavior. As our services cover living creatures, it is understood that the release of the birds can only be allowed if weather conditions are permitting. As live birds we are not able to guarantee that the birds will perform exactly as required, every time. Delay of 1/2 hour or more could ensue additional charges for handler fees. We understand mother nature can be unpredictable and we take that into consideration when postponing or cancelling the release and charges that can occur.
What is the Cancellation Policy?
If a cancellation is made up to three weeks before the service, 50% of the deposit will be refunded. Where a cancellation is made within three weeks of the service you will lose the entire deposit. A complete refund will be issued if WE determine in advance of arrival that weather conditions prohibit safe release of the birds. If weather conditions force a cancellation after arrival and set up, Aphrodite’s Doves has the right to charge a $25 handler fee plus 25 cents a mile. Being a small family owned/operated business we have the flexibility to reduce or eliminate charges depending on if we turned down other business to handle your event. If I lose nothing because you cancel then you pay nothing. Fair?