Below are some of the questions our customers ask us most frequently. If you have questions that aren't on this list, feel free to contact us, and we'll do our best to answer them for you.

Where do the doves go after they are released?
First the birds circle overhead a couple of times to get their bearings, and then, they head to the loft where they were born and raised. We provide all-you-can-eat grain buffet for our doves and they don't want to be late for dinner. Our doves have been trained to return to their home loft from within a 50 mile radius of Fort Lauderdale, FL. Only those that have been properly bred with the homing instinct and correctly trained will return home. We invest many hours of training and care to ensure the well-being of each dove. We recommend never to release doves that have not been trained professionally to return home. Pet store birds or Turtle Doves should never be released because they cannot return home and would quickly fall prey to other animals.

How do the doves find their way back home?
The released doves are called Rock Doves, also are known as white racing homing pigeons. They navigate their way home using earth’s magnetic fields. Additionally, during flight, training doves study and memorize landmarks such as buildings, roads, canals, oceans, etc.

How long does it take for the doves to get home?
Doves travel between 45-50 miles per hour and usually fly non-stop until they reach their home. Yes, once they are released, they actually get home way before we do!

Can the doves be released at dark?
Normally the doves must be released at least one hour prior to sunset to enable them to return home to their loft while it is still light.

How many doves should I release?
We can release 1-30 doves at a given time. However, the number of doves released is a personal choice. Please see our Dove Release Packages page for details.

Will the doves make a mess?
This cannot be guaranteed. However, birds usually do not defecate when flying so the chances are slim. The doves are fed a special diet before they are released, enabling them to perform without soiling. They fly with their feet tucked up underneath their body, which also prevents droppings.

Can the doves be bought from a pet store and be released?
No. Doves bought in pet stores do not have the homing ability; therefore, it would be inhumane to release pet-store doves in the wild. They would quickly fall prey to other animals.

Can the doves be released indoors?
No. Doves are trained to be released outdoors only. However, they make a beautiful indoor display.

What happens if inclement weather prevents the release?
Doves may be displayed indoors. Please see further details concerning this on our Policy agreement.

Can the doves be released from your hands?
Yes!! We allow many of our clients to hold the dove prior to releasing it. However, care must be taken when handling the doves in order to prevent unintentional injury to the birds. We show you how to properly handle them so when it’s time to let them fly, it makes for a spectacular scene! The opportunity to hold a dove adds value to the overall experience. Please ask the coordinator about this opportunity.

How can doves be released at a church wedding?
The doves can be released outside, following the ceremony or as the couple leaves the reception. This dove release can take the place of throwing rice or other common rituals.