FAQ
Answers to Some of Your Questions
HOW IS DURHAM DOVES ETHICAL?
Durham Doves prides itself on being environmentally sound and ethical. We've spent many years in the environmental field and have seen firsthand the damage and harm other celebration releases actually cause.
The welfare of our birds is paramount and every effort is made to ensure their safe return.
The breeding of our birds is very carefully considered to prevent inbreeding; we only breed happy, healthy and genetically sound birds.
What's more all our feed is sourced locally (within 6 miles of our loft) and all our waste is composted/ recycled for use by local gardeners.
WHAT'S THE BIG ISSUE WITH BALLOONS AND LANTERNS?
Using these traditional methods is like throwing litter on the ground - not a great way to celebrate your memorable occasion!
When the balloon or lantern is released, ultimately they return to the ground as litter and in many cases cause death and injury to wildlife such as birds, turtles, fish, farming livestock and many other mammals. Even the so-called biodegradable balloons take many years to break down or in some cases break into hundreds of tiny pieces which then pose another issue with micro-plastics in the environment.
WILL THE BIRDS RETURN HOME SAFELY?
Yes, due to meticulous training and breeding we expect the birds to return home safe and sound. Each bird is unique and part of our extended family - part of our team. Doing things right means we don't need to breed or replenish large numbers of birds year on year. As an extra back-up all our birds carry a removable and discreet leg ring with our telephone number on, to help get them home safely.
HOW DO THE BIRDS KNOW HOW TO RETURN HOME?
Our training and feeding programme ensures tip top health and condition, this along with the birds' local knowledge of land marks is a big factor in enabling them to home. Many suggestions and theories have been put forward over the years with some experts believing that the birds navigate using the sun or the earth's magnetic field. In fact recent research has suggested that it's a combination of all of these factors, including both sight and smell, which creates a kind of smell map.
WHY DO THE BIRDS HAVE RINGS ON THEIR LEGS?
All our birds have a discreet removable leg ring which has our telephone number on, they wear this when being trained or released from home. This means that should the unlikely happen and one of our doves gets lost or is blown off course, this ring will help ensure the bird is reunited with us.
WHAT ARE DOVES?
A dove is a bird in the family Columbidae, which also includes rock doves, wood pigeons, turtle doves and collared doves etc. Doves generally have plump bodies, with small to medium size heads and no colour pigment in the eye.
WILL THE BIRDS BITE OR POO ON ME?
The birds won't bite - it's impossible as they don't have teeth! They won't even peck you, they will sit calmly in the basket or your hand until set free. As for pooing - the chances of that happening are extremely remote, even if released from the hand.
CAN YOU PICK UP GERMS OR ILLNESSES FROM A DOVE?
No more than you will get from touching any other animal, like your dog or cat; as always, good hygiene practices should be observed by washing hands after handling and before eating. Having been around doves for over 40 years, we have never been ill as a result of the birds. Our birds are very well looked after and their health and condition is crucial for the success of our business. Each year the birds are vaccinated and their health and home is routinely checked by a vet at least once a year.