FAQ

Answers to Some of Your Questions

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
At Durham Doves, we understand that many people booking a white dove release may be doing so for the very first time. We are passionate about providing a service that is ethical, environmentally responsible, and centered on the welfare of our birds.
Below are answers to some of the questions we are most frequently asked. If you can't find the information you're looking for, please don't hesitate to contact us.

WHAT'S THE BIG ISSUE WITH BALLOONS AND LANTERNS?

Balloon and lantern releases can have a significant impact on wildlife and the environment. Once released, they eventually return to land or water where they can become litter and pose risks to birds, marine life, livestock, and other animals. Even products marketed as biodegradable can take considerable time to break down and may contribute to environmental pollution.
White dove releases provide a beautiful and environmentally responsible alternative, creating a memorable moment without leaving lasting waste behind.

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.

ARE WHITE DOVE RELEASES ETHICAL?

Yes. The doves used by Durham Doves are carefully bred, trained, and conditioned to return home safely following a release. Our birds enjoy a free-flying lifestyle and are cared for throughout their lives. Their welfare is our highest priority, and every release is planned with their safety and wellbeing in mind.

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, white toes 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?

As with any animal, sensible hygiene practices such as washing hands after handling should always be followed. Our doves are vaccinated, carefully monitored, and undergo regular veterinary health checks. In over 40 years of working with doves, we have never experienced any health issues resulting from handling our birds.