Welcome to the fascinating world of dove releases and how we make it all happen...
Here at Eltham Ceremonial Doves our emphasis is on the welfare of our amazing birds.
All of our releases involve our own trained white doves that are carefully transported to the event venue in specially designed baskets. These traditional release baskets are designed to keep the doves safe and comfortable during transport.
At the designated time during the event, the doves are released, either individually by hand or as a flock from their baskets. This can be done our handlers, by the happy couple or individual hosting the event, depending on the preference. Whatever the arrangement agreed upon, an experienced dove handler is always on hand guide through the process, for the safety and comfort of the doves and all involved.
Once released, the doves take flight, soaring gracefully into the sky. They may circle overhead for a brief moment before flying off into the distance. The number of doves released can vary depending on the event and its significance. For example, weddings may feature a pair of doves, symbolic of the bride and groom, while larger events or ceremonies may involve the release of multiple doves. Whatever vision you have for your event, we’re here to make it happen for you.
After the release, the doves return to their home loft in Eltham, where they are cared for and trained by our handlers until their next event. It's essential to work with professional dove release providers such as us, who prioritize the welfare of the birds and adhere to ethical and humane practices throughout the process. Every dove in our collection is a stunningly beautiful, named individual. Each has their own special place in our hearts, as they are first and foremost our pets, friends and a huge part of our family.
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How Do They Do It?
All our release doves have strong links to homing pigeons, in fact they are one and the same species, but differ in their specific breeding and training. Homing pigeons, descendants of the rock dove, are known for their remarkable ability to find their way back home over long distances. This unique navigational skill has made them invaluable throughout history, particularly in communication and messenger roles.
In the context of dove releases, our pure white Logan homing pigeons are used due to their incredible homing instincts. All of our doves/white pigeons are trained to return to our loft location in Eltham, making them ideal for ceremonial releases. Unlike wild doves, which may not have the same ability to find their way back, homing pigeons ensure a high likelihood of returning safely after the release.
The training process for homing pigeons involves imprinting them with the location of their loft, this starts at home with us where they are born and raised, gradually increasing the distance they fly from home, and reinforcing their homing instincts through positive reinforcement methods. This training ensures that the pigeons can confidently navigate back to their loft even after being released at a considerable distance.
While homing pigeons are commonly used in dove releases, it's essential to distinguish between ethical practices and those that may compromise the well-being of the birds. Ethical releases prioritize the health, safety, and welfare of the pigeons, ensuring they are well-cared for before, during, and after the release.
Overall, the link between dove releases and homing pigeons underscores the deep connection between tradition, history, and the fascinating abilities of these remarkable birds. Whether soaring overhead at weddings, funerals, or other events, homing pigeons add an extra layer of meaning and significance to the ceremonial release, embodying the timeless beauty and symbolism of the tradition.
Ethical dove releases prioritise the well-being and safety of the birds while ensuring a meaningful and respectful experience for event participants.
Here are the standards of practice we use to always ensure the safe and ethical treatment of our birds
1. Professional Handling: We are experienced and reputable dove release providers who prioritize the care and welfare of our birds above all things, and are trained to ensure the safety and comfort of the doves before, during, and after the release.
2. Health Checks: Before any release, we ensure that our doves are in good health and condition. Regular veterinary checks and proper care are essential to maintaining the well-being of our birds.
3. Safe Environment: we will always help you choose appropriate release locations that are safe and free from hazards such as power lines, tall buildings, or areas with heavy traffic. This ensures that the doves can fly freely without risk of injury.
4. Gradual Release: When we arrive at your event, we will always allow extra time to let the doves acclimatise to their surroundings before a release. This can involve letting them look out from their baskets to familiarise themselves with the area, and providing them with water before their journey home. The doves can be contained for a maximum of 1hr prior to the release.
5. Weather Conditions and Time Considerations: It is vital to take weather conditions into account when planning a release. We like to avoid releasing doves in extreme temperatures, strong winds, heavy rain, or other adverse weather conditions that could endanger the birds.There is also a strict “Sunset Policy” which means that all our doves must be released no later than 2hrs before sunset to allow them ample time to get home.
6. Training and Bonding: We ensure that the doves are well-trained and have a strong bond with their handlers both at home and on location. This helps reduce stress and anxiety during the release and encourages the birds to return safely to their loft.
7. Minimal Disturbance: We ask for Minimal noise and disturbances during the release to prevent startling the doves. We would ask large crowds to keep calm and respectful to create a peaceful environment for the birds until they are airborne.
8. Post-Release Care: We provide post-release care to monitor our doves' return to their loft and ensure they are accounted for. As professionals handlers we track the birds and ensure they safely return home. This is done via CCTV in and around the loft, and the birds’ homing tags which automatically counts them as they enter. While it is rare one of our birds doesn’t make it home, its not impossible, so just in case, each and every one of our beautiful birds wears 2 leg rings, one with a unique identification number and the other with our contact number should they ever go astray on the way home.
9. Education and Awareness: We are always on hand to educate event participants about the significance of dove releases and the importance of ethical treatment of the birds, and to raise awareness about the welfare considerations involved in hosting such events.
By adhering to these ethical practices, our dove releases are always conducted in a responsible and compassionate manner, honouring the symbolism of the tradition while prioritising the well-being of the birds involved.