Rock Doves / Homing Pigeons, Ring-Necked Doves
About our Birds
NWDRS members know how important it is to fly only rock doves (homing pigeons) in their release business, because they have a natural homing instinct. The care and training that our birds receive enhances their natural homing ability to return home safely to their loft following each release.
These trained white homing pigeons are capable of flying hundreds of miles and returning safely to their comfortable lofts. Each business decides what distances they will cover and keeps the rock doves in condition to cover that distance. Just as any athlete needs to be in top condition to perform, these birds need to exercise regularly to perform their duties. They are truly pampered and well cared for by each business. It has come to our attention that ring-necked doves and untrained rock doves are being released at some venues. The NWDRS considers this practice unethical and immoral. Ring-necked doves have no homing ability and are not strong fliers. Releasing ring-necked doves is inhumane, as they will become easy prey to a great number of predators; causing certain death. Untrained rock doves (or homing pigeons) purchased online and shipped for use at weddings and funerals will likely arrive stressed, dehydrated, and confused. When released, these birds may land and stay in the area as they will have no home to go to. They will not represent the beautiful and memorable flight of the professionally trained rock doves. Please contact one of our members to provide you with a safe, humane, and professional white dove release. If we do not have a NWDRS member in your area, we will try our best to refer you to another reputable handler. For more information, please see Dove Release Facts by the American Dove Association. |
Ring-necked doves are smaller than rock doves, and have no ceres on their beaks.
Rock doves, or homing pigeons, are larger and sturdier, and the older they are, the larger their ceres. They should have a seamless band on one leg, which can trace them back to their home loft or breeder.
|
