Does anyone use white pigeon release to pay for their pigeon hobby?

[moonshadow]

I'm wondering if anyone out there is currently using white pigeon release to help pay for their pigeon coop hobby expenses? I'd love to have a coop and am in the process of selling my horse to pay for one. I always gave riding lessons to offset the cost of keeping my horse. Now I'm looking for a way to help my pigeon hobby be able to pay for it self too.

I was just thinking if it were set up like a business and all you owned were the white homers, then you could honestly write off most off the expenses as business stuff. I'd love to know if anyone else is doing this and making it work. My husband is all for me having a hobby like this.

I'm not able to have horses now, as we're in the city, which means I need a new hobby. I love the idea of having fun flying pigeons. I'm already in contact with a local pigeon enthusiast and he has been very helpful.

[Lovebirds]

I don't use the white pigeons for releases, but I would advise you to make sure that it's ok to have pigeons in the city where you are. We hear story after story after story about people putting up coops/lofts, getting birds and THEN find out they aren't supposed to have them OR have a fussy neighbor who raises enough ruckus that the pigeons become a problem.
If everything is ok on that front, you can get all the info you need right here. We do have members who have white bird releases.

[NitaS]

Hello,nice to meet you. I have a white dove release business. My advice would be to first check for other dove release businesses in your area to see how much competition you'll have. And as the old saying goes, you have to spend money to make money. You'll need to promote your business through advertising, web site, brochures, bridal fairs, etc, so it depends on how much you're willing to invest to get the word out there. You'll also need nice release baskets, display cages, etc., along with the normal costs of keeping the birds, such as feed, meds, etc. You're probably looking at $1500 or so start up costs to print brochures, advertise, get a website, get your baskets. That's in addition to whatever expense you'll have in building your loft. Good luck to you! I really enjoy my birds whether they're making me money or not.

[moonshadow]

Thank you very much for the information. I usually research things to death before I actually do them, so this helps me a lot. I actually know of several lofts in my area (from craigslist ads), so I'm really hoping this "flies" with our city. LOL. Both my neighbors are wonderful and total animal lovers so, even though I will ask them, I'm sure they will be okay with it. Thanks so much for the information. Keep it coming!

[LokotaLoft]

another thing is you want to make sure you get the best birds possible for this venture or you will be losing more birds then keeping birds like Mortvedt
and Delbars are good base stock but just the having the name doesnt mean they are the same birds so you might wanna make sure you get the real deal

[moonshadow]

So how do I figure out if the pigeons are from a truely good strain? Should I go to a local pigeon breeder and ask if we can go out and release a few of his birds? Then drive back to his coop and see how well/fast they trap(is that how you say it? lol) back into the coop?

[moonshadow]

After chatting with some random people that have no previous knowledge of white "dove" release the biggest question that people had was, "Don't the guests get pooped on?" So I'm just wondering if that is common or not?

[spirit wings]

I guess there is always a chance, but I don't think I would stop doing dove release because he may or may not poop on someone....theiy are birds! got to accept them the way they are.

[ohiogsp]

When doing releases if the people are going to hold the birds have them hold them with the head towards them. Or basically tail away.

[luckyloft]

Just about every bride has asked me that question! I tell them I can not promise they will not.After talking about it most then will decide to release them out of a white heart shaped basket.I also then offer the basket to them for a price as a souvenir.I also not not feed them before a release if at all possible.If the release is later in the day I will feed them of course. Jeff

[aussiegirl]

I give mine a feed in the morning then nothing until after they return for a 3pm wedding.
They will not poop!!! My brides also hold the bird out away from the dress with head facing the takeoff direction.