What Are White Pigeons Used For?

White pigeons are symbols of peace, love and tranquility throughout the world, regardless of the culture. Even in ancient times white pigeons were used to celebrate important events. In ancient Egypt, white pigeons were released to announce the arrival of important visitors to the country. In present times the birds, a special breed of homing pigeons, are used as ceremonial release birds for special events such as sports meets and peace rallies. They are also gentle, inexpensive and devoted as pets. They are easy to breed and quite hardy.

  1. Release Pigeons

    • White pigeons are often released during several special events, such as sporting events and weddings as ceremonial symbols of love and to celebrate the spirit of brotherhood and peace. The pigeons look very similar to doves, but are preferred over doves, as releasing doves would mean leaving hundreds of birds stranded in the wild unable to fend for themselves. Due to their homing instincts and training, white pigeons can easily find their way home.

    Racing Pigeons

    • Many white pigeons are especially bred for racing. Due to their homing instincts and speed, the birds can find their way home using the shortest distance possible. Most white pigeons used for racing can find their way home within after being released 50 miles away. If the white pigeons have exceptional instincts, they can return to their loft from a distance of 200 miles.

    Pet Pigeons

    • These birds make great pets. They are sturdy and require minimal care, as long as they get clean, fresh drinking water, grit for digestion and sufficient seeds for one day. Train the birds to become homing pigeons using appropriate training methods.

    Training White Homing Pigeons

    • The birds require special training to hone their homing instincts. The training begins when they are about 6 to 8 weeks old. The initial training involves teaching the birds to enter the loft using the trap door. Once the birds master this and are familiar with their surroundings, take them two to three miles from the loft and release them. Increase the distance of release by five miles each time. Release the birds from different directions, so they are accustomed to finding their way from anywhere. Make sure that you train them when the weather is sunny, as white homing pigeons navigate using sunlight.

    Taking Care of White Pigeons

    • Feed the birds high quality bird seeds just once a day. Do not replenish until the birds finish all the seeds. A good pigeon feed should contain a mix of millet, safflower, wheat and popcorn, according to the American White Dove Release Association. Provide fresh and clean drinking water. Change the water twice a day. Place the water outside the loft to stop moisture from building up inside. This prevents mold and bacterial growth in the loft. Make sure the birds get grit to facilitate digestion. Grit is available at pet stores and feed stores.