dove in pigeon flock

[broody rooster]

im curious if a pigeon were to raise a ring neck dove with its flock would the dove be able to be released with the pigeons and follow them back ?

 

[nchls school]

im curious if a pigeon were to raise a ring neck dove with its flock would the dove be able to be released with the pigeons and follow them back ?

I tried, a couple of times, to have pigeons raise morning doves; didn't work-the size difference was too great. I did have a pair of ring neck doves raise a damascene pigeon successfully; damascenes are a short-billed breed.

As to your question, I doubt it. Homing ability is partially instinct. An instinct I don't think doves have.

But good luck if you try it.

 

[Szulptist]

The pigeons would not be able to successfully raise the dove and even if they managed to pull it off (extremely unlikely) the dove would not be able to keep up with the flock nor have the ability to survive among-st them.

I don't recommend trying this as the doves involved will likely die.

Best,
Eric

 

[jak2002003]

Pigeons can raise doves and doves can raise pigeons.

Its is dangerous for the DOVE to live in a flock of pigeons.. because of the size difference.. and an aggressive male pigeon will probably injure it with a hard wing slip or a peck to the head... doves are much more delicate than the heavy muscular pigeons.

I know of one instance of a European wood pigeon being raises in a pigeons loft and living with the flock... and also free flying with them.. but not being taken of homing releases.