How Does a Dovecote Work

Dovecotes were traditionally found in the homes of nobility (ordinary citizens were not allowed to keep birds). Dovecotes are small openings that encouraged doves or pigeons to nest there so the occupants could catch and eat them and also use their droppings as fertilizer for their farms.

How do you get doves to stay in a dovecote?

To do this correctly, you will need to confine your doves into the dovecote for roughly 2-4 weeks before you let them free. The art of confining is done by covering the entire dovecote with dovecote homing netting ensuring the doves have access to food and water and there is no way the doves can escape.

How do you get doves to use a dovecote?

Homing box: A temporary wire mesh box that can be attached to the front of the dovecote. You will need one box per pair. This secures the doves in the dovecote while allowing them to come out and get accustomed to their surroundings. It is simple to use and reduces the risk of attack from predators.