The Complete Guide to Pigeon Egg Hatching: Incubation, Timeline, and Troubleshooting
byTamer Nabil Moussa-
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The Complete Guide to Pigeon Egg Hatching: Incubation, Timeline, and
Troubleshooting
Zoo Kingdom
Pigeon breeding is a rewarding pursuit that
combines patience with a deep understanding of avian biology. Whether you are
raising homing pigeons, fancy breeds, or simply observing nature, understanding
the reproductive cycle is crucial. One of the most frequently asked questions
by enthusiasts is:How long does it take for pigeon eggs to
hatch?
The Complete Guide to Pigeon Egg Hatching: Incubation, Timeline, and Troubleshooting
The Complete Guide to Pigeon Egg Hatching: Incubation, Timeline, and Troubleshooting
While the short answer is typically 17 to 19 days, the
reality of the process is far more nuanced. From the moment the egg is laid to
the final struggle of the chick breaking through the shell, various factors
influence the success of the hatch.
This comprehensive guide covers everything you
need to know about the pigeon incubation period, how to check for fertility,
and why some eggs fail to hatch.
1. Understanding the Pigeon Reproductive Cycle
Before diving into incubation, it is essential to
understand the biological timeline of the pigeon. Pigeons are prolific
breeders, provided they have the right environment and nutrition.
Sexual Maturity and Mating
According to general ornithological standards and
breeder experience, a female pigeon (hen) usually reaches sexual maturity at
approximately 6 months of age. However, this timeline can vary
based on the breed and diet. Some precocious birds may lay their first egg as
early as 5 months, while others may wait until they are 9 months old.
It is important to note that egg-laying does not
occur immediately upon maturity. The hen must first reach full physical
development and successfully bond with a male. While a hen can lay eggs without a male (similar to chickens),
these eggs will be infertile. For viable offspring, a successful mating pair is
required.
The Clutch Size
Once mated, the pigeon’s reproductive system falls
into a rhythm.
Standard Clutch: Pigeons almost universally lay two eggs per clutch.
The Schedule: The hen typically lays the first egg, skips
a day, and then lays the second egg.
Annual Production: A healthy pair can produce approximately 12
eggs per year, occurring roughly once a month, though this varies by
season and health.
Warning Sign: The Four-Egg Nest A critical observation for breeders is the numberof eggs in the nest. If you find four eggs
in a single nest, it is highly probable that the "pair" consists of
two females. Since no male is present to fertilize the eggs, none of them will
hatch. In this scenario, the breeder must intervene and re-pair the birds with
verified males.
2.
The Incubation Period How Long Do They Sit?
The incubation period is the time during which the
parents keep the eggs warm to allow the embryo to develop.
Standard Duration
For the vast majority of domestic and feral pigeon
breeds, the incubation period lasts between 17 and 19 days. This countdown generally begins
after the second egg is laid, ensuring that both chicks hatch relatively close
together.
Species Variations
It is vital to identify the specific breed you are
raising, as genetics play a role in timing. For example, the Victoria Crowned Pigeon (a large, ground-dwelling
species) has a significantly longer incubation period, often requiring up to 30 days
before the eggs hatch. Always consult breed-specific guidelines if you are
raising exotic pigeons.
Parental Roles
Pigeons are excellent co-parents. Unlike some bird
species where the female does all the work, pigeon pairs share the
responsibility.
Shared Duty: Both the male and female take turns sitting
on the eggs to maintain the necessary temperature and humidity.
Day vs. Night: Typically, the male incubates during the
middle of the day, while the female takes the late afternoon, night, and
early morning shift. This constant attention protects the eggs from
predators and cold temperatures.
After the 17 to 19-day wait, the hatching process
begins. This is a delicate time for the new life emerging.
The Pipping Phase
When the incubation period is complete, the two
eggs usually begin to hatch almost simultaneously. The chick (squab) uses a
specialized "egg tooth" on its beak to chip away at the shell from
the inside. This creates a small crack or hole, a process known as pipping.
Duration of Hatching
Patience is key here. The hatching process is slow
and exhausting for the chick. It can take anywhere from a single hour to a full 24 hours from the first crack until the
chick is fully free.
Parental Assistance
Nature has equipped pigeon parents with the
instinct to assist. Once the shell is broken, the mother may use her beak to
gently remove sharp edges of the shell fragments, ensuring the wet, vulnerable
chick can exit without injury.
4.
Candling How to Check Egg Fertility
Waiting nearly three weeks to see if an egg will
hatch can be frustrating if the egg turns out to be infertile. Breeders use a
technique called "Candling" to check the status of the egg
early in the cycle.
When to Check
You should perform candling between Day 5 and Day 7 after the egg was laid. Checking
earlier may not show clear results, and checking too frequently disturbs the
parents.
The Process
Prepare a Dark Room: You need a dark environment to see inside
the egg.
Light Source: Use a specialized candling lamp or a very
strong LED flashlight.
Handling: Gently pick up the egg and hold the light
against the large end of the egg (where the air sac is).
Interpreting the
Results
Fertile Egg: You will see a network of red, spider-web-like veins spreading from the center. This looks like
the roots of a tree. You may also see a small dark spot (the embryo)
pulsating.
Infertile (Clear) Egg: The egg will appear clear or yellowish.
There are no veins, no dark spots, and the light passes through uniformly.
These should be removed to allow the parents to start a new cycle.
5.
Troubleshooting Why Did the Eggs Fail to Hatch?
If the calendar hits Day 20 or Day 25 and there
are no chicks, the hatch has likely failed. This is known as "dead-in-shell"
or simply infertility. Understanding why this happens is key to preventing it
in the future.
Common Causes of Failure
Infertility: The most common reason is that the egg was
never fertilized. This could be due to an old male, a young inexperienced
pair, or the "two females" issue mentioned earlier.
Poor Incubation Practices: If the parents are disturbed frequently, they
may leave the nest, causing the eggs to cool down. Alternatively,
first-time parents may not sit on the eggs consistently.
Parental Health: A sick mother cannot effectively incubate
eggs. Diseases like Salmonellosis can be transmitted vertically to the
egg, killing the embryo.
Nutritional Deficiencies: "You are what you eat" applies to
eggs, too. If the parents are fed low-quality grain with insufficient
calcium or vitamins, the embryo may be too weak to develop or too weak to
break out of the shell.
Environmental Damage:
Water Damage: If the nesting bowl is wet or if water is
spilled on the eggs, the bacteria can penetrate the porous shell and kill
the embryo.
Humidity: Incorrect humidity can cause the shell to
be too hard for the chick to break, or cause the inner membrane to dry
out and trap the chick.
Abandonment: Sometimes, a hen will simply abandon the
nest. This can be caused by stress, predators (rats/cats), or mites
infesting the nest.
To maximize your hatching success rates, consider
the following professional tips:
Nutrition is King: Provide a breeder-specific mix rich in
protein and peas. Ensure grit and calcium (oyster shells) are always
available for strong eggshells.
Hygiene: Clean the loft regularly. Ensure nesting
bowls are dry and lined with appropriate nesting material (tobacco stems
or pine needles) to prevent breakage.
Record Keeping: Keep a log of when eggs are laid. This
prevents you from discarding viable eggs too early or letting parents sit
on dead eggs for too long.
Do Not Disturb: Limit your interference during the 18-day
incubation. Let the parents do their job.
Breeding pigeons is a partnership between the bird
and the keeper. While the pigeon does the hard work of sitting on the nest for 17 to 19 days, the keeper’s role is to ensure
the environment is safe, the food is nutritious, and the pair is healthy.
By monitoring the nest for the correct number of
eggs, candling at the one-week mark to ensure fertility, and calculating the
hatch date accurately, you can look forward to the arrival of healthy squabs.
If eggs fail to hatch, use the troubleshooting points above to adjust your
management strategy for the next clutch.
Frequently
Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q1: How many days exactly does it take for a
pigeon egg to hatch? A:
The standard incubation period is 17 to 19 days. However, this can vary
slightly depending on the ambient temperature and the specific breed of pigeon.
Some exotic breeds, like the Victoria Crowned Pigeon, take up to 30 days.
Q2: Both my pigeons are sitting on the eggs. Is
this normal? A:
Yes, this is excellent behavior. Male and female pigeons share incubation
duties. The male typically sits during the day (roughly 10 AM to 4 PM), and the
female sits the rest of the time.
Q3: I found 4 eggs in one nest. Is this a lucky
sign? A:
No, it is usually a bad sign. A clutch consists of 2 eggs. If you see 4, it is
highly likely that you have two female pigeons paired together. These eggs are
infertile and will never hatch. You should separate the females and introduce
males.
Q4: How can I tell if an egg is alive without
breaking it? A:
You can use the "candling" method after 5 to 7 days of incubation.
Shine a bright light through the egg in a dark room. If you see red veins, it
is fertile and alive. If it is clear and yellow, it is infertile.
Q5: The 19 days have passed, and the egg hasn't
hatched. What should I do? A:
Give it a little more time. Sometimes hatching is delayed by a day or two,
especially in colder weather. However, if 24 or 25 days pass with no sign of
hatching, the embryo has likely died or the egg was infertile. You should
remove the eggs so the parents can start over.
