Since pigeons hide offspring in places hidden from people, no ordinary person can tell with accuracy how many days pigeons hatch their eggs. It is unlikely that anyone is particularly interested, but for blue-breeders this issue is considered important.
Egg laying and number of eggs
Pigeon eggs are distinguished by the strength of their shells and a peculiar luster; the color may be white or cream depending on the breed. The laying of the first egg begins a couple of weeks after the fertilization of the bird. The number of “fruits” is from 2 to 3 units per cycle. The annual number of pigeon clutches is 4 times, that is, for each season, one clutch.
After one egg has come out, a certain period of time must pass (the bird rests) and only then the second and third egg are laid (after about a day). During this period, the embryo may die in the first. To avoid this, it is necessary to temporarily place the egg in incubator conditions.
But it also happens that after laying the first element, the dove is immediately taken for hatching, which leads to a difference in the hatching of the chicks. In order for feathered babies to be born at the same time, it is necessary to remove the first testicle, and put a fake in its place. When the bird lays the next egg, you need to put the pigeon (present) again. The most difficult laying occurs in young individuals, so they can even leave the nest.
For successful breeding of pigeons, birds must be at least a year and no more than 5. When crossing different breeds, birds of about the same age do not always swim. In this case, a young dove and an elder dove are selected.
Hatching process
The female begins to hatch eggs after all the estimated number of eggs has hatched.
Temperature
The temperature regime of incubation is from 36.1 degrees to 40.7. In this case, there is a difference between heating the upper part of the egg (where the female sits) and the lower (which is at the bottom of the nest). It is 4-5 degrees.
How long does the hatching process take?
The timing of incubation is ambiguous, as they are influenced by different factors. On average, the period lasts from 8 to 19 days. During this time, the dove turns its eggs several times.
What determines the duration of hatching:
- First of all, from the breed. For example, the gray pigeons hatch later than all, and for some other breeds 8 days is enough.
- Temperature - the warmer the conditions, the earlier the chicks are born.
It also happens that doves do not hatch at all, since the embryos die. In this case, the female sits on the nest for too long. There are many reasons for this:
- genetic predisposition;
- crossbreeding of relatives;
- pigeon infection;
- nest contamination;
- excessive vibration of the nesting home;
- improper diet of mother dove (deficiency of minerals and vitamins);
- high humidity.
To obtain offspring during breeding, it is necessary to periodically check the condition of the embryos. The first control is carried out 3-4 days after the onset of hatching. For this, eggs shine through a lamp. The incubation period of the embryos corresponds to the period of hatching of eggs.
Who hatches eggs?
A dove is engaged in hatching, but since pigeons are caring birds, the male takes an active part in this process. About a couple of times a day, he replaces the female so that she can eat. He does it in the daytime. If the expectant mother cannot return to the nest in a timely manner, then dad begins to panic, emitting loud cries.
Watch an interesting video of the whole process of hatching masonry with a pigeon pair:
If you decide to have a pigeon house to breed these wonderful birds, be sure to study the information on the features of mating, laying and hatching eggs. Do not forget that for each breed there are certain criteria and rules for growing, which must be strictly adhered to.
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Russia. City: Zheleznogorsk
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