Why My Pigeon Is Not Laying Egg?
One thing that excites all pigeon keepers is the birds laying eggs and bringing squabs to the world. However, before that happens, you can come across various challenges.
For example, pigeons may not lay eggs when you are expecting them to. Fertility or sexual maturity is one of the things that makes pigeons ready to breed. So, when the pigeons are not sexually mature, you can not expect them to lay eggs.
Sometimes, sexually mature pigeons may not lay eggs for a lack of nutrients and having an uncomfortable nest.
Still finding yourself asking, why my pigeon is not laying egg? You will find more info regarding the topic below, which will help clear any confusions that you got at the moment.
Interested in similar topics on pigeon habits:
When Do Pigeons Lay Eggs After Mating?
Females start to lay eggs anywhere from eight to ten days after mating. And in general, female pigeons can lay 1 to 3 eggs. But the most common clutch size is two. Also, it should be noted that female birds can lay only one egg in one day.
So, for example, if the pigeon is expected to lay two eggs, it will take at least two days to lay both of them. However, both parents will take part in the incubation process right after the first egg hits the nest.
On the note of incubation, pigeon eggs take 18 to 21 days to hatch. That means that the entire breeding process can take anywhere from 26 to 31 days.
Another thing to note here is that the pigeons usually reach sexual maturity when they are 7 months old. So, when your pigeon is not laying eggs, it would be a good idea to check whether it has reached the age to breed or not.
Learn about pigeon lifestyle in “Pigeon Habits” . We cover their eating, nesting, and interactions with humans.
What Can I Do to Encourage My Pigeons to Lay Eggs?
You can do a number of things to encourage the pigeons to lay eggs. Some of them are described below:
Ensure a Comfortable Nesting Environment
Pigeons are less likely to mate and lay eggs in an uncomfortable nest. So, if your birds do not have access to a proper nest, consider making them one. Use hay, straw, or other soft materials to make it cozy for the pigeons.
Monitor the Nutritional Intake
The diet of the pigeons can hinder them from laying eggs. For that reason, you have to ensure the pigeons get an overall balanced diet. And in case you are wondering, a proper diet of pigeons should have fruit, nuts, berries, seeds, and vegetables.
Opt for commercial feeds if you do not want to go through the hassle of manually creating a mix. But ensure that the feed has an adequate amount of protein and calcium. Again, you can get yourself a supplement to enhance the overall diet.
Maintain Proper Lighting and Temperature
The lighting and temperature conditions of the environment directly contribute to the reproductive cycles of the pigeons. Monitor these two regularly and ensure they stay comfortable in their nests.
Encourage Activities
Pigeons need to stay active during the day to lead a healthy life. But, sometimes, the birds can start to lead a sedentary lifestyle. In such cases, you should encourage the pigeons to exercise regularly.
What Are the Signs of a Healthy Pigeon?
Some health markers can tell whether the pigeon is healthy and capable of breeding properly. For example:
Physical Appearance
A healthy pigeon should have clean and shiny feathers. The bird should also feature clear nostrils and bright eyes. And on the beat and feet, you should not be able to detect any abnormalities.
Active and Alert
When a pigeon is healthy, it will not struggle to remain active throughout the day. The bird should also have a good appetite and be interested in its surroundings. That is, it should stay alert all the time.
Nesting Behavior
A healthy pigeon that is fit for breeding will maintain its nesting site. If the bird already has a nest, it will look to upgrade it by adding more materials. Also, it will try to make it more comfortable to stay in.
Courtship Behavior
If not in pairs, pigeons will engage in courtship displays. The overall courtship behavior includes several movements and cooing. And pigeons start to display these activities when it is fully ready to breed.
Consistent Breeding
Healthy pigeons, in pairs, can lay up to 12 eggs a year. And as the general clutch size of pigeons is 2 eggs, the birds can raise up to six broods in one year.
What Are Some Common Causes of Infertility in Pigeons?
Infertility is one of the most common problems for breeding pigeons. And it can happen for specific reasons. For example:
Age
Like any other animal, pigeons have a reproductive lifespan. As they age, their body loses the ability to stay at peak fertility level. And even if older birds lay an egg, the quality of the eggs and broods will not be the same as young birds breeding.
Nutriotinal Defeciencies
Pigeons need to stick to a proper diet to support their reproductive system. A diet that lacks protein, calcium, and vitamins will lower the fertility level of the birds. And in this case, age is not a factor.
Stress
Stressful situations such as noise, too many predators around the nesting site, and disturbances impact the pigeons’ reproductive health. On the other hand, a stress-free life makes the pigeons stay fertile for an extended period.
Infections and Diseases
Certain infections, such as avian pox, salmonella, and E.colli, can impact the bird’s overall fertility. Likewise, viral diseases can cause pigeons to lose their fertility. That is why it is crucial to constantly monitor the health of the pigeons.
Final Words
Got your answer to the question of why my pigeon is not laying egg? If not, the main highlight is that the pigeon might not be fertile enough to lay an egg. But if that is not the case, it can be due to the environmental condition and the diet.
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References:
- https://www.belgicadeweerd.com/en/laying-problems/
- https://www.ovocontrol.com/pigeon-facts-figures
- https://www.wild-bird-watching.com/Pigeons.html
- https://birdfact.com/articles/what-do-pigeons-eat
Images Credit:
- Canva.com/photos
