How Many Eggs Do Pigeons Lay?
Pigeons, those ever-present residents of cities, have a lot of secrets that have yet to be revealed. The manner in which they deposit eggs is one example of this type of mystery.
If the question “How many eggs do pigeons lay?” has ever crossed your mind, you’ve come to the right place.
Well, females lay 1–3 (typically 2) white eggs eight to 12 days after mating, which hatch after 18 days. Young female pigeons can be sexually mature at 7 months.
They usually make straw-and-stick nests on ledges under shelter, commonly on building window ledges.
In this article, we will explore pigeon eggs. We will discuss when pigeons lay eggs and how often. In addition, we will find out if pigeons can lay eggs without mating and if people can eat their eggs.
Now that we have that out of the way let’s explore the fascinating realm of pigeon reproduction.
When Do Pigeons Start Laying Eggs?
Pigeons, similar to many other species of birds, attain sexual maturity at seven months, at which point they start laying eggs.
Now, the precise age can change depending on a number of factors, including the species and the conditions of the environment.
The capacity of the bird to locate a suitable spouse and a nesting place is intimately connected to the beginning of the egg-laying process.
It is essential to keep in mind that both male and female pigeons collaborate in the construction of the nest and the incubation of the eggs.
The eggs are normally laid by the female pigeon, also known as the hen, while the male pigeon, sometimes known as the cock, helps to care for the young.
After they have located a suitable companion for the hen and established a suitable location for the nest, the hen will lay her first egg.
This process is marked by a distinctive sequence: within a brief span after securing a nesting space, pigeons embark on the egg-laying ritual.
The first egg emerges within a few days of nest possession, followed by the second egg, usually within a day or two. After mating, the first egg arrives in about 10 to 14 days. Then, the next egg is laid around 43 to 44 hours later.
How Often Do Pigeons Lay Eggs?
Pigeons lay eggs twelve times a year. You can expect a pigeon to lay eggs monthly. Some eggs may be infertile, so not every egg will hatch. Plus, these birds don’t always deposit eggs at the same regular intervals.
Pigeons’ breeding behaviors can change based on things like food, surroundings and health. They are known for being prolific breeders.
They will typically lay an egg once every five to six weeks on average.
Plus, they typically lay two eggs in a clutch, although individual birds may produce as few as one or as many as three eggs on each batch.
Pigeon eggs have an incubation period that lasts for around 17 to 19 days, following which the chicks emerge from the shell.
After the first batch of eggs hatches, it might take another 15 to 25 days for the pair to lay the second batch of eggs. The time period can vary depending on specific circumstances and conditions.
These magnificent birds are known to have more than one clutch of young during the course of the entire breeding season, which can last anywhere from early spring to late summer.
How Many Eggs a Pigeon Lay in Its Lifetime?
Pigeons lay eggs 12 times a year. Each time, they lay two or sometimes three eggs. So, pigeons can lay about 24 to 36 eggs per year.
The total number of eggs a pigeon lays depends on its lifespan and available resources. A healthy pigeon can produce offspring for many years.
Captive pigeons have lived up to 15 years, laying a significant number of eggs in their lifetime. If we assume five clutches per year with two eggs each, a pigeon could potentially lay ten eggs in one year.
Over the span of ten years, this could amount to approximately 100 eggs, although the quantity can vary.
Do Pigeons Lay Eggs Without Mating?
Pigeons, like the vast majority of other bird species, cannot reproduce without a partner. They are not parthenogenic, which indicates that they are unable to produce eggs without first being fertilized by another organism.
For the female pigeon to lay fertile eggs, she needs to mate with a male.
After the eggs have been placed, the male and female pigeons take turns sitting on the eggs to keep them warm and taking care of the young once they have hatched.
The Pigeon Egg Laying Timeline
Here’s a table outlining the different stages of the pigeon egg laying timeline –
| Stage | Description |
|---|---|
| Sexual Maturity | Pigeons reach sexual maturity at 7 months old, initiating egg laying. |
| Pair Bonding and Nest Prep | Male and female pigeons collaboratively build nests after finding a mate and suitable location. |
| First Egg | Within a few days of finding a nest, the hen lays 1-3 eggs (usually 2) around 8-12 days post-mating. |
| Incubation Period | Pigeon eggs take 17-19 days to hatch. |
| Second Egg | The second egg typically appears within 43-44 hours after the first one, about 10-14 days post-mating. |
| Frequency of Laying | Pigeons lay eggs roughly once a month, around 12 times per year, usually in clutches of two eggs. |
| Interval Between Clutches | After hatching the first batch, pigeons wait 15-25 days before laying another set of eggs. |
| Breeding Season | Pigeons breed multiple clutches during spring through late summer, adapting across seasons. |
So, from sexual maturity to the hatching of the first batch of eggs, the whole process for first-time breeding generally takes approximately 45 to 60 days.
Considering the construction of the nest, egg-laying, incubation, and the interval before potential subsequent clutches.
Can You Eat Pigeon Eggs?
Pigeon eggs are actually edible and people from a wide variety of civilizations have been eating them for millennia. In some parts of the world, people regard them as a delicious treat.
These eggs are normally approximately the size of a small marble, which makes them significantly smaller than chicken eggs. They have a robust flavor and are utilized in a wide variety of culinary recipes due to their versatility.
However, it is of the utmost importance to check that the environment from which the pigeon eggs come is sterile and free of disease.
In addition, because pigeons may be carriers of diseases, it is extremely important to thoroughly cook the eggs in order to remove any potential hazards to one’s health.
When consuming pigeon eggs, it is imperative that you always follow safe food management standards.
Can Pigeons Carry Their Eggs?
Pigeons do not traditionally carry their eggs in the same way that other birds do.
Instead, they make nests for themselves from twigs, leaves and other materials and lay their eggs in those.
During the time that the eggs are being incubated, they remain in the nest and both the male and female pigeons take turns taking care of them and keeping them warm.
Pigeons are extremely devoted parents and they guard both their eggs and their young with great vigilance.
On top of that, these are fascinating birds with unusual patterns of behavior surrounding the laying of eggs.
Around the age of six months, they usually begin the process of laying eggs, with an average frequency of once every five to six weeks.
Final Thought
To sum it all up, the laying behaviors of pigeons are fascinating. At roughly 6 months of age, they begin laying eggs about once every 5 to 6 weeks.
Their eggs are edible but smaller than chicken eggs and they can lay a lot of them throughout a lifespan.
Knowing these details about pigeon births helps us better appreciate these common city birds.
References:
- https://www.allaboutbirds.org/guide/Rock_Pigeon/lifehistory
- https://www.rspb.org.uk/birds-and-wildlife/woodpigeon/breeding-and-nesting
- https://www.audubon.org/field-guide/bird/rock-pigeon
Image Credit:
- Instagram.com/p/CPp0fLgJ8OY/
- Instagram.com/p/CqAg0yXrKMc/
- Instagram.com/p/CbscpRJL6ri/
