When Do Pigeons Stop Breeding?
Female pigeons reach their sexual maturity at the age of six to seven months. Some birds can become fertile before this age. To continue breeding pigeons, you must know when they go barren or sterile.
So, when do pigeons stop breeding? Most pigeons stop breeding at the age of seven to eight years. Some pigeons might breed after that, but the breeding will be irregular.
Learn more about the breeding age of pigeons to select suitable hens for breeding.
Looking for more articles about pigeon habit:
What Age Does a Pigeon Stop Breeding?
This mostly depends on the pigeon species, habitat, diet, and other factors.
For example, common pigeons living in the wild may live up to ten years. But the life expectancy of pigeons in captivity is much higher.
Captive pigeons may live for about 15-17 years. So, the barren period can vary in different pigeons. Wild pigeons may become sterile at the age of seven to eight years.
In captivity, pigeons may continue breeding for up to eleven years. A balanced diet can keep pigeons healthy and breed able for a longer period.
Learn about pigeon lifestyle in “Pigeon Habits” . We cover their eating, nesting, and interactions with humans.
Why Do Pigeons Stop Breeding?
After breeding for several years, pigeons start to show signs of infertility. Here is why pigeons stop breeding.
Natural Life Cycle
The life cycle of pigeons can be divided into three major parts.
It’s first part is before sexual maturity. It lasts for about seven months. After being fertile, pigeons usually breed for about eight years.
This period can vary depending on the species and other factors. The last part of the life cycle is not for breeding.
Monogamy
Pigeons usually mate with partners for life. If their partners pass away, pigeons are more likely to stop breeding. They generally don’t mate with new partners. This can happen at any age.
Inability to Breed
Over time, pigeons lose the necessary hormones and other elements for breeding. As they grow older, they are less interested in mating with their partners.
At one point, they are unable to breed and stop the process altogether.
Do Pigeons Stop Breeding in the Winter?
The answer is a bit complicated. Pigeons usually breed throughout the year.
But this mostly happens in warm climate areas. In cold climate areas, pigeons generally breed in the Autumn and Spring.
March to June is one of the primary seasons for breeding pigeons. Another common breeding season is from August to November. Pigeons in cold climate areas may not be interested in breeding in the winter.
Harsh temperatures and scarcity of food discourage them from breeding in the winter. So, some pigeons might stop breeding in the winter.
Conclusion
To get a healthy brood from pigeon parents, you must know the breeding cycle of pigeons. So, when do pigeons stop breeding?
Pigeons usually stop breeding at the age of eight years. Some pigeons may stop breeding much later, depending on various factors.
References
- https://www.ovocontrol.com/pigeon-facts-figures
- https://www.charnwood.gov.uk/files/documents/pigeon/PIGEON.pdf
- https://pest.co.uk/how-long-do-pigeons-live/
