Pigeon Not Sitting On Eggs? Uncovering The Possible Reasons

It’s a common sight in the backyard: a proud mother pigeon cooing to her eggs, sitting patiently and awaiting the arrival of her new babies. But what if one day you look out the window and find that the mother pigeon is no longer sitting on the eggs? What could it mean?

In some instances, female pigeons may reject sitting on their eggs. The most common causes of this are infertility, disease, or injury, or if the pigeon’s nest has been attacked by a predator and the pigeon is concerned about the security of its young.

In this article, I will explore the potential reasons for a pigeon not sitting on its eggs and what can be done to encourage them to do so.

What Are The Potential Reasons for A Pigeon Not Sitting on Its Eggs?

Pigeons typically incubate their eggs for 18 to 19 days; during this time, the female will remain sitting on the eggs to keep them warm. There are several reasons why a pigeon may not be sitting on its eggs. Some of the most common include:

Lack of Fertilization

One possible reason is a lack of fertilization. If the male pigeon is infertile or not present, the female pigeon may lay eggs, but they will not hatch as there will be no embryo inside. This might be the reason your pigeon is neglecting its eggs.

Lack of Suitable Nesting Material

Pigeons need a variety of materials to construct their nests, including twigs, grass, and feathers. If these materials are not readily available, the pigeon may be unable to construct a suitable nest and may, therefore, not sit on its eggs.

Illness or Injury

The illness may prevent the pigeon from sitting on the eggs. In such cases, the pigeon may abandon the eggs altogether or sit on them sporadically. A variety of factors, including disease, parasites, or trauma, can cause this.

Lack of Comfort or Protection

If the area is not comfortable enough for the pigeon to sit on its eggs, it may not incubate them properly. Additionally, if the area isn’t protected from predators or harsh weather conditions, the pigeon may not feel safe enough to incubate the eggs.

Disturbance or Disruption

Pigeons are sensitive to disturbances in their nesting environment. If their nest is disturbed or disrupted, they may abandon their eggs.

How Can You Identify The Reasons For Your Pegions Not Sitting on Its Eggs?

If a pigeon is not sitting on its eggs, it is crucial to identify the reason why to address the issue promptly. Here are some ways to identify the reason:

Observing Pigeon Behavior

Pigeons usually sit on their eggs to incubate them, but if they are not, it could be a sign of distress or discomfort. Observe the pigeon’s movements around the nesting area to see if it appears agitated, nervous, or disinterested. If the pigeon is not sitting on the eggs, it could indicate a problem that needs attention.

Examining Eggs for Signs of Infertility or Disease

Another way to identify the reason is by examining the eggs for signs of infertility or disease. If the eggs are infertile, they will not hatch, and the pigeon will not sit on them.

Similarly, if the eggs are diseased, the pigeon may avoid sitting on them to prevent the spread of infection. Check the eggs for any discoloration, cracks, or abnormalities. If any abnormalities are found, it could indicate an underlying issue.

Check the Environment

If the nesting area is not secure, it could cause the pigeon to feel unsafe and abandon the eggs. if the environment is too hot or too cold, it could affect the incubation of the eggs. Check the environment for any potential disturbances or problems that could be affecting the pigeon’s behavior.

What Can Be Done to Encourage A Pigeon to Sit on Its Eggs?

When breeding pigeons, it is important to encourage the birds to sit on their eggs so that they will hatch. If a pigeon is not sitting on its eggs, the eggs will not be properly incubated, and the chicks may not survive. Fortunately, a few steps can be taken to encourage a pigeon to sit on its eggs.

• Providing proper nesting material: Pigeons need a variety of materials to construct their nests, including twigs, grass, and feathers. If these materials are not readily available, they may be unable to construct a suitable nest and may, therefore, not sit on their eggs.
• Creating a safe and undisturbed nesting environment: Pigeons are sensitive to changes in the surroundings where they build their nests. They could leave their eggs if their nest is damaged or disturbed.
• Monitoring the pigeon’s health and addressing any issues: A pigeon that is ill or injured may be unable to sit on its eggs. Various factors, including disease, parasites, or trauma, can cause this.
• Providing supplementary food and water: Pigeons need a balanced diet to maintain good health and to be able to incubate their eggs.

If all other methods fail, artificial incubation can be used to hatch the eggs.

What Are The Consequences of A Pigeon Not Sitting on Its Eggs?

When a pigeon fails to sit on its eggs, it can have serious consequences. If a pigeon is absent from its nest for too long, the eggs may not remain viable. Without the warmth and humidity that a parent provides, the eggs can become too cool and dry and fail to develop.

Besides, the eggs can be exposed to predators, such as other birds or animals, which can disrupt the development of the eggs and ultimately cause them not to hatch. In some cases, the eggs can even become infertile due to the lack of parental care.

In the event that a pigeon does sit on its eggs but does not incubate properly, the eggs may not develop properly, and the hatchlings may not survive.

Incubation is the process in which a parent bird keeps the eggs warm and humid in order to help them develop. If the pigeon fails to do this properly, the eggs may not develop properly, resulting in deformed or stillborn hatchlings.

Can a Pigeon with a Broken Wing Still Sit on its Eggs?

Yes, a pigeon with a broken wing can still sit on its eggs. However, it may require pigeon with broken wing treatment options to aid in its recovery. By providing necessary care and support, the injured pigeon can continue to fulfill its maternal instincts while receiving the treatment it needs for a speedy healing process.

How to Save Abandoned Pegions Eggs?

Conclusion

Not sitting on eggs is a common issue experienced by many pigeon owners. It is essential to recognize the signs that a pigeon is not sitting on its eggs, as this can lead to serious consequences.

Potential reasons for a pigeon not sitting on its eggs include illness, infertile eggs, poor nutrition, incorrect nest size, and too much human interference. Owners can encourage a pigeon to sit on its eggs by providing a comfortable nest, ensuring adequate nutrition, and avoiding excessive interference.

Recognizing the signs and symptoms and taking the right steps to encourage a pigeon to sit on its eggs will ensure that your pigeon and eggs remain healthy.