Why Pigeons Eggs Not Hatching? Insights and Solutions

It might be distressing to enter the nest box and see the eggs of your favorite pigeons still inside. You expected to discover a nest of healthy, happy young birds, but all you found were eggs. Why are the pigeon’s eggs not hatching?

Pigeons typically have an incubation period of 18 days. If a pigeon is absent from its nest for an extended period of time, it is likely that the eggs will not hatch, as they may be infertile or already deceased.

Here, you will explore why pigeon eggs aren’t hatching and what you can do to ensure your eggs have the best chance of hatching. You will also learn the different factors that affect incubation, the importance of egg turning, and the potential signs of infertility that may be a problem.

What Causes Pigeon Eggs Not To Hatch?

Pigeon eggs can fail to hatch for a variety of reasons. Some of the most common causes of unhatched eggs include:

Climate and temperature factors

Pigeons require a specific temperature and humidity range for their eggs to hatch successfully. If the environment is too hot or too cold, or if there is too much or too little humidity, the eggs may not develop properly and will not hatch.

Incorrect incubation techniques

Pigeons are very particular about how they incubate their eggs, and any deviations from their natural methods can result in unhatched eggs.
Incorrect incubation techniques can include using the wrong type of incubator, failing to turn the eggs regularly, or placing the eggs in a location with poor air circulation.

Lack of nutrition and hygiene

Pigeons need a balanced diet and a clean environment to incubate their eggs successfully. If the birds are not eating properly or if the nest is dirty, the eggs may fail to hatch.

Disease and parasites

Pigeons can be affected by a variety of diseases and parasites that can prevent their eggs from hatching. Some common culprits include mites, lice, and various viral and bacterial infections.

Touching Them Frequently

If you touch pigeon eggs repeatedly, your sweat or dirt can spread the infection to the egg and make it unable to hatch.

Understanding why pigeon eggs don’t hatch makes it possible to improve hatching success rates and ensure that these fascinating birds continue to thrive in their urban habitats.

Why Egg Turning Is Important?

Egg turning is a crucial part of the incubation process for pigeons. During incubation, the eggs need to be turned regularly to promote proper blood flow and prevent the developing embryo from sticking to the shell. If the eggs are not turned, they may not hatch.

The frequency with which eggs need to be turned will depend on several factors, including the temperature and humidity of the incubation environment, the age of the eggs, and the incubation techniques used by the pigeons. On average, eggs should be turned at least once every 12-24 hours.

While it is possible for eggs to hatch without being turned, this is relatively uncommon. In most cases, if the eggs are not turned, the embryos will not receive the necessary blood flow and will die. This can lead to a range of problems, including bacterial infections and shell deformities.

In order to ensure the best possible hatching success rates, it is important to turn the eggs regularly and to monitor the incubation environment for any changes that may affect the eggs.

These steps make it possible to ensure that the eggs hatch successfully and that the baby pigeons have the best possible start in life.

How To Tell If An Egg Is Going To Hatch?

There are several signs that can indicate whether a pigeon egg is likely to hatch or not. Some of the most common indicators include the following:

• Egg candling: Candling involves holding the egg up to a bright light source in order to see it inside. If the egg is developing properly, it will be possible to see the embryo and the blood vessels. If the egg is not developing, it will appear dark and opaque.
• Changes in weight and shape: As the embryo develops, the weight and shape of the egg may change. If the egg is not developing, it will not change in weight or shape and may even shrink slightly.
• Changes in odor: A developing egg will have a slightly musty, earthy odor, while a non-developing egg may have a sour, rancid smell.
• Changes in sound: When the egg is shaken, a developing egg will produce a sloshing sound, while a non-developing egg will produce a dull, lifeless sound.

Observing these signs and monitoring the eggs regularly makes it possible to get a good idea of whether the eggs are likely to hatch. In general, if the eggs are developing normally and show no signs of problems, they are likely to hatch within 18-20 days.

If you have concerns about hatching your pigeon eggs, it is important to seek advice from a veterinarian or a pigeon-keeping expert. They will be able to provide you with further guidance and help you determine the best course of action for ensuring the health and well-being of your pigeons and their eggs.

How To Improve Hatching Success Rates?

There are several steps that can be taken to improve the hatching success rates for pigeon eggs. Some of the most important include:

Providing Proper Incubation Conditions

Providing the right temperature and humidity levels for incubation and adequate ventilation is essential. Most pigeons will incubate their eggs naturally, but if this is not possible, using a proper incubator can help ensure the right hatching conditions.

Monitoring Egg Development

Regular monitoring of the eggs can help you identify any potential problems early on and take action to correct them. This may include adjusting the incubation conditions, removing non-viable eggs, or providing additional support to the parent pigeons.

Providing A Balanced Diet

A balanced and nutritious diet is essential for pigeons, as it provides the nutrients they need to produce healthy eggs and support their incubation efforts.

Reducing Stress

Stress can have a negative impact on the health and fertility of pigeons, so it is important to provide a calm and relaxed environment for them. This may involve reducing noise levels, providing plenty of space, and minimizing the presence of predators.

Preventing Disease

Preventing and treating disease is essential for maintaining the health and fertility of pigeons. This may involve regular check-ups with a veterinarian, ensuring that the birds are vaccinated, and controlling any pests or parasites that may be present.

Taking these steps can improve the hatching success rates for pigeon eggs and ensure that the baby pigeons have the best possible start in life. You can enjoy the fascinating and rewarding experience of raising healthy and happy pigeons with proper care and attention.

5 Shocking Reasons Behind Piegon Eggs Not Hatching

What Are Some Common Mistakes in Caring for Pigeon Eggs that Could Prevent Successful Hatching?

When it comes to care for pigeon eggs, there are a few common mistakes that can hinder successful hatching. One mistake is mishandling the eggs, as rough handling can damage the delicate shells. Another mistake is improper humidity levels, either too low or too high. Lastly, neglecting the importance of maintaining consistent warmth in the nest can also affect the outcome. Avoiding these errors is crucial for ensuring the successful hatching of pigeon eggs.

Conclusion

Hatching pigeon eggs can be a rewarding and fulfilling experience for pigeon breeders and bird enthusiasts.

Understanding the factors that influence hatching success, such as proper incubation conditions, monitoring egg development, providing a balanced diet, reducing stress, and preventing disease, is key to ensuring that the baby pigeons have the best possible start in life.

By following these guidelines and seeking advice from experts when needed, you can maximize the chances of hatching healthy and strong pigeon chicks and enjoy the beauty and wonder of these fascinating birds.