Can a 4 month old pigeon breed?

[ilikepigeons]

I got a two Birmingham Roller pigeons a week ago, this morning I found one egg.
I was told that they were four months old. I thought that was a bit young to be able to lay?

 

[nuthatched]

I'm not sure about the age for breeding but laying and breeding are two different things.
a female bird will lay eggs regardless if she's ever even seen a male.
You could open it and look for a bullseye on the yolk.

 

[cavemanrich]

I got a two Birmingham Roller pigeons a week ago, this morning I found one egg.
I was told that they were four months old. I thought that was a bit young to be able to lay?

Generally accepted that pigeons normally become breeding active after about 6 months. Another thing pigeon keepers are concerned about,, is the maturity level of young pigeons. The younger ones tend to be less good than mature pigeons as parents.
If your pigeon sits on egg/eggs and they hatch,, then your hopes are, they get fed, and weaned. There is a possibility that the egg layed is not a fertile one. (more common with young pigeons) Not much to loose at this point.
Another thing about pigeons,,,,,, they usually lay a second egg within a couple days. 2 eggs is the norm. There are exceptions of course.
The bad part of this hatching,, is the time of year.
I do not know your general location, but if it is cold winter climate,, success really dwindles.

 

[ilikepigeons]

Generally accepted that pigeons normally become breeding active after about 6 months. Another thing pigeon keepers are concerned about,, is the maturity level of young pigeons. The younger ones tend to be less good than mature pigeons as parents.
If your pigeon sits on egg/eggs and they hatch,, then your hopes are, they get fed, and weaned. There is a possibility that the egg layed is not a fertile one. (more common with young pigeons) Not much to loose at this point.
Another thing about pigeons,,,,,, they usually lay a second egg within a couple days. 2 eggs is the norm. There are exceptions of course.
The bad part of this hatching,, is the time of year.
I do not know your general location, but if it is cold winter climate,, success really dwindles.

Thankyou for the excellent information as always, cavemanrich.
I hope they take care of them when/if they hatch.. I know how to care for baby pigeons but I'd certainly prefer not to, especially the day old chicks. Is there a way for me to tell if the parents are feeding them? I know with parrots you can see if the crop has food in it or not.. is it the same with pigeons?
Two eggs have been laid, I candled one and to my surprise it was fertile.
I am on the other side of the world, New Zealand, it is summer here, thank goodness.
Also, will they abandon the eggs if I clean the nest? the male has been pooping inside of the box and it is dirty now.

 

[cavemanrich]

Is there a way for me to tell if the parents are feeding them? I know with parrots you can see if the crop has food in it or not.. is it the same with pigeons?

Pretty much the same. The crop is very big for such a small bird at that stage.


Also, will they abandon the eggs if I clean the nest? the male has been pooping inside of the box and it is dirty now.

I would just add some nest bedding, to what is there. A little at a time, and it will build up. The parent droppings will dry up, and no problem.