Can pigeons raise more than 2 eggs.

[cheyfrie26]

If pigeons lay more than two eggs can they raise them? Also, can pigeons and doves breed? Because I bought a pair of " Tangerine Doves " and if you ask me they look like pigeons. But any way, they are breeding with my pigeons. So if they are doves, can a pigeon raise a dove? I will add pictures around 5.

 

[usschicago1]

If i remember correctly (if not im sure someone will chime in) Tangerine Doves are Ring-necks which are actually in the pigeon family. I believe if they mate they make sterile hybrids.
Mark

 

[cheyfrie26]

Well they are a bit smaller looking that my other pigeons. And the female " Dove " got bred by my male pigeon. I saw it happen when I was feeding them. Now the dove doesn't seem interested in the male dove. Also the male pigeon left his female for the dove. I'm not really sure that its a dove because they look exactly like my pigeons but a hair smaller.

 

[puredelite]

If you will notice in a nest with two babies one is almost always a little larger than the other. This is the first to hatch so it gets a little jump-start on it's sibling. With 3 babies one would probably end up starving unless the parents are exceptionally great feeders. Maybe you could post some pics of your doves, would be easy to indentify what you actually have.

 

[Timmy]

pigeons and doves are members of the Columbidae family. Basically large Columbidae are called pigeons and smaller ones are called doves. All of are domestic pigeons are decedents of the wild rock dove(aka rock pigeon). So given the opportunity they can hybridize. I found this on a Google search http://www.ringneckdove.com/Wilmer's WebPage/pigeon_dove_hybrids.htm As far as raising more than two squabs I've had kings raise three when I stuck an extra egg under them. I think it depends on the birds and how good of parents they are. also if you have more than two eggs in a nest it's likely that you have a pair of hens.

 

[Timmy]

Quote:
Yes tangerine is a color verity of ring necks.

 

[cheyfrie26]

Ok thanks guys. My birds are making a nest in an old dresser I store feed in. I wanted them higher off the ground but thats where they feel safe. I still need pictures but I have to wait and get the camera.

 

[Mary Of Exeter]

Quote:
I agree. I had 3 eggs hatch before I do anything about it. The 3rd baby was a few days behind, stayed small and starved. Not a good idea to let them raise more than 2 at a time. It puts too much stress on the parents!


Also, pigeon x dove hybrids are sterile

But interesting birds. They won't mate up as quickly as they would if they were with other birds their own species.

 

[cheyfrie26]

Here is a picture folks. The lighter ones are suppose to be the " doves ". If not what breed are they?

 

[Timmy]

Quote:
that doesn't look like a dove to me