Pigeon Talk

[biophiliac]

Just a random YT vid....

Are they a flying breed? Will you also show them?

You really should do Portuguese tumblers... They are an awesome "performance breed for the showroom". The club is awesome, and always willing to help. But,,, your birds your choice!

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your ports are just the cutest little guys!!!

 

[-Kiwi-]

I have a question: My pigeons eggs are due to hatch next week, and I'm a little worried about the squabs freezing since its been colder than usual. I know the parents start to leave them alone a few days after hatch. They've been good about sitting on the eggs, but I'm still concerned.

 

[sourland]

I have a question: My pigeons eggs are due to hatch next week, and I'm a little worried about the squabs freezing since its been colder than usual. I know the parents start to leave them alone a few days after hatch. They've been good about sitting on the eggs, but I'm still concerned.

A lot depends on the parents. Homers have a longer period between sets of eggs, and I have never had problems with their squabs getting chilled. Birmingham rollers on the other hand can be down on a new set of eggs as soon as their squabs are two weeks old. The strain that I had were excellent parents, and the hen would brood the squabs during the day while the cock was on the eggs. In the evening they would switch and the cock would brood the squabs. I would pair the birds up on Valentine's day and generally have them on eggs by the end of Feb. First rounds could be a bit iffy, but I rarely lost any squabs on subsequent round.

 

[-Kiwi-]

A lot depends on the parents. Homers have a longer period between sets of eggs, and I have never had problems with their squabs getting chilled. Birmingham rollers on the other hand can be down on a new set of eggs as soon as their squabs are two weeks old. The strain that I had were excellent parents, and the hen would brood the squabs during the day while the cock was on the eggs. In the evening they would switch and the cock would brood the squabs. I would pair the birds up on Valentine's day and generally have them on eggs by the end of Feb. First rounds could be a bit iffy, but I rarely lost any squabs on subsequent round.

Thanks! In the past they've started to leave the nest to eat around day 3, and thats what got their final fall batch killed. Both squabs froze in the nest. So im not sure what to do. I'm pretty sure hauling the whole operation inside would be frowned apon, but I don't want them to freeze. Suggestions?

 

[cavemanrich]

I don't want them to freeze. Suggestions?

Are you able to place a heating pad under nest bowl?? That would take some of the chill away. If the parents jump off the little ones so soon, I don't think there is much you can do ,,,, except take the group inside home.

 

[sourland]

Thanks! In the past they've started to leave the nest to eat around day 3, and thats what got their final fall batch killed. Both squabs froze in the nest. So im not sure what to do. I'm pretty sure hauling the whole operation inside would be frowned apon, but I don't want them to freeze. Suggestions?

Does your cock set on the eggs during the day ? Most will do so and then brood the squabs when the hen takes a break to eat. I would be afraid that they will repeat their previous actions. I wouldn't allow this pair to breed until temperatures were more moderate. Realistically if this is a repeated behavior, I would remove them from the breeding loft. What breed are they?

 

[-Kiwi-]

Are you able to place a heating pad under nest bowl?? That would take some of the chill away. If the parents jump off the little ones so soon, I don't think there is much you can do ,,,, except take the group inside home.

I guess I could try that... I'd have to get a new heating pad since the ones I have are being used by my chicks and snakes, and it would take a lot of extension cord. I'd have to test it out before hand in a different nest box to I don't disturb the nest.
On another topic, I'm thinking of building a larger extension piece to the loft. I want more room for flying and ground space for my quail that will go in. I drew a plan, I'll have to dig it up.

 

[-Kiwi-]

View attachment 2540976
Here we go! What do you think?

 

[-Kiwi-]

Does your cock set on the eggs during the day ? Most will do so and then brood the squabs when the hen takes a break to eat. I would be afraid that they will repeat their previous actions. I wouldn't allow this pair to breed until temperatures were more moderate. Realistically if this is a repeated behavior, I would remove them from the breeding loft. What breed are they?

@backyardpigeons told me awhile back that apparently Kiwi and Peach do not follow normal pigeon sitting schedule. They just kind of switch randomly throughout the day, but theres always one sitting on eggs. They are Afghan pigeons, my only pair.

 

[sourland]

If they are unsuccessful with this round of eggs, and you really want young from them you may have to foster their eggs to another pair of birds.