Will they lay eggs?

[SunnyAlberta]

I have just adopted a bonded pair of Show Kings as pets. The breeder has told me they are useless to him because the boy has a deformed foot from freezing it and the girl is too small to show. I assume the boy needs his feet to mate? Will the hen still lay infertile eggs? Might they become foster incubators for my quail eggs?

 

[Hokum Coco]

In a perfect world the hen should lay eggs. If the male is still able to tread you can expect eggs in about 10 days. They may even be fertile it is amazing what males can do when they put their mind to it.

 

[sourland]

If they are kept in a pen where other birds can not interfere, just as Hokum Coco says, he may very well be able to mate her. It is not uncommon for hens to 'top' their mates, and this would assure fertile eggs. Let them have a try at raising some squabs.

 

[SunnyAlberta]

They laid two eggs. One was fertile. The baby pipped, but didn't fully hatch and died still inside. Next time should I help?

 

[SunnyAlberta]

We have two more eggs. What might I do to improve the chances of a live squab?

 

[Hokum Coco]

They laid two eggs. One was fertile. The baby pipped, but didn't fully hatch and died still inside. Next time should I help?

I have helped squabs get out of the shell after they have pipped and it worked fine for me.
That being said I just went from 40 white homers down to 4 adult birds due to a devastating raccoon attack and other factors.
Being a bit anxious to build my flock I acted premature.
I tried to help a squab just a few days ago get free from his shell and it went sour.
I tore the membrane on the egg while he was still nurturing the egg sac and the squab perished.
Sometimes it works and sometimes it does not.
Be extremely careful if you decide to help the consequences can sometimes be fatal for the squab.

 

[SunnyAlberta]

HC, Thank you for making time to provide guidance. I'm really sorry to read your sad news. My thoughts are with you as you rebuild.Thanks again.

 

[SunnyAlberta]

This article suggest that increasing humidity may help. I'm going to try spraying the egg and parents or setting a sponge next to the nest. We're very dry here.
http://www.auspigeonco.com.au/Articles/Dead_in_shell_Pigeon.html

 

[loftkeeper]

give the birds bath water do not think you can help with a sponge just make a wet mess

 

[SunnyAlberta]

They have a bath tub. I think they did last time, too, but I can't remember.