Reviving Abandoned Pigeon Eggs: A Guide to Successful Incubation

Yesterday, I stumbled upon two abandoned pigeon eggs and decided to make a homemade incubator in an attempt to hatch them. Given the challenges involved, you might wonder about the possibilities for hatching. This article provides an in-depth look at the factors involved in reviving abandoned pigeon eggs and tips on maintaining optimal conditions for successful incubation.

Factors Influencing Egg Hatching

Viability of the Eggs: For abandoned eggs to have a chance at hatching, they must still be viable and fertilized. Typically, pigeon eggs take about 17-19 days to hatch. If the eggs were recently abandoned, their viability is higher. If they were left for a longer period, their chances of successful hatching diminish.

Incubator Conditions: The success of hatching relies heavily on maintaining the right conditions within the incubator. Here are some key factors to consider:

Temperature

The ideal temperature for pigeon eggs is around 99.5°F (37.5°C). It's crucial to ensure that your homemade incubator maintains a stable temperature to avoid thermal fluctuations that could harm the developing embryo.

Nurturing Humidity

Humidity levels play a vital role in the incubation process. Ideal humidity should be maintained at 55-65% during the first part of incubation and increase to about 70% in the final days before hatching. This helps prevent the eggs from drying out, which can lead to developmental issues.

Turning the Eggs

Eggs should be turned gently several times a day to ensure the embryo does not stick to the shell. If manually turning the eggs is not feasible, rotating their position is a suitable alternative. Proper turning helps maintain the embryo's health and increases the chances of successful hatching.

Monitoring

It's essential to monitor the temperature and humidity levels closely using a thermometer and hygrometer. Regular checks ensure that the conditions remain optimal for the eggs. Adjustments can be made as necessary to maintain the best possible environment for the embryo's development.

Egg Inspection

After about a week, you can perform an egg inspection known as candling. This involves shining a light through the egg to check for signs of development. Look for blood vessels or any movement inside the egg. This technique helps determine if the embryo is developing normally.

Potential Risks

Several risks can significantly impact the chances of successful hatching:

Abandoned for too long: Eggs abandoned for an extended period are less likely to be viable and successfully hatch. Damage to the eggs: Any damage could lead to failure in the development process. Unfavorable incubator conditions: Errors in temperature and humidity can severely impact the hatching success rate.

While it's possible to maintain the right conditions, it's essential to be prepared for the possibility that the eggs might not hatch. If you're unsure about the viability, reach out to a local wildlife rehabilitation center for guidance.

Should the eggs fail to hatch despite optimal conditions, it's best to dispose of them. The goal of maintaining a healthy pigeon population already exists, and leaving abandoned eggs in nature could harm the existing population. Furthermore, the parents will simply lay another pair of eggs if the first attempt fails.

Embarking on this journey requires patience and dedication. With the right knowledge and care, there's a fair chance that your efforts can result in a hatched pigeon egg!