Expert: Julia Booth - 12/9/2010

Question
i have 4 pigeons with various disabilities that cannot fend for themselves. They have a house to live in, are sheltered and have an enclosed area to fly in. They have paired off. One pair laid eggs and after 19 days the eggs hatched. That was yesterday. Today both parents were off the nest and i could see the babies. Top to tail, yellowey and very still. They did not appear to be moving and i could see no breathing. I do not know if they are deal, and i do not know what to expect really. would they be asleep and still sort of gestating outside of the egg so i would not see movement?? Is this usual?
We live in the UK, and at present the weather is cold and about minus 3 to 4 in temperature at night. they have a bedding of straw and hay. I would appreciate your help. thank you so much, best wishes, karen x

Answer
Pigeon hatchlings typically eat every two hours. They are quite active during feedings. If they really aren't moving at all, they're either dead or dying. I have never heard of any birds whose gestation takes place outside of an egg.

This is an excellent resource:

http://www.pigeonrescue.co.uk/caringforababypigeon.htm

Let me know if you need more information,

Julia