Expert: Julia Booth - 7/14/2010

Question
After a wicked rain storm a robins egg was found in my yard. I could not find the nest it came from. It was still warm so I thought it would be a good idea to have the mourning dove which is currently sitting on her eggs in a hanging basket on my covered porch try to hatch this egg as well.  Is this a good idea?

Answer
I don't think an idea like that is either good or bad. Your circumstances were extenuating and you got creative.

Will it work out? It definitely could.

I have seen doves raise other birds' eggs. The incubation and fledging time of doves and robins are similar enough that the mom may not even notice the little stranger in her nest. Robins are certainly more aggressive. But I'm not sure if that would be an issue at this stage of development.

Let me know how it turns out. I'm curious.

And take pictures, if you can.


Julia