Birds--General/Baby Pigeons

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Expert: - 6/13/2006


Question
I was wondering I have 2 baby pigeons that were born Friday or Saturday . How long before they leave the nest ? The mother and father have choosen my 6 floor balcony as there home . I would like to recapture my balcony as it summer and would like to use my outdoor space. Will they continue to come back ?  

Answer
Hi, Jayne.  Thanks for posting.

Baby pigeons don't leave the nest until they are about 28 days old, i.e., when they have all their feathers and look to be full grown.  The father will still tend to them some after they leave the nest...he still has things to teach them!  Mom will start laying eggs again when they (the last babies) are about 21 days old.  

They may continue to come back if they like the location!  You might want to change things around on your balcony to try and dissuade them from returning.  I suggest you wait until the babies are able to fly on their own and dismantle their nest.  You'll have to watch closely as the hen will lay eggs again before you know it.  Daddy takes over their care once the babies leave the nest so mom can lay more eggs.

Chrys  

Birds--General

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Chrys Meatyard

Expertise

I`ve been raising/breeding/handfeeding/selling parrots for over 20 years (parakeets/budgies, cockatiels, 6 subspecies of conures, parrotlets, amazons, lovebirds, etc.). I've been published in "Budgies" and "Cockatiels" offered by Bow Tie Productions, and have written avian articles for publication in England. I can provide advice in raising healthy birds, handfeeding/weaning babies, some health problems (although I'm NOT an avian veterinarian), nail/beak/wing clipping, general husbandry, etc. I also have experience with racing/showing homing pigeons. I cannot diagnose specific illness over this website. If you suspect your bird is ill or if you have an emergency, contact an avian veterinarian or emergency pet clinic ASAP.

Experience

Experience: Over 20 years raising parrots and over 13 years raising pigeons. Organizations: Currently, American Racing Pigeon Union and American Federation of Aviculture. Prior member Miami Valley Bird Club, Southern Ohio Pigeon Association, National Cockatiel Society, Miami Valley Sportsman's Club, others. Publications: Monthly newsletters of bird clubs.

Publications
I've been published in "Budgies" and "Cockatiels" offered by Bow Tie Productions, and have written avian articles for publication in England.

Education/Credentials
American Federation of Aviculture, completed Level I course, Fundamentals of Aviculture. Keeping/breeding parrots and other birds for over 20 years.

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