Expert: Chrys Meatyard - 11/8/2006

Question
Yes I'm sure that I have a male and a female. We've taken them to the vet and he's confirmed along with the person that I got them from that there male/female. Just one egg at a time is being laid. So far all I've seen incubating the egg is the female, the male just seems to sit nearby and guard her he won't let anyone near her. We haven't had a chance to break them open and look at what's inside as they will literally pick them up out of the nest we have for them and smash them on the bottom of the cage. She'll sit on them for about a week sometimes only 4 days and then smashes them open. I have them on dove food that I get from me local pet shop.

Thank you for your time to answer my questions

~Amanda~

Answer
Hi again, Amanda.  

Well, something definitely is amiss here.  Normally, doves/pigeons lay 2 eggs per clutch, and the eggs are laid 1 day apart.  I've raised hundreds of doves/pigeons for over 10 years, and I've never had an incident, nor heard/read of any incidents, where a dove/pigeon will remove eggs from their nest and destroy them purposely (either before or after the incubation period).  Doves/pigeons are normally very good, dedicated parents, and will go to great lengths to protect their eggs/hatchlings.  

You state your doves pick the eggs up out of the nest and smash them on the bottom of the cage...what type of setup do you have your doves in?  How big is this cage?  

Usually when birds purposely destroy their own eggs shortly after laying them, it's because they fear for the safety of their offspring.  The fact that only 1 egg is being laid leads me toward this conclusion also.  Please provide some information about where these birds are being kept, i.e., do you keep them inside your home in a cage, are they outside in a loft or aviary, etc.?

Thanks.

Chrys