Bert & Ali's EGG!

[alea]

Well, I guess that does it...
Except now I have about a gazillion more questions!
1.) For those of you who hadn't followed my previous thread, I will inform you...
I moved the nest site. My roommate needs the cables in their chosen box, plus their site was not predator safe. I used another box, put it in the cage with the egg and the dried grasses Ali built the first one with. It's been about 30 min. and she hasn't been sitting on the egg. I think she is trying, but Ali keeps chasing her away. I really didn't want to disturb them, but had no choice. Did I disturb them too much? Is it too late? Is Ali jealous because he didn't make the nest??? Is he just starting the courting process over?? he was standing a vigilant watch on her in the closet, and then when I moved her (and the egg) he flew right into the cage. (protective Papa)
2) Can I get dummy eggs from Siegels, Foy's etc, overnight mail? lol
3) I know they are siblings, but if I did let them hatch their eggs, would the chicks certainly be messed up? I know I might anger some folks here, but let me clarify that I do not condone incest in humans, however: the chances of siblings having an ill, (down syndrome, etc.,) baby are about equal with the chances of having a genius. I don't understand all the science, but I have read that more than once. Could it be the same way with animals??? Could their babies be just fine? I know that's a little out there, just a thought that popped into my head. I am fascinated and would kinda like to see how they do with their first offspring.
3) Is there a good chance, if I did allow the egg/s to hatch, (and left them alone, let mommy and daddy feed them..)the babies would be releasable? I hate to think about that,... I know my curiosity is not a great reason to let them breed,... but I am curious and I really couldn't keep 4 birds,...
enough said on that.
4) She still isn't sitting the egg. I worry that I have disturbed the natural course of things too much. Should I keep them confined/away from the old nest tomorrow? She should lay another egg, so maybe if I keep them in the cage they will adopt the new nest site? I don't know,... ANYTHING... But I want to do the right thing for my birds. I would like them to have as comfortable/natural a life as they can in captivity.
Please advise.
I appreciate all of your knowledge/opinions/comments....
Anything.
Thank you.

[alea]

Well, I guess it's safe to say they abandoned egg #1. They are both sleeping on perches, ignoring the new nest box I made. I'm really kind of sad. As much as I like my pigeons as house pets, I would still like to see their basic instincts preserved. I guess that's unreasonable.
Still, I think I will keep them caged tomorrow. Maybe she will lay another, and sit on it? Here's hoping,...
Alea

[cyro51]

Hi Alea,

Unless you have the space to keep the babies I would not let them breed. In the wild the father bird will take the youngsters out, show them where to find food and help them develop the instincts to survive. They will usually be part of an established flock from the outset, and even so their life expectancy will be short. The life expectancy of a pigeon bred in captivity and then released will be even less.

Rehabbers have to compromise because they will have to raise and release nestlings, but they can adjust the balance by putting releasable pigeons together in a release aviary first so that they learn from each other and can be released as a flock, thus improving their chances of survival.


Cynthia

[DaveD]

Good Morning Alea!!!

It's normal for them to ignore the first egg, they would normally begin to sit on them after the second was laid, making the babies grow at the same rate. They will normally protect the first, but won't incubate it.

Foy's does offer express shipping.

As far as the youngsters having problems because the parents are siblings, it's very likely.

I can understand the curiousity of the breeding process!!!!! Right now I'm using almost all false eggs in my loft, and while I know it's for the best and all.........it's still not the same without babies to check on, lol.

------------------
David and Kellie Dittmaier

[Trees Gray]

Hi Alea,

I have nothing but dummy eggs in my coop also!

If they are brother and sister you should not let them brood them. I have seen baby pigeons that were blind because the parents were brother and sister.

Treesa

[alea]

Yeah, I know you are all correct. I will order the dummy eggs.
I feel so guilty right now because "Berta" wants out of that cage! I know she is about ready to lay her second egg.
I'm afraid my interference is going to cause her alot of stress, or even illness. What causes a hen to become egg bound?
I hope they take to the 'nest' I've provided. So far it doesn't look good. I guess I will have to keep them caged until she lays the second, and just hope for the best. The box of cable they chose in the closet will be gone by this afternoon. (My roommate bought a new TV).
uugghhh.