In brief:
- Genetics determines potential — environment determines whether that potential is expressed
- Nest: clean, warm (18–22°C), protected from draughts and disturbances
- Incubation: 17–19 days — abandoned eggs or incorrectly incubated eggs do not produce viable youngsters
- First 14 days: the most critical — the quality of pigeon milk depends on how the parents are fed
- Early selection at 3–4 weeks: eliminate youngsters with obvious physical deficiencies
Excellent genetics is necessary but not sufficient. A youngster with champion genes raised in poor conditions will perform averagely. A youngster with average genes raised in optimal conditions can surprise. Environment amplifies or suppresses genetic potential.
Preparing the Nest Before Egg Laying
- Clean and disinfect the nest completely for each new round
- Nest material: dry straw, hay, coconut fibres — a 3–4 cm layer for thermal insulation
- Temperature in the nest area: 18–22°C — below 15°C increases embryonic mortality
- No draughts directed at the nests — they kill small youngsters
- Quiet in the nest area — frequent disturbances lead to abandonment
Incubation: Days 1–17
Pigeons incubate for 17–19 days (average 18 days). Both parents take turns brooding.
- Day 7–8: candle the eggs (ovoscopy). Fertile eggs show a network of blood vessels. Clear eggs are infertile → remove them
- Problem signals: hen frequently leaves the nest, eggs are cold to the touch, the pair fights
- Do not handle eggs unnecessarily — thermal and mechanical shock can kill the embryo
First 14 Days After Hatching: The Most Critical Period
The quality of pigeon milk depends 100% on what the parents eat. A youngster fed nutrient-poor milk will be weaker for life.
- Feed twice daily for pairs with small youngsters — consumption increases dramatically
- Protein-rich mix: peas 28–30%, linseed, chickpeas
- Calcium permanently available for the hen
- Check daily that youngsters are fed: full, round crop = fed; empty crop, weakened youngster = problem
Days 14–28: Growth and Transition
- Youngsters open their eyes fully at day 8–10
- Feathering begins to appear at day 7–10
- At 21–25 days youngsters are almost fully feathered and start pecking independently
- Identification ring (if used): applied at day 7–8 — after that it will no longer fit
Early Selection at 3–4 Weeks
- Examine each youngster: clear eyes, quiet breathing, well-proportioned body, normal plumage
- Eliminate (or mark for exclusion from breeding) youngsters with malformations, deviated bones, cloudy eyes
- Youngsters smaller than their siblings at the same age may be partially abandoned by the parents or have subclinical issues
Concrete Action Steps
- Make a calendar: laying date, expected hatch date, candling date, ringing date
- Photograph each youngster at 3–4 weeks for records — useful for later selection
- Count fertile vs. infertile eggs per pair — a fertilisation rate below 70% indicates a problem
- Do not let pairs raise more than 3–4 consecutive rounds without a break — it exhausts the breeders
Producing quality youngsters is the sum of dozens of small decisions: nest cleanliness, parent feeding, loft tranquillity, temperature. Control each variable and maximise the chances of youngsters reaching their genetic potential.