Pregnant Pigeon Secrets EXPOSED: How Many Eggs They Lay

Table of Contents

Pigeons are a common sight in urban environments, often seen perched on rooftops, parks, and public buildings. While many people are familiar with their cooing and fluttering, few understand the fascinating biology behind pigeon eggs and the reproductive habits of these birds. If you’ve ever wondered, do pigeons lay eggs, how often they do so, or what happens during the pigeon egg gestation period.

Do Pigeons Lay Eggs?

Yes, pigeons do lay eggs, and they do so with remarkable regularity. Unlike many other wild birds that breed seasonally, pigeons are capable of reproducing throughout the year under the right environmental conditions. This makes them prolific breeders, especially in urban areas where food sources are plentiful and predators are scarce.

The process begins with courtship, where a male pigeon attracts a female with cooing, puffing up his chest, and circling around her. Once a pair bonds, they mate, and the female soon becomes what many people refer to as a pregnant pigeon—although technically, birds do not experience pregnancy in the way mammals do. Instead, they develop eggs internally and then lay them for incubation.

When Does a Pigeon Lay Eggs?

So, when does a pigeon lay eggs after mating? Typically, a female pigeon lays her first egg within 7 to 10 days after mating. She will usually lay two eggs per clutch, with a one-day gap between the first and second egg.

The nesting site is chosen with care. Pigeons prefer secluded, flat surfaces where they can safely sit and incubate their eggs. Urban environments often provide ideal spots like building ledges, air conditioning units, and attic spaces.

How Many Eggs Do Pigeons Lay at a Time?

Most commonly, pigeons lay two eggs per clutch. While it’s possible for a pigeon to lay just one egg or even three in rare cases, two is the norm. These eggs are typically small, oval, and white.

Understanding how many eggs do pigeons lay is crucial for pest control, especially if you’re trying to manage a growing pigeon population. Since pigeons can lay eggs multiple times a year, just one nesting pair can quickly lead to an infestation if left unchecked.

How Often Do Pigeons Lay Eggs?

If you’re wondering how often do pigeons lay eggs, the answer might surprise you. Pigeons can lay eggs as frequently as every month, producing up to 12 clutches per year under optimal conditions. After a pair of squabs (baby pigeons) are old enough to leave the nest, the parents often start the reproductive cycle again almost immediately.

This high reproduction rate is one of the reasons pigeons are so prevalent in cities and urban landscapes. Effective pigeon control strategies must take this rapid cycle into account.

Pigeon Egg Gestation and Development

The term pigeon egg gestation refers to the entire process from egg development inside the female to the hatching of chicks. After the eggs are laid, the gestation period involves pigeon egg incubation time and eventual hatching.

The mother and father share incubation duties almost equally. The male usually sits on the eggs during the day, while the female takes over at night.

Pigeon Egg Incubation Time: How Long Do Pigeons Sit on Their Eggs?

The pigeon egg incubation time typically lasts between 17 and 19 days. During this period, the parents must keep the eggs at a consistent temperature and protect them from predators or environmental hazards.

If you’re asking, how long do pigeons sit on their eggs, the answer is essentially around the clock for the entire incubation period. This commitment to parental care is part of what makes pigeons such effective reproducers.

Pigeon Egg Hatching Time and Hatching Period

The pigeon egg hatching time usually occurs around the 18th day after incubation begins. The chick will use its egg tooth—a temporary, sharp projection on its beak—to crack the shell and emerge.

The entire pigeon egg hatching period can take several hours, during which time the parent birds continue to guard the nest and maintain warmth. Once hatched, the squabs are entirely dependent on their parents for food and care.

How Big Is a Pigeon Egg?

If you’ve ever come across a nest and wondered, how big is a pigeon egg, the average size is about 1.1 inches (2.8 cm) in length and 0.9 inches (2.3 cm) in width. They are slightly smaller than chicken eggs and are white with a smooth shell.

Their small size allows them to fit neatly into the modest nests pigeons build, which are often little more than a few twigs and debris arranged in a flat shape.

Why Understanding Pigeon Reproduction Matters for Pest Control

At American Pest Control, we know that controlling pigeon populations means more than just removing adult birds. Understanding their reproduction cycle—including pigeon egg gestation, how often do pigeons lay eggs, and how long do pigeons sit on their eggs—helps us implement more effective, humane, and long-term solutions.

Whether it’s using exclusion devices to prevent nesting or removing existing nests in compliance with local laws, knowing the facts about pigeon eggs and their life cycle is crucial.

Final Thoughts: Managing Pigeon Populations Starts with the Eggs

Now that you know when does a pigeon lay eggs, how many eggs do pigeons lay, and how long it takes for those eggs to hatch, you’re better equipped to understand the rapid population growth of urban pigeons. A single pregnant pigeon might not seem like a big deal, but within months, she and her mate can multiply their numbers dramatically.

If you’re dealing with a pigeon problem on your property, don’t wait for the eggs to hatch. Contact American Pest Control today. Our trained professionals understand the full lifecycle of pigeons and offer proven strategies to keep your home or business free from avian invaders.

Read more for related content pigeon control :

Call Today

Hours

Pregnant Pigeon Secrets EXPOSED: How Many Eggs They Lay and How Long They Sit on Them!