Table of Contents

If you’ve ever stumbled upon a pigeon’s nest or wondered why you rarely see a baby pigeon, you’re not alone. Pigeons are among the most common urban birds, yet their early life stages remain surprisingly elusive. In this comprehensive guide, we uncover the hidden life of baby pigeons, young pigeons, and the fascinating science behind how long pigeon eggs take to hatch.

The Mystery of the Newborn Pigeon

Have you ever noticed that you never seem to see a newborn pigeon? While adult pigeons are everywhere, from city streets to suburban rooftops, spotting a hatchling is almost impossible unless you go searching for a nest.

A newborn pigeon is called a “squab.” These tiny birds are born nearly featherless and are extremely dependent on their parents. They are usually hidden in sheltered nesting spots like building ledges, attic corners, or abandoned structures, which is why most people never catch a glimpse of them during their earliest days.

Squabs are incredibly fragile, and their development relies on the warm, sheltered environment provided by their parents. For pest control professionals, understanding where pigeons nest and how they raise their young is crucial to removing them humanely and effectively.

What Do Young Pigeons Look Like?

As young pigeons grow, they go through several changes. Within the first week, their eyes open, and by two weeks, downy feathers begin to cover their bodies. By the time they’re three to four weeks old, they start to resemble adult pigeons, though they are still slightly smaller and may have darker beaks or eyes.

It usually takes about 4 to 6 weeks for young pigeons to be strong enough to leave the nest and start flying. At this stage, they’re often referred to as fledglings.

Young pigeons are just as destructive as adults once they become mobile. Their droppings and nesting habits can lead to serious damage in homes and commercial buildings, which is why proactive pigeon control is essential.

How Long Do Pigeon Eggs Take to Hatch?

One of the most common questions we hear is: how long do pigeon eggs take to hatch? The short answer is about 18 days.

Pigeons usually lay two eggs per clutch, and both parents share the responsibility of incubating them. The male typically incubates during the day, while the female takes over at night. This tag-team effort ensures a consistent temperature for the developing embryos.

Now, you might be wondering, how long does pigeons eggs take to hatch if conditions aren’t ideal? The answer is that it can vary slightly. In colder weather or if the nest is disturbed, hatching can be delayed by a day or two. Still, 17 to 19 days is the average time frame.

And yes, if you’re phrasing the question a bit differently and asking how long for a pigeon egg to hatch, you’re still looking at the same incubation period—roughly 18 days. Regardless of how you phrase the question, the answer remains consistent and scientifically backed.

Why Pigeon Reproduction Matters for Pest Control

Understanding pigeon reproduction is vital in creating effective pigeon control strategies. By knowing how long pigeon eggs take to hatch, pest control professionals can anticipate population booms and intervene before fledglings become a new generation of pests.

Here’s why timing is key:

Egg Removal: If pigeon eggs are identified early enough, removal (under legal guidelines) can prevent another batch of nuisance birds from taking flight.
Nest Disruption: Interrupting the nesting cycle can dissuade pigeons from returning to the same spot.
Humane Deterrents: Timely intervention ensures humane solutions like netting, spikes, or pigeon birth control are more effective.

At American Pest Control, we monitor nesting cycles and hatch timelines closely. This allows us to implement pigeon management solutions with precision, reducing the chances of long-term infestation.

Signs You May Have a Pigeon Nest Nearby

Since you rarely see a baby pigeon, the presence of a nest may go unnoticed until the problem worsens. Look out for:

Clusters of droppings in corners or on ledges
Persistent cooing sounds, especially in early mornings
Loose twigs or straw near air vents or under eaves
Feathers and debris gathering in secluded areas

If you suspect that pigeons are nesting on your property, acting fast is crucial. By the time the young pigeons leave the nest, they’re ready to cause just as much mess and damage as their parents.

Effective Pigeon Control Services You Can Trust

At American Pest Control, we take a strategic approach to pigeon management. Our technicians are trained to locate nests, identify active breeding pairs, and assess the best time for safe and humane removal. We also offer solutions like:

Anti-roosting spikes
Netting and exclusion systems
Eco-friendly deterrents
Egg replacement programs
Nest site cleaning and sanitation

Pigeon infestations are more than just a nuisance. The buildup of droppings can lead to structural damage, corrosion, and even respiratory health issues for your family or employees.

🐣 The Surprising Role of Male Pigeons in Raising Chicks

While most people assume only female pigeons care for the young, the male pigeon (cock) plays an equally vital role. He helps:

Guard the nest against predators
Feed the squabs with crop milk, a highly nutritious secretion
Warm the eggs during daylight hours while the female rests

This cooperative parenting system is rare among birds, making pigeons surprisingly advanced when it comes to co-parenting. In fact, research shows that male pigeons often take the lead when the chicks are about a week old.

🥚 What Determines the Hatching Time of Pigeon Eggs?

Most sources agree that pigeon eggs hatch in about 17–19 days, but in real-world urban environments, the hatching time can be affected by:

Weather conditions: Cold temperatures may delay development.
Stress levels in the parent birds caused by noise or human activity.
Health of the parents: Sick or malnourished pigeons produce weaker embryos.

Understanding these factors is important for humane bird control, especially for building managers or pest professionals aiming to prevent nesting.

🔬 Baby Pigeon Development: Week-by-Week Breakdown

Week 1:

Hatchlings are nearly featherless and blind.
Fed crop milk exclusively.

Week 2:

Down feathers emerge.
Eyes begin to open.
They double in size.

Week 3–4:

Start eating regurgitated seeds and grains.
Feathering becomes more visible.
Begin fluttering inside the nest.

Week 5:

Fledge (leave the nest) but stay nearby.
Still dependent on parents for food.

Adding this timeline helps bird watchers, students, and pest control professionals better identify the age of squabs found on properties.

🐦 Why You Rarely See Baby Pigeons in the Wild

It’s not a myth—most people never see baby pigeons. Here’s why:

Pigeon nests are often hidden in high, undisturbed places like rooftops, under bridges, or in abandoned buildings.
Squabs do not leave the nest until they resemble adults, unlike many other bird species.
Urban pigeons often reuse nests, making it hard to spot different age stages.

This mystery contributes to the long-standing joke: “Where are all the baby pigeons?”

🌡️ How Urban Heat Affects Baby Pigeons in Las Vegas

Las Vegas’s intense heat introduces unique challenges:

Rooftop nests can reach over 120°F, putting eggs and hatchlings at risk.
Parents need to increase hydration and shade behavior.
Chicks may suffer heat stress or dehydration if nests are poorly located.

Understanding these risks helps guide ethical pigeon control practices—especially in areas like HVAC units or solar panels.

📷 The Hidden Lives of Squabs Captured on Camera

Wildlife enthusiasts and urban explorers have started documenting squab development using motion-triggered cameras. These videos reveal:

Night-time feeding routines
Sibling squab fights for food
The awkward first moments of fledging

These insights help demystify pigeon development and educate the public on why humane exclusion methods matter.

🔄 What Happens If a Baby Pigeon Is Abandoned?

Occasionally, squabs are left alone due to:

Death or injury of a parent
Nest disruption by humans or predators
Sickness in the chick (which prompts natural abandonment)

Wildlife rehabbers suggest:

Not touching the squab unless it’s in danger
Contacting a licensed bird rehabilitator
Avoiding feeding milk or bread (dangerous for squabs)

Final Thoughts: Don’t Let Baby Pigeons Become a Big Problem

It may start with a single pair and a few eggs, but in just a few short weeks, those baby pigeons become a full-fledged flock. Understanding how long pigeon eggs take to hatch, recognizing the signs of young pigeons in your attic or rooftop, and identifying a newborn pigeon before it matures can make all the difference in maintaining a pest-free environment.

So the next time you ask, how long for a pigeon egg to hatch, remember: the clock is ticking, and acting early can save you time, money, and major headaches.

Ready to take control of your pigeon problem?
Contact American Pest Control today for a free consultation and expert pigeon removal solutions.

🐣 Frequently Asked Questions About Baby Pigeons

❓ Why don’t people ever see baby pigeons in cities?

Because squabs remain in hidden nests (rooftops, bridges, building vents) until they’re nearly adult-sized and fully feathered. By the time they leave the nest, they look like grown pigeons.

❓ How long do baby pigeons stay in the nest?

Typically 25 to 32 days, depending on weather, food supply, and parental care. In colder environments, they may take slightly longer to fledge.

❓ What is “pigeon crop milk” and is it real milk?

Yes, but it’s not mammalian milk. Crop milk is a nutrient-rich secretion from the lining of both parent pigeons’ crop. It’s essential for the survival and rapid growth of baby pigeons during their first week.

❓ What should I do if I find a baby pigeon on the ground?

If the squab has feathers and seems healthy, its parents are likely nearby. Leave it alone unless it’s in immediate danger. If it’s injured or featherless, contact a licensed wildlife rehabilitator—do not feed it human food.

❓ Can baby pigeons survive extreme heat in Las Vegas?

Only with proper nest placement and hydration from parents. Rooftop nests in Vegas can exceed 120°F. Poorly shaded nests can lead to chick dehydration or death.

❓ Do both pigeon parents raise the babies?

Yes. Both male and female pigeons take turns incubating eggs and feeding the chicks. Males often guard the nest and help feed for several weeks.

❓ How many eggs do pigeons lay at once?

Usually two eggs per clutch. Both eggs are incubated simultaneously, and they typically hatch a day apart.

❓ How often do pigeons reproduce?

Urban pigeons can breed up to 6–8 times per year, especially in warmer climates like Las Vegas, making population control essential for property owners.

Read more for related content pigeon control :

Call Today

Hours

Shocking Secrets of Baby Pigeons: What You Never Knew About Young Pigeons and Their Mysterious Hatching Process