Mourning Dove Moving its Eggs (2 Viewers)

[Kbirds]

Hi All!

A mourning dove recently created a neat and laid an egg on my fire escape. The next day, she laid a second egg in a nearby planter (also on the fire escape). I am concerned that she didn't lay the eggs together.

Can the second egg survive in this planter without the parents? While I consistently see a parent on or near the nest with the single egg, I haven't seen a bird address the egg in the planter at all.

Should I use gloves and move the egg into her nest to make it easier for her? I would like to give the babies the best chance of survival, but I don't want to create any rejection for both/either of the eggs.

Thank you!

 

[wyluq]

yes mourning doves CAN move eggs from one place to another. They peck a teeny tiny hole in the shell so a little bit of fluid comes out. This drop of fluid then hardens and forms a "nub" that the adult bird can then grab with its beak, pick up the egg, and transport it. I know. The brilliance is mind blowing....

 

[wyluq]

Hi All!

A mourning dove recently created a neat and laid an egg on my fire escape. The next day, she laid a second egg in a nearby planter (also on the fire escape). I am concerned that she didn't lay the eggs together.

Can the second egg survive in this planter without the parents? While I consistently see a parent on or near the nest with the single egg, I haven't seen a bird address the egg in the planter at all.

Should I use gloves and move the egg into her nest to make it easier for her? I would like to give the babies the best chance of survival, but I don't want to create any rejection for both/either of the eggs.

Thank you!

Feb 6, 2022 — Animal Help Now directs anyone in the UNITED STATES who encounters a WILDLIFE EMERGENCY to the closest, most appropriate help, 24/7. Go to their website ahnow.org. You'll put in your zip code and they'll direct you to nearest resources in your area. These people can answer such questions. Their phone number is 1-303-543-0755 Good Luck!

 

[KC Foggin]

To Kbirds and wyluq

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