How Do Pigeons Reproduce? Detailed Methods and Step-by-Step Guide
Pigeons are very common birds, widely kept around the world, and are the collective name for hundreds of species of birds in the order Columbiformes, family Columbidae. What we usually call pigeons is just one species within the genus Columba, and specifically the domestic pigeon. So, how do pigeons reproduce?
1. Pairing period
For pigeons that have already matured, according to the breeder's purpose, a male and a female are paired up and kept in a pigeon cage so that they develop feelings for each other and eventually mate and lay eggs. This period is the pairing period. Most pigeons can develop affection during the pairing period and become a devoted “couple,” living together, producing together, and never separating. This stage lasts about 10-12 days. If during the pairing period the pigeons are found to be incompatible in temperament, they should be separated promptly.
2. Incubation period
This is the process after the male and female pigeons have successfully paired, in which the two mate and the female lays fertilized eggs, and then they take turns incubating them. This period lasts about 17-18 days. The brooding period is the stage from the hatching of the squabs until they can live independently. After the squabs are born, the male and female pigeons produce pigeon milk, jointly care for the squabs, and take turns feeding them. During this period, the pigeons begin mating again, and after the squabs are 2-3 weeks old, they lay another clutch of eggs. This stage requires 20-30 days.
3. Brooding period
From birth to full development, squabs need 4 months; some early-maturing breeds need only 3 months. At this point, the pigeons have all the characteristics of mature pigeons, will come into heat, mate, and have reproductive capacity. However, it is inappropriate for pigeons that have just approached maturity to be paired for breeding; they should wait until they are fully mature before being paired for production.
Pigeons generally need to reach 6 months of age, by which time their bodies have developed sufficiently, before they can mate and reproduce normally.