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Dove Carrying Egg Shell

by Denise
(Holmes Beach, Fl)

We have doves outside and above our porch door (they built the nest while we were away.) They have been there about 6 weeks as far as we know. We keep that door closed so as not to disturb them.

One morning, during the takeover, the one flying away (the male I suppose) flew off with a small white egg in his beak. It looked like the egg was cracked, but not heavy. Do they clear the nest of the egg shells when the chicks come out. I would be obliged if anyone else has seen this and let me know.

When the chicks leave the nest, do the parents return and lay more eggs immediately? I would like to know this, as we really do need to use the door to go outside.

When the chicks do leave we could then dismantle the nest and they would find somewhere not quite so busy for themselves. We have been held captive (not able to go out the door) for an hour or so several time during the mornings while he/she make up their mind to fly into the nest and do the takeover.

Sorry I can't write 4 paragraphs - but I really would like to know about the removal of the egg.

Thank you

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Dove Carrying Egg Shell

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Jun 06, 2010
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Dove Shells
by: Anonymous

Yes, our parent doves did clean out their nest after the hatching. Bird from CA.

Jun 24, 2009
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Baby chick died.
by: Denise

Sadly, for the third time, the baby chick fell out of the nest and broke his neck. We had put him back twice but for some reason he fell out again. My husband went up to look at the nest (Mom/Dad were not there) and he found another egg, but it had two holes in it, so presumed it was dead, it was also gray!

We dismantled the nest, buried the dead chick and we hope they find another place to raise their future chicks. Ours was much too busy and we have two dogs. I was really upset - but I guess the old adage is true, nature takes care of itself.

Thanks Gene for you advice.

Jun 20, 2009
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Dove Using Same Nest
by: Elaine

I have a pair of doves that have had 2 broods already this season in the same nest. I read that they could have up to 5 broods a season, not that they do but it is possible. It was approximately 2 weeks between the time the babies flew away the first time before she started nesting again. It will be a week today that the 2nd brood flew away so we will see if she comes back again. I will keep you posted.

Elaine
Franklin, TN

Jun 20, 2009
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I am on my 3rd nest this year
by: Anonymous

I live in CA. I have never witness a dove removing any shells, but have not seen any left behind. I am on my 3rd nest in the same spot in one year - a first and a very exciting revelations for me (and me, alone. My family thinks I am nuts).

I read in CA that it was unlawful to remove any nest (a good thing to dictate to my husband) and I have barely had one new family fly the coup before another couple (the same? I don't know) swoops in and supplements the nest for another brood.

It has been going on for 3 months now. I am delighting in it as I created a pseudo frame for the nest in our patio covering that seems to be doing just the trick. I tell my husband we are so fertile and he looks at me like - dear GOD, woman, we are so done multiplying.

Still, it is a wonderful gift of nature that I find especially heartwarming in these oh, so, challenging times.

What can others tell me about the same couple revisiting the same nest w/in the same season?

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