Watering Plants When Nesting In Plants

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Watering Plants When Nesting In Plants

by Lorraine
(Massachusetts)

Dove and Eggs

Question: Should I water the hanging plant????

Mourning Doves nested in a hanging plant that hangs a couple of feet from the window in our den. We literally walk about 1 foot from the plant when we come up the steps to enter the house.

At first we noticed just the nest, then one egg, and a couple of days later a second egg :-)

During the first week the dove would fly away when we went out or came in, now it doesn't even move when we walk by. The babies should be hatching any day now - it's almost been two weeks.

We haven't watered the plant and it is seriously dropping, but I worry about protection for the birds. Do they need the foliage? Should I water to revive the plant?

Baby Doves

The babies have arrived! At first we couldn't see them because they stayed under the parent all the time. Then we started to see 2 mounds of eathers underneath mom/dad. Today, they are sitting out on their own. Here are some pics.

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Watering Plants When Nesting In Plants

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May 09, 2009
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Sweet
by: Anonymous

Thank you! I did water my plant, just now. Dad is definitely more skittish than the mom, he flew out quickly. I watered just around the edges and not by the edge closest to the eggs. Now I'm waiting for daddy to come back :)

May 09, 2009
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Go ahead and water
by: Anonymous

Hi,

It's safe to water around the nest but try to direct the water away from the eggs until they hatch. The dove will likely fly off but don't be alarmed - they always return in about 30 mins after you leave. They'll fly off and even though you can't see them THEY'RE WATCHING YOU. Long before they decided to raise their family with you they'd been watching and observing your habits. They didn't just fly by with some twigs one day and say "Hey, that looks like a good spot" then move in. Noooo, they observed the area and your habits then decided it was a safe spot to raise their family. They already know you come out to water.

With mine, before the babies have hatched I water during the warmest part of the day. In my head the eggs don't lose as much warmth that way. Mine are in a 3 foot planter box right next to the back door. I move slowly past the nest so as not to alarm them, let them get used to me being there then water. I have a little watering with a long narrow spout can so it's easy to control where the water goes.

The only time I'll NOT water is during the final 2-3 days of the clutches month long stay. By then the babies have all their feathers and can fly if need be. Last season I accidentally scared them and one of the babies flew off. It didn't return until many hours later after I'd spent the entire day feeling horrible and worrying about that baby. It returned and I was so relieved and then decided not to be extra super cautious during that period.

I know, this is long but I hope you'll see it's okay to water, that it won't harm your doves. They chose to raise their family close to you so feel honored, treat them kindly and give your plant a little love and water it. 8-)

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May 09, 2009
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Submitted by: Anonymous

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Hi, It's safe to water around the nest but try to direct the water away from the eggs until they hatch. The dove will likely fly off but don't be alarmed - they always return in about 30 mins after you leave. They'll fly off and even though you can't see them THEY'RE WATCHING YOU. Long before they decided to raise their family with you they'd been watching and observing your habits. They didn't just fly by with some twigs one day and say "Hey, that looks like a good spot" then move in. Noooo, they observed the area and your habits then decided it was a safe spot to raise their family. They already know you come out to water. With mine, before the babies have hatched I water during the warmest part of the day. In my head the eggs don't lose as much warmth that way. Mine are in a 3 foot planter box right next to the back door. I move slowly past the nest so as not to alarm them, let them get used to me being there then water. I have a little watering with a long narrow spout can so it's easy to control where the water goes. The only time I'll NOT water is during the final 2-3 days of the clutches month long stay. By then the babies have all their feathers and can fly if need be. Last season I accidentally scared them and one of the babies flew off. It didn't return until many hours later after I'd spent the entire day feeling horrible and worrying about that baby. It returned and I was so relieved and then decided not to be extra super cautious during that period. I know, this is long but I hope you'll see it's okay to water, that it won't harm your doves. They chose to raise their family close to you so feel honored, treat them kindly and give your plant a little love and water it. 8-)

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May 09, 2009
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To water or Not?
by: Anonymous

Oh my, I'm faced with the same dilemma. I have a nesting mourning dove in my hanging petunia. I'm sure the leaves and flowers offer some protection but do I continue to water? I want the eggs to be safe and I'd love for mom and dad to come back again.

What to do !!

Aug 23, 2008
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It's fine to water
by: Anonymous

Doves are gentle and trusting birds. My Dove family raised 4 clutches this season and grew more at ease with me as time passed. By the 4th clutch I once accidentally watered the Dad's tail feathers and he didn't budge. He didn't even look alarmed. The key is to be gentle and careful - it's perfectly okay to water. And even weed a little bit, just be in tune to the family and if they look frightened then back off. They'll get used to you in time and it's such a joy to watch them.

Aug 23, 2008
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Watering Is Fine
by: Anonymous

I water my hanging plant where a Mourning Dove is currently on her second clutch of the year. I'm very careful and only pour the water on the side of the plant very slowly. She doesn't seem to mind at all.

Jul 07, 2008
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Response - When do the babies come out?
by: Anonymous

Doves grow super fast and within 2 weeks of hatching are already off flying. I notice mine coming out from under the parents a week after hatching. By then they're decently big and their feathers are coming out. You'll see them the first week when feeding but they still need mom and dad to keep warm.

Enjoy your little family!

Jul 06, 2008
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When do babies come out from hiding
by: Anonymous

I also have doves in a hanging planter. I watered one day and saw something fly but didn't realize that it was a dove and she had a nest there. The following monday, I saw her (or him) and stopped watering the plant. I even moved a bottom twig that was in way of her tail and she didn't flinch. On Friday, I was worried that she wasn't eating so I dropped some seed next to her and she flew. It was then that I saw two babies. My question is, about how long after the babies hatch do they come out of hiding.

Jun 14, 2008
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Water Cautiously
by: Anonymous

I do water my plant that holds the nest but during the day. Why? Because "dad" is comfortable around me and won't fly away. He lets me water right next to the nest (don't drown them!). "Mom" on the other hand will fly off but she always returns - within the hour. I'm not so concerned about the plant so much as the shade and protection the plant offers my dove family. THAT's why I keep the plant alive 8-)

May 25, 2008
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Watering Plants When Nesting in Plants
by: Anonymous

Lorraine, I wouldn't water the plants until the baby birds have left the nest. You can ask yourselve, "Do I get more enjoyment from watching the Mourning Dove nest or does my hanging plant bring me the most joy"? You can replace the plant but not the eggs or young birds. Watering the plants could stop the development of the eggs. Betty

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