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Watering Plants When Nesting In Plants

by Lorraine
(Massachusetts)

Dove and Eggs

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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Aug 23, 2008
Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		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
Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		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
Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		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
Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		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
Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		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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starstarstarstarstar 		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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