Overview
The Pigeon is a pigeon, and its eggs hatch in about 18 days, with a normal window of days 17-19. Incubation difficulty is rated Advanced. Below you'll find the temperature, humidity, turning, candling and hatching steps for this species.
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Pigeon
Usually incubated by the pair; artificial incubation takes 18 days and careful monitoring.
18
days incubation
37.6
°C temperature
60
% humidity
Incubation period
18 days
Temperature
37.4–37.6 °C
Humidity (phase 1)
50–60 %
Turning
5 times per day
Lockdown day
day 16
Hatch humidity
65–70 %
Candling days
5, 12, 16
Hatch window
17–19 days
Pigeon Incubation Guide
Difficulty: AdvancedTemperature and humidity
In a forced-air (fan) incubator, hold the temperature steady at 37.4-37.6 °C and target 50-60% relative humidity in the first stage. Verify the readout with a reliable digital thermometer and hygrometer.
Turning and candling
Turn the eggs an odd number of times per day, 5 times, so the embryo doesn't stick to the shell. Recommended candling days: 5, 12, 16. In a dark room, hold the egg to a strong light; a vein network and movement show fertility, and clear eggs should be removed.
Lockdown and hatching
On day 16, stop turning (lockdown), raise humidity to 65-70% and keep the incubator closed as much as possible. Hatching is expected on days 17-19; once chicks start pipping the shell, be patient, as hatching can take hours.
After-hatch care
Leave the chicks in the incubator until their down dries and they perk up, then move them to a brooder kept at 35 °C for the first week, lowering the heat by about 3 °C each week. Provide clean water and quality starter feed at all times.
Frequently asked questions about Pigeon
How long do Pigeon eggs take to hatch?
Pigeon eggs hatch in about 18 days; most hatch between days 17 and 19.
What temperature and humidity do Pigeon eggs need?
In a forced-air incubator, 37.4–37.6 °C with 50–60% humidity; in the last few days (lockdown) raise the humidity to 65–70%.
When do you candle Pigeon eggs?
Candle on days 5, 12, 16 and remove clear or non-developing eggs at these checks.
When do you stop turning Pigeon eggs?
Stop turning on day 16, then raise the humidity and keep the incubator closed until the chicks hatch.
