I have a dove sitting on a egg that is ready to hatch any day now and I do know that you do not want to disturb them till they feed on their own.
But how soon can I start to train a newborn dove?

Jeff, some start handling the baby immediately but from my own experience, I think it is better to wait until the parents are no longer taking care of it. Usually it takes about 6 weeks or so. Initially I wouldn't try to start a training regiment. Just hold the baby in you hand or on your finger and gently stroke it from the back of the head to the tail. You're gaining confidence from the baby. Gradually work in a little training (moving from hand to hand)

Thank you Dave! That's what I needed to know. I've had babies before but I sold them to other magicians, but I now need to keep this one so I can add him or her to my act. I do find one thing strange with this one though...there is usually 2 eggs but right now there's only 1 and it's been almost 3 weeks.

It's possible there was only 1 egg even though they almost always lay 2. The other option may be that they did lay 2 and one was destroyed before you saw it. If the egg was broken, the adult will eat the shell. Egg shells regardless of where they come from are good for doves.

Hey Jeff, if after 3 weeks, sounds like egg is not fertile, or may have been damaged, hold up to light and see if it is just liquid or a solid mass? Dave is always top notch when it comes to doves!. I had 4 eggs in a nest, 2 just dissapeared, but it was after 2 weeks, more than likely they got damaged from 3 or 4 doves trying to share nest, so as Dave said, They have totally eaten the shell once damaged. I still had 2 eggs in the nest that should have hatched after 15 or so days, held up to sunlight and they were still a liquid form. shows thet are not fertile.

A;sp sometimes the damaged egg will stick to the bottom of the dove if it is cracked and leaking. Raisng doves is a hoot!. I am still trying to up my quota for silkies this year. Good luck with the eggs, and a big hello to you Dave.

Hey Chris, thanks for compliments as usual. You're right about the broken eggs sticking to the belly of the parent. I've had that happen several times.

I looked at the egg lastnight and there is a solid mass and veins tuning throughout the egg. I just looked at it about 10 minutes ago and there is now a small pinhole pushing from the inside out. It's been about 7 years since I let my doves keep there eggs and it's exciting!

Sounds like all is in order as long as the egg hasnt briken during the process, then you will have a mass of stinky stuf in the end, but sounds like the little guy may be making his way out, I wish you the best with this.

Just hatch!!! It's been 7 long years since the last one and it feels like the first one again! Lol

Congratulaions dad. Now the fun begins

Thanks Dave.

Awesome deal!.

Congratulations Jeff! I would not disturb the baby dove for at least a week or more, until the baby fills up the nest and is somewhat feathered. Baby doves grow really FAST! Do realize that the baby will likely 'snap' her beak at you. This is a passing phase.

Please don't start training too early, as this might put too much stress on baby's wings and bones, especially if your dove takes a tumble. Doves are so easy to train anyway, so you really have no worries! You just want baby to feel good with you and not fear you.

Are you a member of MHMS in Denver? I am up in Erie and will be at the next meeting. Please feel free to ask me questions, as I have doves and can help.