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*francis New user 32 Posts |
My two doves hatched an egg about a week ago, and the baby is already HUGE (and quite ugly), and the parents have stopped sitting on it, instead they sit next to it in the nest. Is that anything to be worried about? I don't want my precious doveling to go dying on me.
Another thing, I heard here at the Café that you should only handle the bird 6 weeks after it's hatched, but it's grown so much in ONE week I think it'll be full grown in 6 weeks. Also, I heard here it takes 21 days for the egg to hatch. But it hatched about 10 -12 days after it was laid. Could I have a fast growing dove on my hands? So when can I start traning it? I don't want to miss the imprinting stage. greetings, Francis
*question or comment from Francis Chouler - magician from across the seas in South Africa
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Dave Scribner Assistant Manager Lake Hopatcong, NJ 4849 Posts |
Francis, it's natural for the parents to stop sitting on the baby after a few weeks. By that time, the little one should be starting to be on it's own. Sitting next to it is just part of the parental training.
I've never had an egg hatch in 12 days but if the bird is healthy, don't be concerned. The 6 week rule is a guide just like anything else. I personally don't handle my birds until that time but if you do, be very careful. It may seem like a large healthy bird but it is still fragile and learning about it's environment. You said it was HUGE. How big is that? They do most of their growing in the first 5 weeks. It should be smaller than the parents right now. I've had babies that after the first 8 weeks or so, looked exactly like the parents and I had to really look to tell the difference at first.
Where the magic begins
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*francis New user 32 Posts |
Thanks Dave. I'm sure it's all going to plan. Thanks for your advice
francis
*question or comment from Francis Chouler - magician from across the seas in South Africa
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Kingry Elite user Virginia 464 Posts |
I have lost many babies to the parents lack of attention. If the baby appears to be in poor health, take matters into your own hands.
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*francis New user 32 Posts |
They've stopped sitting on the baby. It's half the size of its parents, and is growing feathers fast.
Dave, a quick question, a friend of mine here in SA said that you can handle the little baby doves becuase the parents know you. What's your view. I don't want to miss the imprinting stage. thanks, Francis
*question or comment from Francis Chouler - magician from across the seas in South Africa
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Dave Scribner Assistant Manager Lake Hopatcong, NJ 4849 Posts |
Francis, don't worry so much about the imprinting stage. Once you start handling the little guy, he'll be fine. You can handle him now just because he is fragile. Just let it perch on your finger for awhile for short periods of time. While its perching, gently stroke down it's back with the other hand and from the beak down to it's legs. He'll begin to get used to you and feel safe. That's the first most important step.
Where the magic begins
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