Ring-neck Doves Mating

Question
Hi, I have two white doves, 1 male, 1 female.  They have "mated" on a few occasions and the female has laid 3 eggs which they have cracked.  I'm wondering why they crack them AND how exactly does the female become inseminated???
Thanks!

Answer
Hi Pia,

The eggs could have cracked if they were not sitting upon proper nesting materials, such as the exposed bottom of a cage or nesting box. The eggs could have also cracked from a weak shell, in which case the hen is lacking in calcium. Also, if the eggs have been sitting around for a while (more than 18 days), they can also crack from the spoiled contents inside or if the parents were not careful when sitting on the eggs or moving around.

As for mating, here is a great site with a bunch of information. The actual process is described at the bottom of the page:

http://www.birds.cornell.edu/pigeonwatch/your-questions/questions-about-mating-a...

Let me know if that was enough information. If not, I can get you more!

Thanks,
Stacie