dove breeding

Question
hi we have a breeding pair of fantail doves, unfortunately we have lost two clutches of eggs but they have laid another clutch about 18 days ago and we think 1 might have hatched as we found half an egg at the side of the dovecote do you think this is the case we havent seen a chick and dont know if the parents would sit on a it and dont know if we could check or not? thanks

Answer
Hi Colette,

You can absolutely check! Did you notice if the inside of the eggshell had traces of blood or blood vessels? That would be a great indication that the chick hatched. Have you noticed any nests or areas where the adults seem to sit all day? If so, I would carefully look in those places and underneath the doves, as they do sit on the babies. So, go ahead and carefully look, and let me know!

Thanks,
Stacie