BellaOnline Forums Home and Garden Birds Diamond Dove laid an egg

I have had two doves for over a year, and Monday night found an egg on the floor of the cage. They were not sitting on the egg. This afternoon she laid another egg, and would not sit on it. Later, I noticed one end of the egg was sunken in looking. I had collared doves for a while and nothing like this ever happened. I got both of these Diamond Doves from the same pet store a week or two apart, and have been hoping they are the same sex so I would not have to deal with eggs, especially if they are related. Has anyone raised these little darlings and have advice? I have a site to go to, and a book. I still want to ask y'all. Thank you for any advice or experience you can share. She seemed to be not having the easiest time laying the egg today, or maybe it was just me, I was pushing right along with her and probably would not make the best Lamaze coach. I love my birds. <img src="/images/graemlins/heart.gif" alt="" />

Its been so long since I've had Diamond Doves, but they are such pretty little birds.

You might still have birds that are both the same sex - females can lay eggs without having a male present. <img src="/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" /> You really gave me a chuckle visioning you as a dove Lamaze coach. <img src="/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" />

I am a little concerned about the egg having a sunken end. This could indicate that the eggshell was a little soft (which would make it harder for her to push out), and she may need more calcium in her diet. Luckily, since she is a dove, this will be all the eggs for a little while since they only lay 2 in a clutch.

Thank you Mavis. She seemed in fine spirits today. My collared doves would lay one or two eggs in each clutch; and the bird lady at the vet said her mourning doves laid 3 per clutch! I am keeping my fingers crossed they are the same sex. The eye rings look the same size but their little diamond spots are different. Starting tomorrow they are getting more calcium in their diets. And I think I shall resign from the Lamaze coach job, there seem to be a few more gray hairs on my head from this ten minute ordeal I went through with her.