Keeping hens on eggs while cocks are away.

Talk about anything racing pigeon related here aslong as there isnt a section for it.
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Diamond Dave
Posts: 1179
Joined: Thu Apr 04, 2024 7:05 pm
Great Britain

Sorry guys - me again.
I need to ask if there is a way of keeping the hens on the nest while the cocks are being heldover at the racepoint.
I promised a young lad a round of babies out of my race birds and I have already had 2 hens leave their nests.
Cocks have been gone since early Thursday and just been advised of a holdover.
Only got 7 pairs anyway so only have 10 to give him now instead of 14.
goose1
Posts: 333
Joined: Fri Apr 05, 2024 8:53 am
Great Britain

Yes pretty simple just take the hen out and basket her. Put back in for a few hours to sit then back in the basket again. Better to keep the box locked too when she's sitting to stop other cocks going in and bothering her.

Same thing will work with cocks to a certain degree although cocks will lose interest after a few days. But usually all hens will sit if you do this from cock goes to race.

Sorry just seen the bit about keeping the eggs, you could just mark the eggs and move them under a pair that aren't at a race. Pigeon will sit 4 eggs no bother at all
Diamond Dave
Posts: 1179
Joined: Thu Apr 04, 2024 7:05 pm
Great Britain

Thanks Goose - thats really helpful.
Diamond Dave
Posts: 1179
Joined: Thu Apr 04, 2024 7:05 pm
Great Britain

Thanks for the support lads.I think I may have posted too late and all except one hen had left the eggs.
Nonetheless a great little nugget to learn so thanks goose.
I put out a message on the fed website and within about 20 minutes I have replaced those 16 birds and a few more.
The lad is obviously delighted and I am not feeling quite so bad about it all - win win!
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