Runts

erosbooks.RemoveThis@att.net wrote:
> Due to the abnormally hot weather recently in NYC the last three
> clutches of eggs "my" pigeons have laid resulted in both eggs hatching
> 18 days after being laid. The result has been that despite my attempts
> at intervention, at fledging the first hatched chicks were about twice
> the size of the siblings.
> My observations have been that the runts remain small in weight and size
> even after they become independent and join the flock. Since these are
> really feral pigeons I am wondering if the runts will survive in Nature
> and mate. I assume that in the case of specialty bred birds the runts
> are culled.
> e.rosbooks

Alot of pigeon raisers incur this problem during hot weather. I raise
rollers and if it gets too hot, they won't even sit on the nest.
Normally, they don't lay the second egg until a day after the first.
But they dont sit on the first egg until after the second egg is laid,
so that both eggs start incubation at the same time. But sometimes the
heat can mess that all up. 90+ degree heat plus high humidity can cause
the eggs to start incubating.

Sometimes their "runtyness" varies. I have had some that stayed small,
but still had no problem mating, and others that grew to normal size,
albeit taking them longer than most. The size really plays no
importance in mating, although females have a tendency to prefer
dominant cocks, most of which are usually larger. As long as the bird
is healthy and strong, his size should not cause a problem.
Some birds thou, have genetic faults which can cause runt babies. Thats
another subject.
E-Man