Mourning Doves have been incubating for more than 6 weeks - are they dead?

by BenW
(Toronto, Ontario)

I have been watching 2 Mourning Doves take turns incubating 2 eggs on my balcony for well over 6 weeks now. I am assuming they are dead, and yet the pair keep sharing the nesting duties.

What should I do? I am hoping to re-gain access to my balcony soon, to plant and enjoy the warming weather, but am hesitant to disturb the birds & eggs. Should I get rid of these "dud" eggs?

Comment
Hi Ben. You can read more about Mourning Doves, on this page of my site; Mourning Doves. Are you sure, it has been 6 weeks? One could candle them to see if there is a live embryo inside.
Keep us posted.
Susan

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May 13, 2011
 Still not hatching
by: BenW

Lisa,

It's now been 8 weeks. The two eggs still haven't hatched, but the birds keep taking turns sitting on them.

Should I just take the eggs away?

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