≈ 24–26 hours after ovulation. Clutch size usually 2 eggs (laid 40–44 hours apart, typically in morning). 3. Incubation Period (True “Development Time”) After laying, the embryo develops outside the mother’s body.
| Stage | Location | Duration | Key events | |-------|----------|----------|-------------| | | Ovary | Instant | Releases yolk (ovum). | | Infundibulum | Oviduct start | ~15 min | Fertilization (if sperm present). | | Magnum | Oviduct mid | ~3–4 hr | Albumen (egg white) added. | | Isthmus | Oviduct | ~1 hr | Shell membranes form. | | Uterus (shell gland) | Oviduct end | ~20–24 hr | Shell added (calcium), pigment. | | Laying | Outside | Minutes | Egg laid via cloaca. | pigeon gestation
| Species | Incubation duration (days) | |---------|----------------------------| | Rock pigeon (feral/domestic) | | | Wood pigeon | 17–19 days | | Band-tailed pigeon | 18–20 days | ≈ 24–26 hours after ovulation