Colorado

[suncatcher]

Dominique hens will get to about 5 lbs, while a full grown rooster will be about 7 lbs. They aren't the biggest birds, but they are VERY cost effective. They lay a medium to large size egg (when mature) up to 6 times a week on little feed. Of course, while they are growing they eat like PIGS! The roosters we processed two weeks ago averaged about 4 lbs dressed weight. Still a little smaller than what I want, but we will deal with that via breeding. I want chickens that look like they should (APA Standard), and lay good, and taste good. I can go on and on. and on and on I am a BIG fan of American Dominiques!

They were the first chicken breed identified as being developed in America. Not so much by design, but through what worked for the early colonists over many generations. Meat, eggs, feathers, efficiency, hardiness, etc.

(also, as a side note....did you know that the latin word "Dominicus" means "of the Lord"? I this could mean that Dominiques are God's chickens..just sayin.....)

Heritage breeds generally develop slower than the super-layer types you can order. They also lay for a longer time. When you put a hatchery chicken next to the same type from a breeder with good breeding lines, you can see a big difference in the two. I have some pullets from a show breeder line out of VA, also my rooster from the same line. I also have 10 pullets from Cackle hatchery. Big difference in the two. The hatchery pullets all started laying several weeks before the show breeder birds. In fact, my first hatchery pullet layed almost 5 weeks before my last show pullet. Hatcheries breed for fertility and quantity, not so much for breed standard.

I don't mind the slow to maturing of the breeds, seems this would be better for the chicken in the long run. Do the Dominiques lay a dark brown egg? I was also leaning towards the dark egg layers like the Barnavelder or Marans. Thank you for the wonderful history of the Dominique, I had at one time considered them also.. Do you ever sell Dominique hatching eggs?

 

[wsmith]

I have some that lay a light tan egg, and others (the majority) whose eggs are a medium brown.

I will have hatching eggs available in the spring.

 

[suncatcher]

I have some that lay a light tan egg, and others (the majority) whose eggs are a medium brown.

I will have hatching eggs available in the spring.

Cool, maybe I will have an incubator or broody hen by then!

 

[Ashdoes]

One thing to think about too, is that anyone with a rooster and a hen could be called a breeder. They could breed to a standard, they may not. They may just breed for what they like, and that is it. When looking for a breeder look for one who has similar goals as you for the breed or chicken type.Some people may just waht generic chickens that lay good eggs, and that's fine. Others may want to create a regional survivor chicken that may someday become a breed.
.

this is very true. The woman I got the Cochins from has some beautiful cochins, but the chicks I got are not all going to be anywhere near breed standard. Like my black Roo, he shines a super pretty purple in the sun. Lol. That is not breed standard at all. But, all of them have great feathering, and good personalities. My backyard looks forward to Spring, and fluffy chickens.

 

[Chick_In_The_Burbs]

Suncatcher- I almost forgot! There is a breeder directory on the Colorado Poultry Association website. Not sure how maintained it is since it hasn't seemed to change in the last two years, but its another resource.

 

[Pozees]

Pozees,

I hope the mischief at WM stays south, and doesn’t come up near our place.

My condolences to your co-worker. These things can be hard, not only on the patient but on their families and close friends as well. One thing that Beth and I decided right from the first was to be honest with our kids about the whole thing. That didn’t meant that they got all the details, but we let them know what was going on. I don’t know what kind of cancer she has, but it sounds like things are quite serious. Some parents try to shield their kids, no matter what their age, from bad news and harm. Doctors also don’t always tell the patient or the family the complete story. I have had to do a lot of research on Beth’s particular type of Breast Cancer, and with that knowledge we were able to ask specific questions of the medical teams that got us good answers. I would encourage her to look into it and get to know the enemy. It can be a sober process, but she needs to remember that it may not all be bad, putting it all in perspective.

Here is an excerpt from a piece I wrote that was on our company website last month. Hopefully you and she can use it and perhaps benefit from it:

During Beth’s most recent hospital stay, which included the Emergency room, the Critical Care unit, the Cardio-vascular unit, and the Cancer Unit of Penrose-St Francis Hospital in Colorado Springs, Beth and I came up with and posted several helpful tips on Facebook for those who may come in contact with and associate with cancer patients and survivors. I would like to share some of them with you in hopes that others may find them useful:

1. Just because they haven’t lost their hair doesn’t mean that they aren’t receiving treatment.

Many treatments don’t make the patient’s hair fall out. When we assume that all is well, just because the outward appearance doesn’t scream CANCER, sometimes the patient can feel that no one cares. People who are going through treatments or living with this disease need care and understanding, even though it may not look like they are having problems.

1. Don’t be offended if they don’t always seem to be paying attention

Cancer patients are frequently on some pretty heavy drugs. These drugs can do many things to a person, from making them sick, giving them headaches, or affecting their memory or judgment. You may walk up to them and start talking and then realize that they may not even know you for a minute or two. Be patient with them and don’t be judgmental.

1. Don’t be offended if they seem grumpy

Again, you may not be aware of what they are going through. They may be experiencing pain or discomfort due to their treatment or the cancer itself, or may be dealing with an uncertain future. Worry and uncertainty are now part of their every-day existence. They are dealing with other things which in reality, may be of greater importance that what it others may be aware of.

1. Not all cancers are the same.

Each cancer is different, and each person can react differently to their specific type and to whatever treatment their doctors may prescribe. Some people may be willing to look in to non-traditional treatments, some may not. Do not force your opinion of treatment options. Usually, the patient has a competent doctor or caregiver that usually has a little more experience in this that we do. Just because something worked for your sister’s friend’s cousin doesn’t mean it will work in everybody. Treatments can vary greatly depending on the person and their situation.

1. Don’t ignore it or them: Know your enemy - Cancer

People frequently misunderstand cancer and what is does to the person and their families. Sometimes people choose to ignore the situation, and sometimes in an effort to deal with it they ignore the person and avoid them. Each cancer patient and survivor is different, but in our experience it makes a difference when people understand the situation. Know your enemy. The enemy is cancer. You don’t have to avoid the topic unless the patient wants it that way, but when we talk about it with them, without trivializing the issue, it become more real and then becomes something we can all face, and hopefully someday beat. Do some reading from good sources; take the time to get to know a little of what the person is dealing with.

1. Don’t just ask how things are….

We have a very good support system, both from church, our friends, and our small community. Many of these people are well meaning, but sometimes come up to the patient, in this case my wife Beth, and say something to the effect of, “How are you?” Mind you, Beth will sometimes look like death warmed over when this occurs. Once she answered, “Really? I have cancer and I feel like I’ve been hit by a truck! Isn’t it obvious?” It had been a bad day J. Sometimes it’s better to take a couple of seconds and be observant. Don’t always ask how the person is. Ask them how their day is going, or how they are feeling right now. Use some good judgment and empathy.

1. Give help sincerely and wisely

We are frequently asked if there is anything someone can do for us. Generally, they will be thanked, and told all is good. However, sometimes it may be better if you ask the person if you can do something specific for them. Don’t make the patient or the patient’s family comes up with a good deed for you to do, you may not like what they ask of you. Don’t ask or offer to give help or assistance unless you really mean it. We know that the vast majority of people we come in contact with are just trying to do the right thing, and mean well, but at times these offers can seem insincere. In the last month we have had friends just show up at the door with Beth’s favorite treat, or ready to come and read to her or just spend time with her. This shows that the person really cares.

I’m sure I forgot some of the tips, but you get the idea. Be supportive and positive. Don’t be condescending. Get to know the person or persons involved and show you care.
Cancer isn’t always a pleasant journey, but depending on your outlook, it can be an opportunity for personal growth, and a means to benefit and inspire others.

Wendell, I don't know how to thank you. I copied and pasted your letter to my friend, and she expressed deep gratitude. She was not able to speak freely at the time, but said the news was not good, and will let me know more tomorrow. If it's okay, I might suggest that we come to visit you and Beth one day to see your chickens She grew up in a farm family - she and her brother milked the cow each morning, made their own butter, gathered eggs, butchered their own chickens, and almost never bought anything from a store. She's a neat gal. Thank you again. You made a positive difference for us both today.

 

[Pozees]

I have some that lay a light tan egg, and others (the majority) whose eggs are a medium brown.

I will have hatching eggs available in the spring.

If one of my girls (probably the Cochin if anyone) goes broody, I'd like to be on the list to buy some hatching eggs in the spring. I have gone back and forth on getting an incubator, but am leaning heavily toward natural hatching. The more I read from you and others about Dominiques, the more I think I would really like to have some to add to my flock.

I'm also thinking about ordering some chicks from Duane Urch in the spring, because he has some rose comb leghorns, which I would like very much to raise. I love the whites but am pretty certain the color is a death sentence here (of all the pigeons that have hung around our barn, the whites are always the first killed by birds of prey - makes me wish they were all white so the population would disappear, but that's another topic LOL). If anything I would look for a white roo for breeding purposes if I needed one, but for now would stay with browns, blacks, and reds. Reds I will have to look around for, and I might try some from McMurray if I don't find anything else I can afford, but Duane has browns and blacks and I'm told his chicks are pretty good quality. His price list says chicks are $7 each with a minimum order of 25, which is a lot compared to hatcheries, but probably not a lot compared to good show quality chicks, so I figure somewhere in the middle with at least a chance of getting decent starter stock. Anyway, if anyone wants to combine orders let me know. I have his price list if you want it. Also if anyone has ordered from him before and has experience to share, I'd appreciate it.

I promise I have no intention of using Dominiques to create cuckoo leghorns!

 

[wsmith]

Wendell, I don't know how to thank you. I copied and pasted your letter to my friend, and she expressed deep gratitude. She was not able to speak freely at the time, but said the news was not good, and will let me know more tomorrow. If it's okay, I might suggest that we come to visit you and Beth one day to see your chickens She grew up in a farm family - she and her brother milked the cow each morning, made their own butter, gathered eggs, butchered their own chickens, and almost never bought anything from a store. She's a neat gal. Thank you again. You made a positive difference for us both today.

Glad it was of use. Stop by any time. We are only about 10 minutes north of WM.....Just let me know so I can make sure we will be home.

 

[wsmith]

If one of my girls (probably the Cochin if anyone) goes broody, I'd like to be on the list to buy some hatching eggs in the spring. I have gone back and forth on getting an incubator, but am leaning heavily toward natural hatching. The more I read from you and others about Dominiques, the more I think I would really like to have some to add to my flock.

I'm also thinking about ordering some chicks from Duane Urch in the spring, because he has some rose comb leghorns, which I would like very much to raise. I love the whites but am pretty certain the color is a death sentence here (of all the pigeons that have hung around our barn, the whites are always the first killed by birds of prey - makes me wish they were all white so the population would disappear, but that's another topic LOL). If anything I would look for a white roo for breeding purposes if I needed one, but for now would stay with browns, blacks, and reds. Reds I will have to look around for, and I might try some from McMurray if I don't find anything else I can afford, but Duane has browns and blacks and I'm told his chicks are pretty good quality. His price list says chicks are $7 each with a minimum order of 25, which is a lot compared to hatcheries, but probably not a lot compared to good show quality chicks, so I figure somewhere in the middle with at least a chance of getting decent starter stock. Anyway, if anyone wants to combine orders let me know. I have his price list if you want it. Also if anyone has ordered from him before and has experience to share, I'd appreciate it.

I promise I have no intention of using Dominiques to create cuckoo leghorns!

Duane Urch has good birds.

My Dominique Rooster and two of the pullets are out of Suzette ellington's line, Old Dominion Dominiques. Her stock were originally from Bill Post. Bill Post also posts on BYC as NYREDS. His Dominiques were fabulous, and won many shows. I am working on my own line. Mark Fields, who wrote the book "The American Dominique" likes my rooster "Abe". We'll see what we get next spring. I will hatch out one batch first before selling any eggs, and we will also hatch out a few batches of chicks, Dominiques are naturally sex linked, so we can pick out pullets as soon as the chicks are dry. Very easy to tell genders. Any roosters that don't sell we will grow out and pick out 1, the rest get butchered. We will only keep about 10-15 or so pullets from next year's hatch.

We were talking about hatching out some of our easter egger pullet eggs as well. Would those offspring be called Domineggers?

 

[Mtn Margie]

I have had a few chicks from Murdoch's and they are definitely not the highest quality, but do vary from year to year and with the breed. The BO was the best. I only have two left of the Murdoch's chicks and have decided to upgrade the flock with better quality birds, (now that I know more), and try to get a good all-round backyard bird that can deal with life up here in the clouds or above the clouds, depending on the day!

I would love to order from the Sandhill Preservation Center but have not done so yet, partially because I don't need 25 birds at one time, hint, hint.