Dominique Thread!

[centrarchid]

Quote:
My broody hens will range further to get more protein rich feeds for chicks, otherwise only 2 or three chicks per hen seems to survive. I do not think 16% crude protein high enough for little guys. Can you cheat for bitties by supplying higher protein feed in a creep feeder like used for calves?

Yeah I will make it 20% percent protein IF I get a broody. I supplement alot to with scraps and such. I wont let them things die.

When I indicated allowing access to worm beds, similar food supply my hens had access was leaf litter. Worms were present but hibernating (and active) insects were probably more important as a food source for bitties. Hens spent lots of time there so made every effort to ensure leaf litter was deep and covered good size area. It was amazing how much forage could be generated in leaf litter even during winter.

 

[BarredBuff]

Quote:
Yeah I will make it 20% percent protein IF I get a broody. I supplement alot to with scraps and such. I wont let them things die.

When I indicated allowing access to worm beds, similar food supply my hens had access was leaf litter. Worms were present but hibernating (and active) insects were probably more important as a food source for bitties. Hens spent lots of time there so made every effort to ensure leaf litter was deep and covered good size area. It was amazing how much forage could be generated in leaf litter even during winter.

Yeah I have about half an acre that is covered deep in leaves so they woudl have plenty of range

Whats your opinion on this hen?

 

[centrarchid]

Quote:
When I indicated allowing access to worm beds, similar food supply my hens had access was leaf litter. Worms were present but hibernating (and active) insects were probably more important as a food source for bitties. Hens spent lots of time there so made every effort to ensure leaf litter was deep and covered good size area. It was amazing how much forage could be generated in leaf litter even during winter.

Yeah I have about half an acre that is covered deep in leaves so they woudl have plenty of range

Whats your opinion on this hen?
https://www.backyardchickens.com/forum/uploads/45431_dom.jpg

Feathering in good shape indicating good health during most recent molt. Comb/wattles red indicating good condition for laying now. Posture not informative, looks like she is getting ready to take a dump. She looks a little "fluffy butted" which is now typical for breed but not a characteristic I prefer for a free range bird. I am in minority on last account

 

[BarredBuff]

Whats wrong with the fluffy butt??

 

[centrarchid]

Quote:
Most of my strains have it too, with the show lines being most extreme. In respect to free ranging, it is like being in a ballgown on a camping trip, it slows you down and is expensive to maintain. Legs (and wings) of existing doms may be a little shorter than they used to be making for more of fluffy butt look.

 

[BarredBuff]

Oh okay. I like it on my birds......

 

[centrarchid]

Quote:
Fluffy butt not all negative. Doms used to be a tri-purpose breed; eggs, meat and fiber (feathers for pillows and insulation) so more abundant and softer body feather a plus.

 

[BarredBuff]

Quote:
Fluffy butt not all negative. Doms used to be a tri-purpose breed; eggs, meat and fiber (feathers for pillows and insulation) so more abundant and softer body feather a plus.

Can I see some pics of your birds?????????

 

[centrarchid]

Quote:
Fluffy butt not all negative. Doms used to be a tri-purpose breed; eggs, meat and fiber (feathers for pillows and insulation) so more abundant and softer body feather a plus.

Can I see some pics of your birds?????????

I am at work away from camera. You are a break from paper I am writing. Plus I have been neglecting making photos of my different strains because so busy with experiments involving American games. Only image uploaded is of 22 week old male (Elmo) produced by Voter hen x free range production dom rooster. At time of image he is flat backed. He is filling out, plumage and muscle, with testosterone making him stand more erect with better tail posture than shown. He has darn good feet. Most of my show birds (from other breeders) have big fat feet with crooked toes.

 

[BarredBuff]

Nice roo!