Dominique Thread!

[centrarchid]

Quote:
If developement observed after hatch, then adding feed to list of possibilities I would do.

 

[flitter]

Are you thinking allergic to something in the feed? I used a quality chick starter and no others (about 20 in the brooder) have developed it so it could be something this particular chick is sensitive to?

 

[centrarchid]

Quote:
I am thinking a vitamin or mineral (more likely former) is off or some toxin in diet. Both could be a function of storage as most feed makers very good at making complete nutrient formulation for chicks.

 

[WallTenters]

Not allergies, but rather a vitamin defficiency. I would try adding some rooster booster to his feed.

However, even if that fixes the problem, I would probably still not want him for breeding. If he is unable to get enough vitamins out of that feed, his offspring could also need special treatment and that's not really desirable.

 

[buffalogal]

But if the feed is deficient, wouldn't it eventually cause problems with all the birds raised on it, or their descendants?
In a sense, it sounds like the bird with the bad feet is the canary in the coal mine; one hyper sensitive individual that alerts you that there'sa problem before it's too late for everybody.

 

[centrarchid]

Quote:
Not usually. I do fish nutrition research where diets are made with a range of levels for a given nutrient. Individuals fed diets with adequate level seldom exibit health issues or depressed growth but as nutrient level decreases an increasing proportion but usually not all individuals are affected. Only at extremely low nutrients are all individuals affected. Genetics definantly influences what proportion is affected at a given nutrient level so Waltenters logic is sound.

 

[Gallusfarm]

Great insight and advice. Thanks.

 

[Gallusfarm]

A friend hatched one of our Doms - the silver guy in the back. One of the lightest I've seen. He is out of the Dom pen, so not crossed. At first I wondered...

 

[off-grid hen]

2 of my 5 hatchery stock girls. I love these birds, so friendly! They always hop up for a cuddle! One trills every time I stroke her feathers. I have 5 Doms. Photos taken on cloudy weather this morning, they are 7 weeks old tomorrow.

 

[wsmith]

Good photos!