Dominique Thread!

[Alaskan]

When I had my coop built, I had them put two hen doors. One door goes to existing run, the other will open to future run and the plan is to alternate biweekly usage. Not sure if this will work, but I find there is a lot of mold growth in the run now from feed and poo and just general dampness (we having tons of misty cloudy rainy ick this yr). I wish we could free range them but the hawks are a plague. I will probably end up setting the culls loose when they are big enough to defend themselves from the gamefowl. For now its getting crowded.

I would suggest a bunch of sand in the run....


Also, look at those grow frames that some people use.... The grass grows up through the frame for the chickens to eat, but enough of the grass and the roots are protected, so it doesn't die.

 

[diriel]

How about a Mullion Door Heater, or Freezer Drain Heater, with a temperature switch? You can get the Freezer Drain Line Heaters with a built in thermostat, typically 40 watts per meter for use near plastic, or 50 watts per meter otherwise. Commonly they will require 230 volt connections, but if you look around you can probably find 115 volt as well. Flexelec I know sells the 230 volt type... google search might turn up others.

I would consider possibly a metal electrical conduit, or possibly some water pipe if you think heavier walled pipe is in order. Possibly consider and inside pipe of thin wall type to wrap the heat wire around, then an outer pipe. You could use some

 

[JediJinx]

The run is too large for sand or under framing, about 65' x 50', The fence is 6' high and topped with aviary netting. The ground is fully grassed but there are these ugly patches of black where the feed bowl sat for a few days and feed spillage + mold killed the grass. Sort of unattractive and perhaps unhealthy? They don't really dig it up too much, they have a dirt bath spot under shelter and a couple of boards for shade - I'd like to plant something hardy that will provide shade + roosting branches for the kids so its more natural.. I place several dog bowls of feed around so the youngsters get a chance to eat without hen drama. The new run will be of similar size, only longer-more narrow. Once the boys go to freezer camp in a couple months it will be more comfortable for everyone but I am also starting a flock of buckeyes so definitely need the second run.

 

[Alaskan]

A grazing frame can be any size, small ones can be used over problem spots to let grass seed sprout or what ever.

NOT my picture! It is from

https://www.backyardchickens.com/t/627048/grazing-frame-plans-to-protect-grass-for-chickens

Your run sounds lovely!!!

 

[Faraday40]

Just want to check back in & see if you guys still think this may be a female

Day 1



now Day 10 (florescent lighting may make color slightly off)







This breed & comb are all new to me. I have no other Dominiques to compare.
Thanks for your help.

 

[Alaskan]

I still vote girl..... Notice the feathers growing in look pretty dark (a rooster would have lighter feathers).

 

[Faraday40]

I still vote girl..... Notice the feathers growing in look pretty dark (a rooster would have lighter feathers).

Good to know. Thanks.

My daughter is falling in love with this one, so I'm strongly hoping for female.

 

[Mavabird]

My Dominique is now almost eight weeks old. This is the friendliest and sweetest chick in my small flock, and I hope so much it's a girl. Opinions, please?

 

[Sylvester017]

Just want to check back in & see if you guys still think this may be a female

Day 1



now Day 10 (florescent lighting may make color slightly off)







This breed & comb are all new to me. I have no other Dominiques to compare.
Thanks for your help.

The leg/toe spotty shading down the front, the tight white head dot, and darker plumage all say GIRL!

My Dominique is now almost eight weeks old. This is the friendliest and sweetest chick in my small flock, and I hope so much it's a girl. Opinions, please?

The darker plumage and pink comb say girl (still has shading down the front shanks too). Boys would have wider silver bars while the girls have wider dark bar feathering.

 

[Alaskan]

My Dominique is now almost eight weeks old. This is the friendliest and sweetest chick in my small flock, and I hope so much it's a girl. Opinions, please?

I agree, it looks like a girl