Dominique Thread!

[NYREDS]

Quote:
A hen laying again 4 weeks after chicks hatch isn't that uncommon for any breed. I've had them lay within a week of hatching.
At 4 weeks the chicks will still need suplimental heat. If not the hen a brooder. There's no harm in leaving her with them. They will still be able to get under her wings for warmth.

 

[mprivett]

Ok good to know, thanks! Doesn't matter now anyway they will all be together in the big coop because last night a predator got the rest of my grown chickens (all Dominiques)

I'm sad to have lost such a good, sweet rooster.

 

[Gallusfarm]

Quote:
That is terrible; I am so very sorry for your loss. What a shame. Let us know if you want to start again. I've heard of so many predator losses this year.

 

[LibertyRoo]

I was just wondering how big do the spurs get on the Dominique Roos?
I'm pretty new to the breed and have noticed through the numerous pictures I've seen that they have fairly small spurs. Does it all depend on the individual bird or is the breed known for having smaller spurs? Thanks.

 

[centrarchid]

Spurs typical. Seem to grow about 1 inch / year. Some hens develop them as well although they are less robust.

 

[Zonoma]

Howdy!

Thought I'd stop by. I'm new to the whole chicken thing but I have to admit that, this far, my Dominiques (4 weeks, I think) are by far my favorite chicks! When I go to the pen, they run TO me and hop in my hand. When I let them out, they play with my mini schnauzers - the littlest one even has enough pluck to peck them on the nose. It makes for quite the show.

Is this sweet disposition/pluckiness typical of the breed? Or did I just get lucky?

 

[WallTenters]

I think it's very typical, all of our birds so far have been sweeties. They are rather independant as they get older - they don't mind you at all, and love treats and such, but thankfully they aren't tripping you every time you go in to check eggs. Just the right level of friendliness! I love it when my hens come hop on my lap to say "hi". They just love having their wattles scratched!

As far as the bravery, very typical.

It just gets more interesting as they get older! lol

Welcome to the wonderful world of Dominiques!

 

[LibertyRoo]

Is it safe to say we can assume a roos age by looking at his spurs then?

 

[centrarchid]

Quote:
You can up to about age three or four with birds your are familiar with. Thereafter aging gets a bit fuzzy as 4 year old hard to tell from 6 year old. Also once birds about 3 years of age I like to trim spurs with hacksaw. Gives a good blunt tip. Needs to be repeated every couple years.

I guess in nature, jungle fowl seldom reach ages where spurs impact walking but with some domestic strains walking can be impacted. I wonder what prevents such problems naturally from impacting walking.

 

[KenK]

At two weeks of age my Dominique chicks are "foraging" and scratching in the brooder way more than the Speckled Sussex they hatched with and I think more than the American Games that I brooded before them.

They are in a 3' by 6' brooder with a good four inches of shavings on the floor and they are kicking them from one side to the other.