Dominique Thread!

[KenK]

Hatched four Dominique chicks (two cockerels and two pullets) and 5 Speckled Sussex chicks (two cockerels and three pullets) in the same batch. They have been raised together for almost twelve weeks now.

The Sussex chicks are all very nearly the same size, pullets and cockerels. The Dominique cockerels are much larger than the pullets.

Just struck me as interesting, I know I don't have enough to make a good statistical population but wondered if this is more or less "normal".

 

[flitter]

I also do not have a large population to compare but with 25 Doms, I've had the same results as you . No Sussex but my Spitz and Welsummers have all had similar size pullets and cockerels.

 

[Gallusfarm]

Do you all separate the cockerels from the pullets as soon as sex is determined? I've heard this advice many times. Maybe next time try that and see if there is a difference in size after a few months.

I haven't been practicing this, and I have noticed our Dominique pullets are a smidge smaller. But those Sussex are incredibly hard to sex, because they remain so close in size for a good while, at least ours did.

 

[Gallusfarm]

Quote:
If you can pick up, they are free.

 

[NYREDS]

Quote:
I like the heads on those cockerels, especially the second one. If you were closer I'd come get him.

 

[nickie]

They are from Meyer hatchery. They just crack me up, they are over the top friendly, even to the point where it seems like they get jealous if I hold someone else! If I hold someone else they

sometimes fly up and land on my hand or arm

I got my doms from Meyer hatchery as well and the do the same thing. One pullet one cockerel. Those two are by far my favorite out of all of the different breeds I selected. I wish I could figure out how to post a pic of them to show their 5 week old cuteness.​

 

[WallTenters]

Quote:
Is it just the outside toe that is curling, or all the toes? If it's all the toes, that's a genetic, incubation or vitamin problem depending on when they develop it. If it's just the outside toe curling (curls out, and kind of lays a bit sideways), it's from fast growth on soft brooder floors. Raising them on wire will fix it, but I prefer the chicks to be able to dig in shavings and then go outside as soon as possible instead of having to stay on wire, so we just live with it. We have not had any true crooked or bent toes in our birds though.

 

[WallTenters]

Quote:
If you can pick up, they are free.

Darn, I'm actually in Oregon!

I love my Doms, but I'm not sure I could convince my husband they're worth a trip down south to pick up some extra cockerels lol!

 

[gootziecat]

Is it just the outside toe that is curling, or all the toes? If it's all the toes, that's a genetic, incubation or vitamin problem depending on when they develop it. If it's just the outside toe curling (curls out, and kind of lays a bit sideways), it's from fast growth on soft brooder floors. Raising them on wire will fix it, but I prefer the chicks to be able to dig in shavings and then go outside as soon as possible instead of having to stay on wire, so we just live with it. We have not had any true crooked or bent toes in our birds though.

Thanks for the help. My chicks are 6 wks old and they were fine until I put them where they had an outside run. There are 2 chicks involved so far. I know an outside toe is involved with both, but it seems to me one of them had another toe involved as well. I'll have to look today to be certain. I was starting to get discouraged since I only have 4 chicks, and beginning to wonder if it was a problem with the breed.

Just curious but does anyone has a pet Dom roo? And if so, has he gotten at all mean? One of my roo chicks has stolen my heart. He comes running for me as if I'm his mama whenever he sees me. I guess I want to try to prepare myself if it's inevidable he will turn on me.​

 

[centrarchid]

I have a pet dom rooster (Elmo) and hen (Una) used to educate children. By no means is he aggressive but he is not as personable as American game used to same purpose. The "turning" on you can be a function of genetics and how you handle bird. I learned handling technique with games that works very well to keep birds calm and willing to perform some activities in close proximity to grabby children. Your behavior can greatly influence whether rooster becomes aggressive. Do not distress hens or chicks in his presence and move slowly and deliberately. If you are to handle him, then avoid grabbing him by any means other than scooping him up by whole body. I spend considerable effort in taming and training. Some birds not suitable.