D'uccle Thread

[dsfrango]

Looks like a Belgian D'anver

 

[wegotchickens]

I have a little bit of a d'uccle dilemma, and I'm hoping you guys can give me some advice.

Not quite 3 weeks ago I picked up two porcelain d'uccle chicks from the local feed store. Complete impulsive chicken math purchase, lol. I'd seen pictures of adults and thought they were GORGEOUS birds. So, I figured why not get a couple to add to the backyard flock. Now I'm reading that these guys are excellent fliers.

This has me concerned because I really don't want them flying over the fence and meeting the neighbor's dog!

Has anyone had a d'uccle that WASN'T a flier? (Especially if their flockmates are aerially impaired <gg>)

When startled, a d'Uccle can fly as high as 12 feet straight up. I've watched my own birds do this, landing easily on top of our coop. I would definitely keep a close eye on them when they free-range. A d'Uccle can also fly up onto your shoulder, if so inclined. Ours sometimes fly from our house to the coop in one 'long' flight, which is over 100-feet. Not all will do this; it depends on the bird. Some think it is fun, some don't bother. Better to be prepared.

I agree that keeping benches, shelves, and anything else they could launch from, away from the fence is a good idea.

Personally, I would also clip the flight feathers from one wing after they've completely emerged and you know the blood is gone from them. If yours aren't interested in flying, then the flight feathers will be back after their next molt.

But definitely keep them. These little clowns will steal your heart, and they are a HOOT to watch runnig around the yard. Just be pro-active about defense and get to know them.

 

[dsfrango]

Your right about them sometimes flying high, and especialy when startled. They will take off very quickly. I would definitely keep them though or at least the hen on your situation.Clipping would definitely help, good suggestion. Ive never clipped I guess so that is not the first thing that pops into my head

 

[hdowden]

mine are in pens due to lose dogs, cats, opossums, and birds of pray so free range is out unless im out there watching over them.

 

[vjwilmoth]

How do multiple rooster d'uccles get along? I have a pullet that is 8 weeks old(sweetheart of a chicken) and two 4 weekers that one for SURE is a roo and I'm thinking the other is as well he's just not as far developed. I have them with 3 week old silkies of which I'm sure some will end up roos. Do you suppose they will all co-exist happily?

 

[tbitt]

Quote:
Good question..... I am kinda in the same boat.

 

[TexasChick09]

Here is a (bad) cell phone photo of D'Uccle girl. She doesn't have much white and I'm wondering if she will gain more as she matures. (The red that looks like it is in her tail is actually a mango peel..lol)

 

[sager:)silkies]

Here is a (bad) cell phone photo of D'Uccle girl. She doesn't have much white and I'm wondering if she will gain more as she matures. (The red that looks like it is in her tail is actually a mango peel..lol)

i do fine they take longer i had a D'uccle girl had no white spots just black untill she was 8 months old then they started to come in know she is very nice and will be goin to shows

 

[FairLeaBantams]

How do multiple rooster d'uccles get along? I have a pullet that is 8 weeks old(sweetheart of a chicken) and two 4 weekers that one for SURE is a roo and I'm thinking the other is as well he's just not as far developed. I have them with 3 week old silkies of which I'm sure some will end up roos. Do you suppose they will all co-exist happily?

I find that if they grow up together and stay together they are okay. I separated mine for breeding this year and now they are not so okay They try to fight through the fencing, so I'm sure when they get free it will be ugly. I'll have to supervise the reintroduction and make sure no one gets seriously hurt while they sort it out. As for silkies, I can't peak for all of them, but mine are really gentle and non dominant. They hang out by themselves and no other chickens bug them. I'm not sure the others know what to make of them. One of my silkie roos is really "special". Sometimes he tries to confront the dog and when he jumps at her, he just falls over backwards. Are mine weird, or are they all like that? Sorry to bring up silkies here, but it seems like a lot of D'uccle people have silkies too......

 

[TexasChick09]

I thought she would get more white, but then it's been a while and nothing new had grown in, so I wondered if maybe she just wasn't going to have much white.

I have a porcelain as well, but it's much younger.