D'uccle Thread

[CFellows]

That's why my young self-blues sell so much quicker than my millies: They look prettier earlier.
But the longer it takes to get the white spots, the better off you are, usually. Give them until around 6 months and they should be looking good by then!

Be patient-the white will come!

Thanks! That is what I thought but it has been a long time since I had d'Uccles. So I could not remember for sure. That makes me feel better.

 

[kristip]

Do the regular Mille and blue Mille look the same when young? So ou would just have to wait until they mature?

Are they considered late layers?

 

[CGinJCMO]

Quote:
Sorry, I didn't mean to confuse....I just don't know what I'm talking about.

LOL
Literally!

I'm learning about D'uccles because my kids wanted bantam chickens and d'uccle happened to be one of the breeds picked up at Orchelins (I didn't know what it was until it grew up a little because they were "assorted") and it turned out to be a boy. Last month, we traded two Bantam Cochin Cockerels for six 3 week old d'uccles and bought a "self-blue" d'uccle pullet near point of lay. I already posted a photo of the self blue pullet. I'll have to wait and see what girl porcelains look like when they grow up.

CG

 

[wegotchickens]

Do the regular Mille and blue Mille look the same when young? So ou would just have to wait until they mature?
Are they considered late layers?

Yep, have to wait a bit to be sure.
Some are late layers, some not. My millies are the last to start laying & first to stop. My self-blues are quick layers and laying macchines. The black ones are pretty fair layers as well.

 

[coffeekittie]

I went to the Open Poultry show at the State fair today. No d'Uccles officially entered, one "Booted" bantam that had a small beard and muffs, but with very little feathering on the feet, none on the middle toe. Not even fuzz....

Very odd to not see any of these beautiful creatures there.

Makes me realize how badly they need to be shown off around here. Lots of folks walking around the poultry barn for early morning on the first day of Fair, too who should get the chance.

I went both to talk to owner/breeders and to see what a chicken show looks like. Obviously no O/Bs but now I'm not afraid of showing! Not too much to do except have the birds healthy, clean and comfortable in a cage as far as I can see. I've communicated via email with the NPIP person at the state agriculture dept about getting my birds tested, and that doesn't look complicated either.

Soooo.....is there a good book or web site or magazine or something that teaches people how to prepare fully for showing chickens? Teaching them how to pose and whatnot? Heh, I'm a little past 4-H age, plus I did horses not chickens way back when. I might as well practice with the flock I have now, I figure!

 

[babymakes6]

Do the regular Mille and blue Mille look the same when young? So ou would just have to wait until they mature?
Are they considered late layers?

My Mille Fleurs started laying at 5 1/2 months, and they lay very well usually.

 

[kristip]

Do the regular Mille and blue Mille look the same when young? So ou would just have to wait until they mature?

Are they considered late layers?

My Mille Fleurs started laying at 5 1/2 months, and they lay very well usually.

Thanks guys...I am at 5 1/2 months with my oldest and nothing yet. The other pullets are 3 months only.
Interesting that different colors laid at different times we got!

 

[wegotchickens]

I went to the Open Poultry show at the State fair today. No d'Uccles officially entered, one "Booted" bantam that had a small beard and muffs, but with very little feathering on the feet, none on the middle toe. Not even fuzz....

Very odd to not see any of these beautiful creatures there.

Makes me realize how badly they need to be shown off around here. Lots of folks walking around the poultry barn for early morning on the first day of Fair, too who should get the chance.

I went both to talk to owner/breeders and to see what a chicken show looks like. Obviously no O/Bs but now I'm not afraid of showing! Not too much to do except have the birds healthy, clean and comfortable in a cage as far as I can see. I've communicated via email with the NPIP person at the state agriculture dept about getting my birds tested, and that doesn't look complicated either.

Soooo.....is there a good book or web site or magazine or something that teaches people how to prepare fully for showing chickens? Teaching them how to pose and whatnot? Heh, I'm a little past 4-H age, plus I did horses not chickens way back when. I might as well practice with the flock I have now, I figure!

Handle them lots, put them in cages approximately the same size as the ones at the show, and give them treats and snuzzles when they behave well as you handle them. Getting NPIP certified has made showing way less stressful for me & my birds.

When you enter your first show, tell the folks that run it that you're a n00b, and may need a little help. Someone will be delighted to show you around. There's usually an older man or woman nearby who will not only be pleased to show you around, but will talk your ear off as well.

When you handle the birds, spread their wings, look at them from beak to butt, look at their feet and make sure their nails aren't too long or sharp. Trim their beaks if they need it. (or put in a cinderblock, and they'll keep their beaks polished and trim on their own)

Yes, we need more people showing these beautiful birds. As many chicks as I sell at shows, I still don't have the competition that I want. There are a lot of people that don't sell chicks, not wanting to take a chance at being beaten by "their own birds". I would welcome that, since they're still "my birds", but no such luck.....

 

[wegotchickens]

Thanks guys...I am at 5 1/2 months with my oldest and nothing yet. The other pullets are 3 months only.
Interesting that different colors laid at different times we got!

I thought so! I attribute it to the fact that my millies were heritage, and the bloodline kept almost too pure for too long. I've brought in some new blood, very carefully, and laying has definitely picked up a little bit. Still not where the others are yet, though.

 

[kiaa]

urmia
azerbaijan
breeder mr. kamfar