Erin,Hey everyone, I am hatching like crazy right now. I had a nasty bout with cocci last year too. I didn't understand what was going on for a good bit and lost a lot of chicks.. so depressing so, I plugged in in the dead of winter to drive myself crazy in a game of catch up. It was interesting reading back some of these pages. The reason I wasn't suspecting cocci was because my chicks were indoors on shavings and not exposed to ground. Some pens were affected, some were not. I would take sick ones out and then more would come up sick. I was using medicated starter and started them on antibiotics then switched to corrid but, didn't see and results (I think the chicks were too far gone) so I switched back to the antibiotic. ..anyway, it was devastating the amount of babies I lost. Im so happy I got an early start this year. Cool temps and new shavings and medicated feed have me with bouncing little fluff butts! I'll get some pics today.
As for the great d'uccle battle, I definitely have something to say about that!
#1 Ebay, isn't where I would search for a reputable breeder so please don't consider that a valid source. Many folks on there are just egg sellers and aren't concerned with breeding quality but, rather quantity. They see something take off (like MFC) and they run with it! ...muffs and all. LOL
#2 Many don't realize how easy it is to create MFC. There really is no need for d'uccle. It's actually a HUGE waste of time. The harsh remnants of d'uccle will be clearly visible for a good decade. By simply crossing mottled to buff columbian (both varieties can be found rather easily in the US) you will have decent colored birds in just a few years. Breed dark to light and you'll get there.
#3 Anyone who has any sense would do a tiny bit of research when starting their program and select the best stock available.. BUT, with MFC there has been this rush of folks purely interested in yard candy. They don't even want a roo.. just some cute speckled pullets with feathered feets to love on. This has caused the flood of proud pics of their backyard beauties that may not be up to snuff and sheds a negative light on the entire project.
Rodriguez, I am not against stirring the pot and think Im rather good at it myself .. it's just we've heard this song before and it hits a sour note to those who have spent much longer than a year and a half working on them. Split wing, split breast, squirrel tail are all things that need to be battled but breeding to other birds who are similar won't help. I suggest buying from a show breeder either some mottled or buff columbian and heal your flock. Or better yet, buy a pair of each and start fresh. That way there is no one to blame
Sooooo good to hear from you. Glad that you have healthy babies hatching.
All of us who have been on this journey for years so appreciate your voice of wisdom. When you post, I always pause to really soak in what you have to say. You have a gift of coming right to the point.
Have a Merry Christmas & post some pics of your cuties.
