Minnesota!

[Scott16475]

This is what I read when I was thumbing through my latest edition of Urban Farm magazine. Good to know it's not always 100%...this saves me from having to build a ladder roost this weekend. LOL.

 

[Cluckies]

I have a question though, what breed is she? And did you get her from a breeder or from hatchery? I am just curious. I have found that when I had a lot of hatchery birds when I started, I would have problems with birds having reproductive issues. Now that I have all breeder stock, I hardly ever see a problem with egg laying/ reproductive type issues.

She is an EE, I bought her at Ramsey Farm and Garden, i'm assuming hatchery? Yes, she just started laying about 3 weeks to a month ago. My golden comet laid a few eggs in the beginning that were very soft, basically "rubber eggs" no shell or very thin, it straightened itself out after a while as well. Now that you mention it, it was about a month into her laying as well.... hmmm

 

[duluthralphie]

I don't know as that is 100% true about the roosting stuff. I have roosters who sleep on the floor and the hens are all on the roost and I hardly call them the submissive ones in the pen. Sometimes I see the lowest on the pecking order at the top trying to get away from the bullies too. It sounds good, but not sure of the validity. If you are reading 'wisdom' about poultry keeping on the internet, be very wary of the source. There are more 'internet professionals' around than you can shake a stick at. They sound like they know everything, when in fact, their logic or information can be flawed. In fact, question everything I say too. I would never claim to be an expert. I have done research and I have experience I draw from, and most of my research is done from universities and those who have been raising poultry for a long time.

No truer words were ever written.....

Listen to everyone, add a large dose of salt and do what you feel is best.

 

[Cluckies]

It is going to be cold for a few days again, I suggest you knit her a nightie and make her a little pillow so she can snuggle in between you and your spouse....

Hahaha, it has crossed my mind

Good luck on you girl Cluckie.
Thanks!

HAve you been to Ramsey feed lately? Do they have any birds there now?

Yeah, I was there a couple weeks ago, they did have chicks in, not sure what kind. go ahead and call them, they are always willing to help out. That sweet little Japanese bantam roo (I think is what he is) that runs around has a new hen and they are going to set some eggs, how cute! can't wait to see them! love that little guy.

 

[duluthralphie]

She is an EE, I bought her at Ramsey Farm and Garden, i'm assuming hatchery? Yes, she just started laying about 3 weeks to a month ago. My golden comet laid a few eggs in the beginning that were very soft, basically "rubber eggs" no shell or very thin, it straightened itself out after a while as well. Now that you mention it, it was about a month into her laying as well.... hmmm

Actually, and put this is the internet expert list, I think, maybe Ramsey Feed raises and sells their own chicks. I know they sometimes have breeding stock available. I am thinking of getting some Dominique's from them.

 

[ejb3810]

Ralphie, I would be very skeptical of getting a named variety(especially as rare as Dominique) from a Feed Dealer & etc.
If you don't care if it is an actual Dominique but just something that looks a little like one it would be no problem.
I would question them as to their source if they claim it to be the real deal.

A source for the real Dominique would be Duane Urch in Owatonna. He is a source for many purebred varieties of good quality.

 

[duluthralphie]

Ralphie, I would be very skeptical of getting a named variety(especially as rare as Dominique) from a Feed Dealer & etc.
If you don't care if it is an actual Dominique but just something that looks a little like one it would be no problem.
I would question them as to their source if they claim it to be the real deal.

A source for the real Dominique would be Duane Urch in Owatonna. He is a source for many purebred varieties of good quality.

Thanks. As you know I am a lover of mutts, But it would be nice to have real Dominique's. I guess a barred rock with rose combs would please me...

I like the barred look... I will have to give it some thought, Knowing me I would have a barred rock rooster crossed with a CX in a year or two.....

Seriously, it would be nice to have one pure strain of something though.

 

[Bogtown Chick]

Dominiques have been a thought of mine as well. I've heard excellent foragers. Predator wary. All sorts of good stuff. Right kind of comb for Minn-eee-snowta. And a rare breed to keep going. I like the barred varieties too Ralphie. I understand the fascination.

 

[ejb3810]

It is especially nice to help preserve some of these heritage breeds. The history of the Dominique is really quite intriguing, and they have many qualities which would make them a good choice for the backyard chicken keepers.

 

[Cluckies]

Well, baby didn't each much out there when I was out there, passed on the treats I brought out of shredded cabbage, spinach, cottage cheese with crushed eggshell, and scrambled eggs.

I did check her crop and it seemed to have food in it though, just not as much as normal. She still has diarrhea, it is white and yellow. I'm glad she didn't lay an egg today, but like I said, she only usually lays every 2 or 3 days. We'll see what tomorrow brings.