Some Pure American Dominique Wean Chicks Early

[centrarchid]

Pattern is well established now. My American Dominique hens are weaning chicks roughly 3 weeks post-hatch. They are old enough to stay warm but not consistent about going to roost above ground. Hens come back into lay about that time and stop clucking as they roost up with other adults. Real problem for chicks is they are extremely vulnerable to Coopers Hawks working my area. Chicks not suffered much in way of losses to hawks as they stay in close proximity to adults during day. If I did not intervene, the chicks reared by the American Dominique hens would move out to forage with large juveniles which not good.

The American Games are consistently staying broody through at least five weeks and my cross is very close to that. The extended broodiness is dominant over the shorter duration.

 

[azygous]

Any idea why they're cutting the chicks loose so soon? This doesn't bode well for flock survival does it?

 

[centrarchid]

I think it is genetic. My line, especially prior to about 7 years ago was incubator-hatched and and brooder-reared for many generations. The duration of parental care was not significant and longer duration does conflict with egg production. Look into characteristics of the breed, they lay reasonably well for a dual purpose heritage breed and are not overly broody. The not overly broody allows for more egg production. In this particular instance it is increasing the odds I will get yet another brood from this hen before winter which is good if I can invest in their care.

 

[azygous]

Ah! Didn't think of the egg production angle.

 

[chickens really]

My Bantam Hen also weaned her Chicks at 3 weeks this last hatch....That's how I lost two to the Fox...Momma was no where to watch them...I have my fingers crossed this is her last time going broody till spring now...She already raised 3 broods.....

 

[centrarchid]

For me it is time to shut most of the broodiness down. I am already on track to have 60 chicks still in down around time of first frost. Raising chicks in and around my barn much more expensive during fall and winter since forage quality and predator management necessitate more confinement. Hens need a rest, especially those that have gone through 3 broody cycles.

 

[chickens really]

Yes, I just hate having to go through all the bull to break her...She is 3 weeks off of her Chicks and Fingers crossed she does not need a trip to jail anytime soon....

 

[centrarchid]

I restrict diets. Hens on vacation are generally isolated anyway so easy to do. Protein increased and when need be I will pop them with grain if it get cold while feathers still not in.

 

[aart]

I restrict diets. Hens on vacation are generally isolated anyway so easy to do. Protein increased and when need be I will pop them with grain if it get cold while feathers still not in.

Restrict diet until they stop laying/brooding and start to molt.... then up protein?
More details please?

 

[centrarchid]

Restrict diet until they stop laying/brooding and start to molt.... then up protein?
More details please?

First have an idea how much a bird consumes free-choice daily on average. You need to to work that out from you feeding records. Then provide a restricted amount that is roughly 2/3 the amount by weight as was they consumed free-choice. Feed them a higher protein formulation when at that lower rate. They will be taking in more than enough energy, protein and other nutrients for maintenance. My birds on average drop weight a little when they come out of lay anyway but make certain their weight is stable. The active reproductive tract is considerably heavier when in lay versus when not. My birds also seem to have more fat on body while in lay. This needs to be checked but I think the liver is also larger while the birds are engaged in oogenesis.

Outside of breeding season my birds are lighter in weight, likely to allow more capable flight and lower maintenance cost.