This is a controversial question indeed. Many chicken keepers are worried about their birds consuming any kind of chemical, certainly a valid concern. But, I think everyone should be equally concerned about the health of their birds. Like anything else, education is the key to better understanding. After researching whether or not I should worm my own flock I stumbled across this article on Worming Chickens, it discusses a product called Flubenvet. I know about this wormer, but considering Flubenvet isn’t available in the United States it’s not much good to me. Nevertheless, I researched it again and it led me HERE with more information on how to use Flubenvet and where to purchase it online. The Backyard Chicken forum was also helpful with another online source.
Many people believe that a blood spot in a chicken egg means that it is fertile. I’d like to clarify that misconception and explain to you exactly what it is. First of all, these eggs are nutritionally just fine to eat, and there’s no need to be grossed out either. A blood spot in the egg does NOT mean it’s fertile. When you crack open an egg and see that teeny tiny blood spot, be assured it is nothing more than a ruptured blood vessel on the yolk surface that happened during the egg formation process. Or, sometimes in the wall of the oviduct. If the blood spot bothers you that much, it will stick to your finger if you lightly touch it. Out of sight, out of mind!
The Dominique, also known as Dominicker, originated in the United States. They are considered America’s oldest breed of chicken, probably descending from chickens brought to New England from southern England during the Colonial Era. However, most modern Dominiques may be traced to stock developed by A. Q. Carter after 1900. By the 19th century, they were widely popular and were raised in many parts of the country. The Dominique is a dual-purpose breed, being valued for meat and brown eggs. They weigh 5 to 7 pounds at maturity, are considered cold-hardy, are good mothers, and adapt well to confinement or free range. They are early to mature, and although sometimes considered flighty, I personally find them extremely calm. The birds’ plumage pattern, also known as “hawk coloring”, offers some protection against some aerial predators.
Egg Production Although categorized as a dual-purpose breed, these birds are first and foremost egg producers with hens averaging 230-275 medium-sized brown eggs. Sexing Dominique Chicks Sexing the Dominique is really pretty simple, with about 95% accuracy. The cockerels have yellow shanks and toes, and the pullets have a grayish-black coloration on the front of their shanks and also on the top of their toes. The color differences become less apparent as the chicks mature. Popularity Concerns Since the 1920′s the Dominique’s popularity was on a steady decline, by 1970 only four known flocks remained. Dedicated breeders participated in a breed rescue and their numbers showed a rise in numbers from 1983 to 2006. By 2007, once again a decline was observed. Presently, the American Livestock Breeds Conservancy (ALBC) has put the Dominique on the ‘Watch’ list. Of all the breeds of chickens I’ve kept here on the farm, the Dominique is by far my favorite. They are very sweet, hardy, and most important in these parts, tolerant to our hot summer temperatures that climb above 110.
TBN Ranch Chicken Keeping Resources 