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!
About 95% of the egg a hen lays is calcium carbonate by dry weight. Over a year, the calcium she puts into her eggshells could equal 20 times the calcium that’s in her bones. So it only makes sense that a steady supply of calcium will help her stay healthy and produce strong eggshells. I suggest ground oyster shells, and I recommend putting them in their own container so the hens can take what they need. They like them, they’re readily available in feed stores, and they’re not expensive. Feed Variances and Calcium If your hens are fed high-quality layer feed and get nothing else, their calcium intake is probably sufficient. But if they’re in the yard, fed table scraps and scratch feeds along with commercial feed, they are good candidates for a calcium supplement. Note:Only feed oyster shells to hens already laying eggs.
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 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, however, I 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, 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 1920s 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. Who is the ALBC? The American Livestock Breeds Conservancy ensures the future of agriculture through the genetic conservation and promotion of endangered breeds of livestock and poultry. The American Livestock Breeds Conservancy is a nonprofit membership organization working to protect over 180 breeds of livestock and poultry from extinction. Included are asses, cattle, goats, horses, sheep, pigs, rabbits, chickens, ducks, geese, and turkeys. Founded in 1977, the American Livestock Breeds Conservancy is the pioneer organization in the U.S. working to conserve historic breeds and genetic diversity in livestock. We hope you’ll browse through these pages and learn more about the diverse and valuable agricultural heritage that is ours to enjoy and steward.
TBN Ranch Chicken Keeping Resources 