Dominique

Dominique Chicken

This breed of chicken has roots deeply embedded in English history, predating modern poultry standards. While its exact origin remains unknown, many of today’s recognized breeds trace their lineage back to Dominique bloodlines. Often called a “Dominecker” chicken, it’s reminiscent of those found on old family farms. Dominique chicken breeders were prominent in the USA during the mid-18th century, but by 1950, the breed was believed to be extinct. Thankfully, it experienced a revival in the 1970s.

Dominique chickens are sometimes mistaken for Barred Rock chickens, though the latter features a straight comb and slightly different barred markings. With their distinctive rose comb and barred feathering akin to the Barred Plymouth Rock, Dominique chickens are versatile and well-suited for various purposes. Known for their calm and gentle nature, they are excellent for free-range environments due to their barred plumage, which may help shield them from aerial predators.

The Chicken Coop Company’s Dominique chickens come from a dedicated breeding program. We’re confident you'll find these chickens a wonderful addition to your backyard flock. Explore our affordable options online and enjoy!

Dominique chickens lay eggs that are light brown in color and are small to medium in size. While they can occasionally go broody, they are not as prone to this behavior as some other breeds. Although they can be used as dual-purpose birds, they are primarily known for their egg-laying capabilities.

Dominique chickens are distinguished by their vibrant red combs, faces, wattles, and earlobes, while their skin, legs, feet, and beaks are yellow. Although classified as a dual-purpose breed, they are particularly recognized for their egg production, with hens historically laying between 230 and 275 medium-sized eggs each year, ranging from light to dark brown.

Historically, Dominique chickens were quite rare, but they have since experienced a resurgence in popularity. Today, they are considered a unique breed that is uncommon enough to be interesting but not so rare as to be classified as "lost."

Dominique chickens are of medium size, with mature birds typically weighing between 5 and 7 pounds (2.3 to 3.2 kg). They are characterized by their distinctive cuckoo plumage, also known as "hawk" coloration, which features a regular pattern of light and dark barring, but not in black and white.

• Poultry Show Class: American Class
  
• Weights: Hen——5 lbs
  
• Rooster—-7 lbs
  
• Pullet—-4 lbs
  
• Cockerel—-6 lbs
  
• Purpose and Type: Primary production, Egg Laying & Pet/Secondary meat source
• Egg Shell Color: Brown
  
• Egg Production: 180-260 eggs per year (estimates only)
  
• Mating Ratio: 10 Females to 1 Male
  
• Egg Size: Medium-Large
  
• Temperament: Active
  
• Gender Accuracy: 85-90%
  
• Fertility Percentage: 60-75%
  
• Broody: Variable
  
• Roost Height: 2 to 4 feet
  
• Origin: United States, New England
  
• APA: Yes, Recognized by the Standard of Perfection in 1874.
  
• TLC: Watch Status, Considered a sustainable heritage chicken breed.
  
• Breeder Farm Source: Poultry Breeding Farm has been developing our bloodline/strain of pure Dominique chickens since 1979.