Dominique Bantam

Dominique Bantam Chicken

The Dominique Bantam is a miniature version of the classic Dominique Standard chicken, recognized by the American Poultry Standard of Perfection in 1960. Known for its docile and friendly temperament, this bantam is ideal as a pet and enjoys being around people. With its attractive, barred feather pattern and rose comb,

The Dominique Bantam is visually similar to its standard-sized counterpart and is a reliable egg layer. A favorite for backyard flocks and exhibitions, this breed offers charm and companionship. The late Mark Fields was a key contributor in providing seed stock of both the bantam and standard Dominiques to Chicken Coop Company, leaving a lasting impact on the poultry world. Add this delightful and low-maintenance breed to your flock—order today!

Appearance:

• Feather Color: The Dominique Bantam has black and white stripes like the Barred Plymouth Rock but with a finer feather texture due to being a bantam. The stripes are crisp and defined and are often called "cuckoo". The black and white bands of feathers make the bird look ornamental.
  
  
  
• Body Type: The Dominique Bantam is compact and round like a bantam. Smaller than a standard Dominique but has the same strong, well-proportioned body. They are sturdy and hardy with a robust build to match their active nature.
  
  
  
• Comb and Wattles: Like the standard Dominique the Dominique Bantam has a rose comb which is small, round and sits close to the head. The rose comb is a key feature of the breed and distinguishes it from other single combed chickens. The wattles are medium size and bright red and add a pop of color to the striped feathers.
  
  
  
• Tail: The tail is medium size and held upright. The tail feathers are short and spread out and adds to the overall neatness of the bird.
  
  
  
• Legs and Toes: The legs are clean, short and yellow like most bantams. They have three toes on each foot and the short legs add to the compactness of the bird.
  
  

Temperament:

• Calm and Friendly: Dominique Bantams are calm and friendly. They are gentle and easy to handle and are a good choice for families especially with children. They are not aggressive even within a flock and love human interaction.
  
  
  
• Social and Curious: They are social birds and enjoy the company of other chickens. They are curious and will often forage and explore their surroundings. Their gentle nature makes them ideal for small or mixed flocks.
  
  
  
• Not Flighty: They can fly short distances but are not very flighty. They are calm and prefer to stay within their surroundings rather than fly over fences. However, it’s still recommended to keep them in a secure, enclosed area to protect them from predators.
  
  
  
• Good for Smaller Flocks: Because of their gentle nature they do well in smaller flocks. They are peaceful and tend to be more passive, good for quieter mixed flocks. They are not overly dominant so fit well in environments where there are other calm and docile birds.

Egg Laying:

• Moderate Egg Production: Dominique Bantams are moderate egg layers like their larger counterparts. They lay small white or light brown eggs, 2-3 eggs a week. Not as high as other breeds but the eggs are excellent quality and are appreciated for flavor.
  
  
  
• Egg Size and Quality: The eggs are small like most bantams but rich and flavorful. These bantams are not kept for egg production alone but the eggs are perfect for small households or those who keep chickens for ornamental purposes.
  
  

Health and Care:

• Hardy: Dominique Bantams are hardy and can adapt to different climates. They can handle cold weather well due to their rose comb and dense feathering. However, like most bantams they are more prone to frostbite in extreme cold especially around the combs so should be protected from harsh winter conditions.
  
  
  
• Low Maintenance: These bantams require minimal grooming and their soft, smooth feathers are easy to manage. As with all chickens regular parasite control and a clean, dry environment is necessary for their health. They are generally low maintenance compared to other breeds.
  
  
  
• Flight Risk: While Dominique Bantams can fly short distances they are less flighty than some other bantam breeds. They generally prefer to stay close to the ground and don’t tend to try and escape from enclosures. However, it’s still important to have a secure, well-fenced area to keep them safe from predators.
  
  

Show and Ornamental Qualities:  

• Poultry Shows: Dominique Bantams are shown for their beautiful plumage, gentle nature and historical value. Their black and white striped plumage and rose comb make them a standout in the show ring.
  
  
  
• Ornamental: These bantams are highly ornamental due to their coloring, calm nature and adaptability to backyard environments. They are beautiful additions to ornamental flocks and provide both visual appeal and companionship.

What is a Dominique Bantam?
A miniature version of the Dominique Standard breed, known for its friendly nature and attractive barred pattern.

Is the Dominique Bantam recognized by poultry standards?
Yes, it was recognized by the American Poultry Standard of Perfection in 1960.

Are Dominique Bantams good with people?
Absolutely, they are calm, docile, and enjoy being around people.

How many eggs do Dominique Bantams lay?
They are reliable layers, producing a good number of eggs for a bantam.

Where can I buy Dominique Bantam chicks?
Available at Chicken Coop Company—order now for fast delivery!

Dominique Bantam Facts