Dominique Rooster

Dominique Hen

 

The Dominique

The Dominique is truly an original bred American bird. Dominiques are considered a "heritage" breed of chicken in that they've been around for hundreds of years and are now critically endangered. Some people can't tell the difference between a Dominique and a Barred Rock, but the trained eye will notice that Dominques have a rose comb versus the Barred Rock's single comb.


Well known in the United States by the mid eighteenth century, it remained popular for almost 100 years, but by the mid ninth century the Barred Rock took its place. By the 1950s the Dominique was thought to be extinct, but a few breeders held on to these birds and by 1970s they were back in the breeders circle. They are now on the “Watch” list and are being breed by hatcheries again.

Dominiques are hardy birds that do well in free range environments, but will tolerate being confined. They are extremely good foragers and have a reputation for being good egg layers. Their indistinct barred coloring referred to as “Hawk Coloring” and offers some protection from aerial predators. The birds are calm, gentle and easy to show. They feather out and mature early.

The Dominique has a small rose comb and clean legs. Roosters can weigh around 7 pounds and hens 5 pounds. Known as a dual purpose bird, it also lays medium size brown eggs.