Black and white barred chickens aren’t the only ones with black and white stripes? Dominique chickens also wear the stylish black and white barred feather pattern. Those who live in colder climates are in need of a reliable egg layer. You can also hatch your baby chicken from eggs with Dominiques since they are excellent mothers. Learn more about Dominiques and how to care for them.
History of Dominique Chicken
It is believed that Dominique chicken originated in New England in the early 1800s. Dorking, Redcap, and Cochin chicken breeds were used to develop it. Dominique chickens quickly gained popularity among farmers and homesteaders. Due to its hardiness and adaptability, it adapted well to the harsh climate and rugged terrain of the Northeastern United States. In the early 20th century, however, the Dominique chicken’s popularity began to decline.
In the 1970s, the American Livestock Breeds Conservancy declared the Dominique chicken a threatened breed, and efforts were made to preserve and increase the breed’s numbers. Dominique chickens are still considered rare breeds, but their popularity is increasing again. Many homesteaders and small-scale farmers are rediscovering the hardy, adaptable qualities of this breed.
Dominique Chicken Breed Standard
- Dominique chickens can easily be mistaken for Barred Rock chickens based on their appearance. Despite their similar appearances, they can be distinguished by a few things. Combs are the biggest difference.
- Barred Rock chickens have a single upright comb, while Dominique chickens have a rose comb, which is flattened and cushioned. In cold climates, this rose comb is especially useful as it isn’t affected by frostbite.
- The spike at the back of a rose comb will face slightly backward if it’s a true rose comb. They also have a specific barring pattern, a staggered or cuckoo pattern. The black-and-white contrast isn’t as noticeable.
- The black is more of a slate color, while the white is off-white. The comb, wattles, and earlobes are red, while the beak is yellow, and the eyes are red.
Dominiques’ Disposition
- This little hen is easy to describe as sweet, gentle, calm, and docile. In addition to being friendly, they often follow you around, asking for treats. Baby chickens will flock around your feet and be friendly to you, so don’t step on them.
- Dominiques are dependable and steady hens who like to forage but can also be kept captive. While roosters can be aggressive, especially during mating season, they do not generally attack their keepers.
- Upon reaching maturity, males weigh about 3.5 kilograms, and females around 2.5 kilograms. Dominiques can be found in bantam sizes, weighing 800 grams for males and 740 grams for females.
Dominique Chicken Personality and Temperament
- Before getting a Dominique chicken, it is important to know its personality and temperament. They are quite calm and gentle, which is a great quality in this breed. They are also extremely loving and make great companion chickens.
- In most cases, they do well in conditions that allow them to be free-range and forage for food.
- In addition, they can do well in confined environments, such as when predators are out in large numbers or when the weather is cold.
- Furthermore, this breed does fantastically in bad weather due to its hardiness. The comb on its head is resistant to frostbite, so they have a high chance of survival.
- While the roosters are aggressive during mating season, they usually do not show this aggression to their keepers. They usually follow you around and gather at your feet for treats and affection. In this case, you want to avoid stepping on or accidentally falling over them.
Dominique Chicken Incubation
Dominique chicken eggs can be incubated naturally or artificially. In the natural method, eggs are placed under a broody hen, while in the artificial method, eggs are placed in an incubator. Incubation should begin no more than a week or two after collecting the eggs and storing them in a cool, dry place. A temperature of 37-38°C and a humidity level of 50 percent are ideal for incubating eggs.
Dominique Chicken Hatching
Approximately 21 days are needed for Dominique chicken eggs to hatch. The eggs should be turned regularly during this period to ensure that the embryo develops evenly. When the baby chickens hatch, they should be kept in a brooder and provided with commercial baby chicken starters and water.
In case you missed it: Everything You Need to Know About Chicken Combs
Uses of Dominique Chicken
Egg Production: Dominique chickens are dual-purpose breeds raised for meat and eggs. The eggs they lay are medium in size and brown in color. The Dominique hen produces an average of 230-280 eggs per year.
Meat Production: The Dominique chicken is also raised for meat. As a slow-growing breed, they produce more flavorful and tender meat. Additionally, the meat is lean and has a good texture. Chicken pot pie, fried chicken and dumplings are common dishes made from Dominique chickens.
Dominique Chickens Housing Requirements
Dominique chickens are hardy birds that can tolerate various temperatures but still require proper housing to live and thrive. It is recommended to have a coop with at least 4 square feet per bird and a roosting area of at least 8 inches per bird. In addition to good ventilation, the coop should be well-ventilated to prevent moisture buildup, which can cause respiratory issues and frozen combs. Each bird needs at least 8-10 square feet of secure run space for exercise and fresh air.
Dominique Chickens Feeding and Watering
Dominique chickens require a balanced diet of protein, carbohydrates, and vitamins to maintain their health. A commercial layer feed will provide the best diet for maximum egg production. Supplementing fresh fruits and vegetables, such as leafy greens and carrots, can provide additional nutrients. Clean, fresh water should always be available, and waterers should be cleaned regularly to prevent the buildup of bacteria.
Dominique Chickens Health and Wellness
Dominique chickens are generally healthy but can still contract common poultry diseases like mites and lice. Most health problems can be prevented by providing adequate housing and a balanced diet. Because of their rose comb, they are less susceptible to frostbite than breeds with other types of combs, such as a single comb.
In case you missed it: Mastering the Art of Chicken Training: How to Train Chickens to Return to Their Coop
Conclusion
The Dominique Chicken is a breed with a fascinating history and distinctive characteristics. Its black and white striped feathers, hardiness, and friendly temperament make it a valuable addition to any backyard or small-scale poultry operation. Whether you are interested in their eggs, meat, or unique appearance, the Dominique Chicken is certainly a breed worth knowing about.
Note: The images presented in this post are intended solely for representation purposes. The images are meant to serve as visual aids and should not be relied upon as accurate representations of their real-life counterparts.
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