Dominiques

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The Dominique chicken is considered America's oldest breed of chicken, having been brought to New England from southern England during colonial times. By the 19th century, they were widely popular and were raised in many parts of the country. Dominiques are a dual purpose breed, being used as layers of brown eggs and/or meat (6-8 pounds at maturity). In earlier times, their feathers were much sought after for feather pillows and mattresses.

After the Plymouth Rock breed was developed from the Dominiques in the 1870's, the Dominiques' popularity declined, until by 1950 they were so rare as to be considered nearly extinct. During the 1970's, Dominiques were listed in "Critical" status by the American Livestock Breeds Convervancy, with fewer than 500 breeding birds in North America. However, due to a revival of interest in them and other rare breeds, the Dominiques have made a comeback and are now listed on the "Watch" list.

Dominiques, also historically called Dominickers by many people, are quite distinctive in appearance, having a rose-colored comb and a heavy plumage of black-and-white striped feathers (called "barring").