Dominique (chicken)
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
The Dominique is a breed of chicken originating in the United States. It 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 valued for their meat as well as for their brown eggs. They weigh 6 to 8 pounds (2.7 to 3.6 kg) at maturity. In earlier times, their feathers were much sought after as stuffing for pillows and mattresses.
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[edit] Appearance
Dominiques, sometimes called Dominickers, are quite distinctive in appearance, having a rose comb and a heavy plumage of irregularly striped black-and-white feathers (a pattern called "barring" or sometimes "hawk coloring"). The breed matures quickly, producing eggs at about six months of age.
[edit] Disposition and Behavior
Dominique hens tend to be calm, personable birds (a desirable trait in an egg production bird). Their calm, steady demeanor makes them successful as show birds or family pets.
The hens tend to be good mothers, brooding and raising chicks with a high rate of success.
The dominique is hardy and a good forager, traits which are attributed to the harsh conditions in which the breed first developed.
[edit] History
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 Conservancy, 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, indicating lesser danger of extinction.
[edit] References
- Ekarius, Carol (2007). Storey's Illustrated Guide to Poultry Breeds. 210 MAS MoCA Way, North Adams MA 01247: Storey Publishing. ISBN 978-1-58017-667-5.
- Percy, Pam (2006). The Field Guide to Chickens. Suite 200, 380 Jackson St, St Paul MN 55101: Voyageur Press. ISBN 0760324735.
- Staples, Tamara (2001). The Fairest Fowl. 85 Second Street San Francisco CA 94105: Chronicle Books LLC. ISBN 081183137X.
[edit] External links
- ChickenCrossing Dominique Photo Gallery
- American Livestock Breeds Conservancy
- Oklahoma State University Dominique Page
- Dominique Club of America
