DOMINIQUE LAYERS

The Dominique chicken is recognized as America’s first chicken breed. The exact origin of the breed is unknown, although their initial creation may have involved European chicken breeds and later in its refinement, some Asian varieties. The name of “Dominique” may have come from birds that were imported from the French colony of Saint-Domingue (today known as Haiti) and which are thought to have been used as part of the development of the Dominique breed.

Barred chickens with both rose combs and single combs were somewhat common in the eastern United States as early as 1750. As interest in poultry breeding increased, attention was given to develop uniformity in chicken breeds. Early names of these fowl include Blue Spotted Hen, Old Grey Hen, Dominico, Dominic, and Dominicker. The breed was widely known on the eastern coast of the U.S. as the Dominique.

The Dominique is a medium-sized black and white barred (otherwise known as “cuckoo” patterned) bird. The barred plumage coloration is also referred to as hawk-colored and serves the Dominique in making the bird less conspicuous to predators. The Dominique sports a rose comb with a short upward curving spike that is characteristic to this breed. The males average seven pounds and the females five pounds. The Dominique’s tightly arranged plumage, combined with the low profile of the rose comb, make this breed more resistant to frostbite than many other breeds of fowl. Dominiques are also known to adapt well to hot and humid climates. Historically the close feathering of this breed not only protected the birds in cold weather, but provided ample material for the pillows and featherbeds of their owners.

The American Livestock Breeds Conservancy

 Hatchlings Since 2014: 995

CHARACTERISTICS

AKA: Dominiker Type: Production Lay Rate: 250-280 Excellent Egg Size: Medium-Large Egg Color: Brown
Origin: New England Nature: Calm Hardy: Very Comb: Pea Source: Various
Broody: NoRarity: UncommonFree Range: Yes
Notes: Rose combs. The Pilgrim Fowl. Cold Hardy. Frequently confused with the larger, single comb Barred Rock.
Point-of-Lay: 22-24 weeks

ROBERTS FARM

For years, I raised Rhode Island Red laying hens and very much liked the breed. However, purchasing new stock every couple of years was relatively expensive and I set about finding a method to reproduce my own laying hens. Unfortunately, my wife and I do not much care for eating young RI Red roosters and I never acquired the skill to vent sex day-old chicks... too many rooster to raise for too long. For one batch, I raised a small number Rhode Island Whites in order to hatch Gold Sex-links. I liked the Gold Sex-links but not the Rhode Island Whites. The Whites found their way into my son's flock.

For two years, my Gold Sex-links served as the back-bone of my laying flock. Their egg production and feed conversion rates were excellent, and they laid a good quality egg. Unfortunately, they proved to be poor free ranging hens with egg production dropping off significantly when allowed free access to my garden plot. Additionally, Gold Sex-links are not known as long-term layers. Egg size increases dramatically after their first year but thier rate of lay also decreases even more dramatically.

In 2014, I decided to raise Dominique hens. They are an old, relatively rare breed that is known to be excellent free rangers. Considering that we are moving our operation to the country, free ranging is considered a highly desirable quality, and they are less likely to become prey to the local wildlife because of their barred pattern. Dominiques, although not known for a high lay rate, should prove to be good layers for several years and they are also auto-sexing – you can differentiate male and female day-old chicks.
 

HATCHING EGGS

Fertile Dominique hatching eggs are usually available during non-peak hatching months, June through January, and are sold in lots of one dozen. They may also be available, from time-to-time, during January-May abut will incur an additional premium. At this time, we do not ship eggs. For information on hatching eggs click here to see our Incubation Guide.

The eggs we sell are the same eggs we hatch and are collected and stored in the same manner as the eggs we hatch. However, because of the complex factors involved in artificial incubation, we make no guarantee of fertility or hatchability. Because the Dominique chicken is a rare breed that remains in the Watch category, their eggs can be expected to hatch at a much lower rate than more popular heritage breeds.
 

LINKS & DOCUMENTS
          Alltech: 20 Common Egg Shell Quality Problems
          Chapter 4: Caring for Baby Chicks: My Pet Chicken
          Chick Care Sheet: Roberts Farm
          Dominique chicken: American Livestock Conservancy
          Dominique Chickens: Heritage Poultry: Mother Earth News
          How to Care for Baby Chicks: Tractor Supply
          Raising Your Home Chicken Flock: University of Maryland
          Risk of Human Salmonella Infection: CDC



Calvin & Cindy Roberts
488 County Road 335
San Augustine, Texas 75972
(936) 652-1940 (Text Only)• mail@calvinroberts.us
DISCLAIMER: Prices, products, and services described on this website may or may not accurately reflect current prices, products, and services and are subject to change without prior notice. For more current information, please contact us by telephone or email. Live animals carry risk of salmonella and other diseases and should be handled accordingly