Dominique Chicken Characteristics

Dominique chickens produce brown eggs and meat. The dual-purpose breed originated in England and reached the United States by the mid-1800s. The Dominique is considered one of the first chicken breeds in America. It is a rare breed found in small flocks in the United States. The American Poultry Association Standard of Perfection recognizes both standard and bantam Dominiques.

  1. Color

    • Dominique chickens have alternating white and black bars. The barring is thin. Barred Rock chickens also have black and white barring, but the bars are wider. Dominiques have yellow legs and red ear lobes. Pullets (young females) have a darker shank color than cockerels (young males).

    Body Shape

    • Dominique chickens have a broad and full body. The standard size roosters average 7 lbs. and the hens weigh about 5 lbs. Bantam Dominiques average about 1.5 lbs. Dominiques have a rose comb while the similarly colored Barred Rock chickens have a single comb. The Dominique have long, prominent tails.

    Chick Color

    • Baby Dominique chicks have a black body with yellow patches on the wings, head and underside. The sex of the chick is determined by the color. The yellow patch on the head of the young females is more solid and compact than the patch on the head of the young males.

    Egg and Meat Production

    • Dominique hens lay an average of 230 medium-size eggs per year or about three eggs per week. They begin laying eggs by six months of age. The hens are calm, broody and good mothers. Dominiques produce good quality meat. The breed has heavy plumage, and the feathers are used for stuffing mattresses and pillows.

    Characteristics

    • The early maturing Dominique chickens adapt to a wide range of conditions. They are cold hardy and thrive in free range as well as confinement conditions.