The Dominique, also known as Dominicker or Pilgrim Fowl, is a breed of chicken originating in the United States during the colonial period. It is considered America's oldest breed of chicken, probably descending from chickens brought to New England from southern England during colonial times.
Primary use: dual-purpose meat/eggs
Egg production (annual): 230
Egg size: Large
Temperament: Forager, Calm, Personable, Hardy
Egg color: Brown
Dominique
The Dominiques are cold hardy birds that bear confinement well, but love to free range. They are excellent layers averaging 230-275 small- to medium-sized brown eggs. They are a social breed and not only enjoy each other but are people friendly too.
The Dominique was plentifully bred on American farms as early as the 1820’s, where these birds were a popular dual-purpose fowl. Dominiques were never used commercially, and the breed was eventually eclipsed on the farm by other commercial chicken breeds. In 1874 the Dominique breed was officially admitted to the American Poultry Association’s Standard of Perfection.
The Dominique enjoyed popularity until the 1920’s at which time interest in the breed declined. The breed waned but managed to survive during the Great Depression of the 1930’s due to its hardiness and ease of up-keep. By the end of World War II, the Dominique once again experienced a decline. Only 4 known flocks remained by the end of 1970, held by Henry Miller, Edward Uber, Robert Henderson, and Carl Gallaher. According to the “The Livestock Conservancy” through the effort of dedicated individuals, a breed rescue plan was put into action. From 1983 until 2006, Dominiques steadily rose in numbers, but as of 2007, it has been observed by the breed’s enthusiasts that numbers are once again beginning to decline.
The Dominique breed carries their heads high up on a well-arched neck and has a cuckoo pattered barred plumage coloration which is referred to as hawk-color because it serves the Dominique in making the bird less conspicuous to predators. The Dominique breed sports a rose comb with a curve up-spike that is a Dominique characteristic. The males average seven pounds and the females five. Their tightly arranged plumage with the low profile rose comb make this breed cold hardy, though they adapt well to hot climates. The males of the breed have a “u” shaped back outline and the females have full tail feathers that are held highest of the American breeds. www.livestockconservancy.org
In my opinion: The Dominiques that we’ve had the good fortune to own are the most social of chicken breeds. They take walks with me and seem to enjoy when I talk to them, and to me, they are great therapy.