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Dominique Chickens
Dom History: Colonial to 1900
Dom History: 1915 to Present
Dom Looks: Adult
Dom Looks: Chick/Pullet/Cockerel
Dominique Personality: Friendly
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Dominique Chicken History: 1915 to Present

Egg Popularity Around 1915

Around 1915 consumers starting preferring white eggs over brown eggs. The preference changed back to brown in the early 1990s. So for about 75 years white eggs were more popular.

Hens with white earlobes lay white eggs. Hens with red ear lobes lay brown eggs.

Dominique Stock in 1915

This photo was taken at A.Q. Carter's farm in 1915. Mr Carter wrote many articles about Dominiques and was responsible for getting their correct description in the "Standard of Perfection" breed book.

"The egg shipment arrived this morning on schedule and is safe and sound. Incubator is loaded and we anxiously await our hatch. I will keep you posted and send pictures when they arrive. My husband's grandmother raised Dominiques, and they hold fond memories for him. My grandson is very excited to see chicks." -Laura, New Tazewell, Tennessee

Dominique chickens Popular Until 1920s

The Dominique was popular until the 1920s but then interest decreased. The breed survived during the Great Depression of the 1930s because it was hardy and easy to keep. It was a great survival chicken.

This photo is some Dominique hens enjoying a dust bath they created.
Factory Farming Reduced Dominiques

By the end of World War II in 1945, as the large-scale poultry industry began to increase, the Dominique again declined. Small mom and pop farms decreased as food commercialization increased.

This photo is a 7-week-old Dominique pullet.
Almost Extinct by 1970

By 1970 there were only four known flocks owned by: Henry Miller, Edward Uber, Robert Henderson, and Carl Gallaher.

According to reports by the American Livestock Breeds Conservancy, from 1983 until 2006 Dominiques steadily increased in numbers.

"There are more Dominiques around now than there have been in fifty years." -Carl Gallaher, expert breeder, 1997

This graph shows the relative popularity of the Dominique from 1840 to 2000.
2007 to Present

As of 2007, they were once again beginning to decline. However, populations may increase as more and more people become interested in self-sufficient living and the preservation of heritage poultry.

This drawing is from 1886: "For the American Agriculturist. The Dominique Fowl".






Colonial Williamsburg's Rare Breed Program

This Rare Breeds program began in 1986 to preserve genetic diversity in livestock. Based on historical research, the selected breeds represent animals that would have been in Williamsburg, Virginia during the 1700s.

Breeds include the Dominique chicken, Nankin Bantam chicken, English Game fowl, Leicester Longwool sheep, American Cream Draft horse, American Milking Red Devon cattle, Durham Shorthorn cattle, and Devon/Lineback oxen.

"Dominiques were well suited to the colonial Virginia habitat because they were medium to small in size with a very hardy constitution. Heavy plumage protected the birds from the weather, and those with rose combs rarely suffered from freezing winter temperatures. Their dark and light irregular barring made them practically invisible when perched in brush or trees."

"Dominiques were fast growing in spite of having to forage for their food. Their hens were often the first to lay fall and winter eggs and continued without interruption throughout the winter. The usefulness of this special breed did not go unnoticed by farm wives of long ago who valued them for their feathers, meat, eggs, and for calm dispositions."

Colonial Williamsburg's Rare Breeds Program



Livestock Breeds Conservancy

Dominiques are categorized as 'Watch' on the Conservation Priority List of the American Livestock Breeds Conservancy. 'Watch' means: "Fewer than 2,500 annual registrations in the United States and estimated global population less than 10,000".

Their motto is: "Ensuring the future of agriculture through the genetic conservation and promotion of endangered breeds of livestock and poultry".




     3 weeks later



"Just wanted to let you know our chicks are here! 9 hatched which is best percentage we have had. We did loose one that failed to thrive. The other 8 are doing great!"
-Laura, New Tazewell, Tennessee


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Dominique Adult Chicken Looks


Nantahala Farm in the Mountains of Western NC
No pickup at farm. I ship to the United States only.
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