Dominique Chickens | Stratton Hall 1794

The Dominique chicken is the oldest American poultry breed. A Dominique is an attractive black and white feathered, dual purpose, medium-size bird with a red comb, red wattles, bay-colored eyes, and yellow legs. Dominiques are often misidentified as the Plymouth Rock, commonly known as the Barred Rock, but the Barred Rock has a single comb and parallel barring, while the Dominique has a rose comb and staggered or irregular barring.

Dominiques are thought to be descended from the chickens brought by early English settlers to New England. They are nicknamed the Dominicker or Pilgrim Fowl. Dominiques are a parent breed of the Plymouth Rock. They peaked in popularity in the 19th century, only to be superceded by the Plymouth Rock. Dominiques are excellent foragers willing to scratch for their own food. They produce delicious brown eggs under even marginal conditions, are good mothers, and hardy in both cold and hot weather.

The Livestock Conservancy placed the Dominique in the Watch category of its 2019 Conservation Priority List (CPL). This designation means there are fewer than 5,000 breeding Dominiques in the United States. However, this is an improvement over their earlier Critical category status in the 1970s as the Dominique has benefited from a growing interest in rare and heritage breeds of livestock and a recognition of their value to American agriculture and biological diversity.

Dominique hens are friendly and calm, while the rooster is vigilant in his duty to protect his flock. We sell Dominique eggs for eating from the farm. On occasion we are able to offer adult birds and chicks for sale. Call or email us for pricing and availability.