Dominique Chicken

Gallus gallus domestic dominique

Scientific Name

Dominique Chicken:  
Gallus gallus domestic dominique

Distribution and Habitat

Geographic Range

Dominique chickens originated in the United Kingdom. They are now sporadic throughout the United States.

Natural Habitat

Dominique chickens are found in all climates due to their hardiness.

Physical Characteristics

  • Dominiques, sometimes called Dominickers, are quite distinctive in appearance, having a rose comb and a heavy plumage of irregularly striped black-and-white feathers (a pattern called “barring” or sometimes “hawk coloring”). Their unique rose comb presents as a short upward curving spike that is characteristic to this breed. The males are seven pounds and the females are five pounds. Due to their tight plumage and the low profile of the comb, they are more resistant to frostbite than other breeds. They also adapt well to hot and humid climates. The males carry their heads high up on their well-arched necks. They also have an almost “U’ shaped back outline. Their bodies are broad and have a full feathered tails that are held the highest of all the American breeds.

Quick Facts

  1. Dominique chickens are recognized as America’s first Heritage chicken breed.

  2. The chicken is the closest living relative of the tyrannosaurus-rex.

  3. There are more chickens than people in the world.

Exhibit

Delta Sonic Heritage Farm Children's Zoo

Conservation Status

Least Concern: The Dominique Chicken is common or abundant and is likely to survive in the wild.

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Diet

Omnivore

Dominique chickens are omnivores. They spend a good deal of time foraging for insects and seeds.