Broody Dominique
hens make good mothers and pets. The hens have exceptional success and low
mortality rates raising their brood. The hens have a calm, friendly demeanor. However,
Dominique roosters are contentious and a worthy opponents to predators. Owners
have seen roosters kill snakes and minks. Dominiques handle both confinement
and free-range foraging equally well. Dominiques exhibit an incredible
adaptability to their given environment.
Dominique are
described as hawk-colored in reference to their plumage patterning. They
display black barring over their entire white bodies. They sport medium red
combs, wattles, and earlobes on a medium frame. Many confuse the Dominque with
the Barred Rock breed. Experts can tell the difference immediately as the
Dominque has a red rose comb; whereas, the Barred Rock has a red single comb.
Males have a āUā shaped back with an upright tail. Female backs follow a more
natural outline sloping down from head to tail.
Cater to your
Dominique's foraging instincts. Provide them adequate runs with ample bugs,
seed and pebbles. Of course, a little attention and a good layer food will pay
rich dividends in egg and meat production. Keep the number of Dominique
roosters to a minimum. However, you may want to keep a sufficient number around
to ward off predators and to propogate this endangered species.