If you ’ve ever attend a Barred Plymouth Rock , Dominique Chickens may seem quite conversant . Despite carrying some similarity to the democratic Barred Plymouth Rock , Dominiques have their own unique trait .
For the farmer interested in a rich , heritage breed that does well for both meat and egg , Dominiques make an excellent pick .
About Dominique Chickens
Sometime around colonial times , Dominiques likely made it across the ocean with the pilgrims . In the 1700s , Dominiques were quite popular , but they finally gave way to the Barred Rocks , which in the first place stemmed from Dominiques . In 1874 , Dominiques were recognise by the American Poultry Association and added to the Standard of Perfection .
Many people get Barred Rocks and Dominiques mixed up and think the two are standardised . Dominick were around before Barred Rocks and there are a few distinguishing characteristics . One promiscuous fashion to severalise the two apart is by looking at their comb eccentric . Barred Rocks sport vertical , single combs while Dominiques have little , squashed - attend rose combs .
Dominique Characteristics
1. Size and Weight
Although Dominiques are classified as a two-fold - purpose breed , they certainly are n’t the largest three-fold - intent dame around . Full - turn Dominique roosters get along in at roughly 7 pounds . Hens librate a morsel less , tipping the scales around 5 pounds at full - farm weight .
2. Temperament
Dominique hen have very personable and magical temperaments that are sure to come through you over . Another great thing about these hens is their excellent brooding and mothering qualities .
One affair that Dominique roosters are infamous for is their terrible temperaments . Dominique rooster have the reputation for killing modest creature and attacking masses always , so beware if you design on tot up these to your mess .
3. Egg Production
Dominique hen are extremely praised for impressive eggs production , grow around 250 light browned nut per yr . This is unquestionably a good strain to supply to your lean if you ’re after an efficient eggs producer .
4. Meat Production
Dominiques will grow a decent minute of marrow , but not the maximal amount you could get from a two-fold - design breed . If you ’re after the perfect 2 - in-1 dual - purpose bird , Dominiques credibly wo n’t produce quite enough meat to make them idealistic . However , they ’re turgid enough that extra roosters will be worth your time to process for the soup pot .
Caring For Dominiques
1. Feeding and Nutrition
If you ’re raising Dominiques from chicks , you ’ll need to get them started out on a good quality dame entrant . Your develop birds will remain on this chick starter for the first 12 - 14 weeks of their life until it ’s time to transition them to alaying feed . lay flocks need to remain on a dependable dieting of laying provender for the residual of their generative lives .
If for some reason you discover yourself with brickly or mild eggshell , atomic number 20 supplements should aid compensate this issuance . you’re able to supply calcium by providing oyster shield or crushed shell in a freestanding dish so that your hens can eat them as they are needed .
2. Housing and Fencing
Your flock of Dominique chickens will call for a lovesome , dry , marauder - proof chicken coop . Inside this chicken coop , ply 3 - 4 square groundwork per bird so everyone has good deal of way to last peacefully . For roost space , 12 inches per bird should be provided .
Outside , Dominiques will flourish in a free - reach environs but will bear confinement if you do n’t have the substance to allow free - ranging . If you are keeping your boo in a tally , 10 straight feet is the minimal amount of place to allot per poulet .
3. Health Issues and Care
As with most inheritance breeds , Dominiques are outstanding razz in the immune system department . Every chicken can get ill , but you do n’t have to worry about especially weak immune systems with a stock like this .
External and internal parasites can discommode any quite a little , and it ’s imperative that they be treat now upon discovery . A poulet ’s fashion of preventing external parasites is by debris bathing frequently , so verify that you provide a good dust bath area to avail with bar in this arena .
4. Breeding
A inheritance breed such as the Dominique would make a very interesting genteelness project . consort to the Livestock Conservancy , this strain has been placed on the watch list , which mean their numbers may be dropping .
Something as special as America ’s old chicken could surely apply some dedicated preservers so the strain is around for many years to come .
Dominique Breed Alternatives
1. Barred Plymouth Rock
It will come as no surprisal that the Dominique ’s doppelganger would be the top alternative breed for Dominiques . Barred Plymouth Rockslay a bit more regularly than the Dominiques , which is saying something since the Dominiques lay so proficiently . If the aggressive rooster issue bothers you with Dominiques , you wo n’t have to interest about this with the Barred Rocks .
Did You Know?
Although today these bird are well known as Dominiques , Dominicker is also a name that applies to the same chicken . In olden days , these chickens perish by many names , include Blue Spotted Hen , Old Grey Hen , Dominico , and Dominic .
This is a play , inheritance chicken that will provide your farm with plenty of egg . Perfect for a homesteader that appreciates sustainability and practicality , the Dominique is your bird !
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