Dominique is the other breed featured at Oliver H. Kelley Farm Museum in Elk River, Minnesota. Often fondly called Dominickers, they were common in barnyards in Colonial America and continued providing eggs and meat through the 20th century. Historically, they would have been known to Mr. Kelley and his family in the 1850s.
This photo of a Dominique hen and her chicks comes from Bryan K. Oliver of the Dominque Club of America. It is one of his favorites.
They were used in developing the Barred Plymouth Rock. A Dominique rooster was crossed either with Black Cochin or Black Java hens. The Dominique line that led to the Barred Rock was a single comb variety. Dominiques today are recognized only with rose combs.
Both breeds were in the American Poultry Association’s original American Standard of Excellence, published in 1874. They are soemtimes called America's Oldest Breed
Dominiques nearly disappeared by the 1950s, but dedicated advocates of this beautiful and hardy breed persevered and flocks are gradually increasing. More breeders are welcome.
The Dominique Club of America, http://dominiquechickens.org/index.php, champions this breed. Whether you are ready to start breeding a flock or not, joining DCA will support continued progress.
No comments:
Post a Comment