Dominique Thread!

[DraigAthar]

I am starting to have second thoughts about my spring chick order.

Looking at Dominique rooster pictures again, some have really BIG wattles!

How in the world am I going to keep such large things free of frostbite???

Doms aren't supposed to have large wattles. A good example of the breed will have nice tight wattles, even the males. But of course, individuals vary, and what each breeder chooses to focus on varies as well. One of my first roos had great wattles, they were larger than the hens' wattles obviously, but they weren't so huge that he ever got frostbite. I've had other roos that were not so lucky, my main rooster right now has larger wattles and he's got a little bit of frostbite along their edges.

 

[wsmith]

WSmith, how bout naming your next roo Eliphalet.  Nice looking birds.  I can't wait to actually get some Dom pullet chicks.

LOL. That would work.......

 

[wsmith]

Doms aren't supposed to have large wattles. A good example of the breed will have nice tight wattles, even the males. But of course, individuals vary, and what each breeder chooses to focus on varies as well. One of my first roos had great wattles, they were larger than the hens' wattles obviously, but they weren't so huge that he ever got frostbite. I've had other roos that were not so lucky, my main rooster right now has larger wattles and he's got a little bit of frostbite along their edges.

Correct. Large wattles tend to be prone to frostbite. Our backup cockerel, Ishmael, now has one wattle shorter than the other, because he was drinking late in the afternoon, and got frostbite because his wattle was wet. The nice short wattles are less apt for the problem. They look better too in my opinion.

 

[lazy gardener]

Jael would be a nice name for a pullet. My grand dtr's middle name. Ain't nobody gonna mess with that girl!

 

[emalin]

I think this thread has sealed the deal. Our first batch of hens will be Dominiques. I've been looking for a breed that forages well but can handle confinement. They can only free range when supervised due to the predator situation here. We're also looking for a gentle temperament since we have a two year old. Also like a pretty bird that has some natural camoflogue. So, Dominiques!

I do have a few questions. Our climate ranges from 10-104F, usually more between 30-90. Would these birds fare well with these temps? Also, is there a big difference between Dominiques from hatcheries versus breeders? Finally, are the roosters particularly aggressive or friendly (if it's possible to generalize)?

Thanks!

 

[centrarchid]

I think this thread has sealed the deal. Our first batch of hens will be Dominiques. I've been looking for a breed that forages well but can handle confinement. They can only free range when supervised due to the predator situation here. We're also looking for a gentle temperament since we have a two year old. Also like a pretty bird that has some natural camoflogue. So, Dominiques!

I do have a few questions. Our climate ranges from 10-104F, usually more between 30-90. Would these birds fare well with these temps? Also, is there a big difference between Dominiques from hatcheries versus breeders? Finally, are the roosters particularly aggressive or friendly (if it's possible to generalize)?

Thanks!

They can handle your temperature range just fine. Watch them on them on high in of range, especially when in lay.

Hatchery birds very greatly. They tend to run smaller and vary greatly with respect to type. At least one hatchery strain has been outcrossed with something else to facilitate feather sexing I think but maybe egg production also.


Aggression generally low but that can be a function of environment. Mine are trustworthy around small kids but can learn to be aggressive to get you to throw out more feed from bucket.

 

[Trooper Man]

I like the Dominique they are a very nice looking bird in my opinion.

 

[chickenlver2013]

I like the Dominique they are a very nice looking bird in my opinion.

Very nice looking!

 

[Trooper Man]

Very nice looking!

I hope they have some at the unifour poultry show in NC this March if they do I will have to buy me some.

 

[emalin]

I was wondering if anyone could suggest a Dominique breeder. I live in Northern California and have found one small company in my area that "can get" Dominiques, but I'm assuming they mean from a hatchery (they sell pullets). I'm not completely averse to hatchery chicks, but I would like to get the healthiest and prettiest birds I can find. I don't have plans to breed, but who knows. (We are just starting our flock.) I went to a show last weekend and there were no Dominiques. Someone told me they are more popular on the East Coast? Would love it if you could point me in the right direction.