Dominique Thread!

[yotetrapper]

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I think I see 2 males, one hen, and one undecided but leaning towards male....

 

[Stevenson]

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Thanks so much. I looked at the feet and based on what you are telling me it looks like I probably have 2 pullets and 2 cockerels. I am very happy with that....I was hoping to keep 2 pullets of this breed! Hopefully it turns out to be the case. Wierd to look at the little roos and think....you're gonna be on my dinner table in about 14 weeks! LOL

 

[centrarchid]

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Thanks so much. I looked at the feet and based on what you are telling me it looks like I probably have 2 pullets and 2 cockerels. I am very happy with that....I was hoping to keep 2 pullets of this breed! Hopefully it turns out to be the case. Wierd to look at the little roos and think....you're gonna be on my dinner table in about 14 weeks! LOL

My doms take > 16 weeks to become table ready, actually a solid 20 weeks most of time. They do not grow as fast as the meatier breeds such as barred rocks and Rhode Island reds.

 

[Stevenson]

Nice to know. That was just a ballpark figure...I really had no idea. I have so much to learn!! Looking forward to giving this breed (and several others) a shot!

 

[LibertyRoo]

I've read now a few times on here about Dominiques being crossed with Barred Rocks. Can anyone name the hatcheries doing this and how you know this is true?
Thanks.

 

[centrarchid]

First, hatchery owners may take offense so relunctant to give names.

Evidence I see is first is in eggs. Typical dominique eggs are off-white to a very light brown. Where barred rock influence is likely, eggs tend to be darker, much darker. My guess barred rock added impart to improve egg production.

One hatchery strain also has stronger contrasting light and dark grey barring as well as the irridescent green on feathers. Former at least somewhat a function of an additional locus promoting slow feathering. All dominiques appear to have at least one locus associated with slow feathering. This version is autosomal (not occuring on sex chromosome). The version possibly from barred rock is associated with Z-chromosome (male coding) which makes possible to discern males at hatch since they get two doses while females get only one.

Another characteristic may have been introduced more than 100 years ago is the allele(s) promoting the noodle like feathers of the tail. This may be related to the autosomal slow feathering that seems standard in all dominiques of today. It has been around long enough that is considered typical of breed. I think dominiques used to have larger more functional tail and wing flight feathers.

We have an standard of perfection (SOP) to follow but there is wiggle room for interpretation and the SOP has changed over time as well so what the ideal dominique looks like has had opportunity to change. The SOP is designed in part to slow that change.

 

[LibertyRoo]

Here's my 3 week old flock.

 

[LibertyRoo]

I think if anyone has clear evidence of this they should expose the hatchery or hatcheries doing this. I mean I know you can always go to an independent breeder but if you're paying for Dominique's regardless of where you're buying from then Dominiques are what to be expected. Doesn't everyone think? If what we're trying to do is preserve this heritage breed then please by all means who cares if they get mad, they're selling hybrids, fakes, and should be exposed for this fraud.

 

[wsmith]

In regards to hacheries, why not just list those which show the least evidence of cross breeding with barred rocks?I highly doubt the hatcheries are following this thread....

 

[tgrlily]

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Honestly, if you want any pure breed, particularly if you're concerned about preserving a heritage breed, you should purchase from a reputable breeder.

Most hatchery stock has been "muddied" for the sake of higher production. They are concerned with quantity, not quality. Look at most other hatchery breeds -- an Orpington from a hatchery next to one from a reputable breeder looks like a scrawny dwarf by comparison. Hatchery silkies -- not a pretty sight! Don't even let me get started on the Ameraucana/americana/easter egger thing! It all just leaves a bad taste in my mouth for hatcheries.

Personally, I choose to purchase the best representation of any breed I choose to own. That includes my Orpingtons, Silkies, Ameraucanas, Dorkings & our latest addition, Dominiques. I know where they're from, including the bloodlines in many cases. Chicken snob? Probably. But I can live with that.