Dominique??

[Dixiedoodle]

I am the proud owner of a sweet, seemingly healthy Dominique pullet that my grandson found on the drive two weeks ago and no one claims her.. She has really grown , filled out over the past two weeks..I am guessing she is about 18-20weeks old, comparing her to my girls at that age. I have Barred Rocks, Rhode Island Reds, Buff Orpingtons, EE and Ameraucana but I know NOTHING about Dominique..

So, can you all share your knowledge, pictures of pullets/hens and eggs.. I have read many things about them and the only information I can find on their eggs is : brown.. Is it light brown, dark brown, almost tan??
Thank you,, Dixie

 

[Cats Critters]

Here is a page on them:
http://www.mypetchicken.com/chicken-breeds/Dominique-B44.aspx

 

[Dixiedoodle]

Thank you. That's the site that I found when I realized she was not a Barred Rock... My grandson (10yo) called and said Granny, we found one of your chickens out by the road, just sitting here.. I run out and count---nope not one of mine...Here they come driving up with the pullet in his arms..So, proud to have caught her.. He was so sad when I told him we would have to ask everyone around if she was their's and thrilled when no one claimed her...

 

[lauralou]

I have some Dominique hens. One is quite the bossy tyrant in the henhouse, her name is Tough Cookie. Her daughter seems to be following in her footsteps. Very sassy! And two more that are relatively sweet birds. Different mother. Don't the predators always get the sweet ones?

They lay nice big eggs, very light brown, with a hint of pink. Except one, who lays a smallish egg that is decidedly pink, usually with white speckles. Adorable! They have been poor winter layers for me. I don't supplement light in the winter, so I'm used to poor winter production, but the Dominiques seem more sensitive than some of my other breeds. They lay pretty well in the "on" season. Mine were very slow to lay their first eggs. Hatched in spring, first eggs the following spring.

All of my Dominiques are broodies. The original girls were breeder culls, and the breeder told me that broodiness was common in his flock. I haven't let them all hatch chicks yet, but Tough Cookie is a most excellent mother. She's actually my favorite broody hen, and that's saying something, because I have a lot of them. She teaches her babies to come to people and beg for treats. And naturally, she's fiercely protective. She's pretty fierce in general.

All in all, I like my Dominiques. They are beautiful birds, and very friendly. The rooster was overly aggressive and he had to go, so we won't be breeding any more of them. But I'm happy with the ones I have. They have a lot of personality.

I can frequently be seen walking around with a big old Dominique hen perched on my shoulder...