Dominiques or Barred Rocks

[galanie]

I ended up with a couple barred rocks from two very different sources (but both are hatchery birds) and both are very bossy toward the other chickens. One is 8 wks and the other is 26 weeks but both are like that. Personally I'll be glad to get rid of them.

 

[Fred's Hens]

I would truly love to have some quality Doms, some bred to closer to type. I'd also love to have some true, heritage Barred Rocks that KathyinMo shows here on BYC or Good Shepherd Poultry Ranch show. Heavy sigh.

 

[Ole rooster]

But what would be the eggs difference. I want the Dom's but read where their eggs were somewhat smaller than the BR hens. Is this so? I'm getting ready to order some hatching eggs.

 

[gootziecat]

Yes, Dominique eggs are generally smaller than a BR. They are noted for medium sized eggs, although some lay large eggs.

 

[RedDrgn]

I've got a dom and a BR, bother from hatchery stock (same hatchery even), and other than both being black and white, they don't look much alike (the different combs aside). The rock has a much heavier build and is much lighter in color, overall, than the dom. The dom definitely has a more upright posture and longer and more curled tail feathers; overall a more sleek and less "puffed/fluffy" appearance than the br. Neither have laid just yet (could do so at any time), so I can't compare eggs just yet.

Disposition-wise, the dom is a totally docile bird. You can handle her anyway/any time you want without a fuss, and she often ends up in a lap or on your shoulder of her own accord. She's also good with the rest of the flock, never gets into tussles that we've seen, but doesn't take crap, either. The rock, while also generally friendly, is pretty darn bossy/pushy with the rest of the flock, is quite loud, and does not like being touched.