"Domineckers"

9" x 12" oil on canvas panel

Dominique chickens, more commonly called "Domineckers," are closely related to Plymouth Barred Rocks. Both were bred from barred chickens that were common in the eastern United States by the mid-1700s. A hardy breed, their heavy plumage made them desirable as providers of feathers for pillows and beds in addition to their eggs and meat. After other breeds of domestic chickens were developed, especially following WWII, interest in Dominiques declined, and by 1970, only four known flocks survived. However, efforts of conservation groups and breeders have brought their numbers back up substantially. I enjoyed painting them because they're just plain good-looking chickens.