Rare Breed: Chickens

The Dominique chicken is one of the first breeds of chickens developed in the United States. They are small to medium in size with a very hardy constitution. Their heavy plumage protects the poultry from low winter temperatures. English game fowl produce high-quality meat and eggs. Eggs from the poultry in the Rare Breeds program are used in the Historic Area Foodways program. Nankin Bantam hens were used to hatch Pheasant and Quail eggs for large estates. With their copper-colored bodies and their green and black tail feathers, they are striking birds, and they make good pets because of their gentle nature.