Description
Dominique Bantam Chicken
Breed Overview and Origin
The Dominique Bantam chicken is the miniature version of the standard Dominique, one of America’s oldest chicken breeds. If you like the old-fashioned barred look of the Dominique but want a smaller bird for the backyard, show pen, or family flock, this bantam is a wonderful choice.
Dominique Bantams have the same classic black-and-white barred color pattern as the standard-size birds, along with the breed’s distinctive rose comb. That rose comb helps separate Dominiques from Barred Rocks, which have single combs. Cackle Hatchery’s blog What’s the Difference Between a Barred Rock and a Dominique? explains that both breeds have barred plumage, but Dominique chickens have rose combs while Barred Rocks have single combs.
The Dominique Bantam was recognized by the American Poultry Association Standard of Perfection in 1960. These little birds carry a lot of old American poultry charm in a smaller, easier-to-keep size.
Appearance and Characteristics
Dominique Bantams are colored like the standard Dominique, with barred plumage that gives them a tidy, traditional look. Their rose comb sits low and close to the head, which gives them a neat profile and helps distinguish them from Barred Rock Bantams.
They are small, active, and attractive birds. The bantam size makes them easier to keep in smaller spaces than standard chickens, while the barred pattern gives them that familiar “grandma and grandpa’s farm” look.
Cackle’s Dominique Bantam page describes the breed as docile and calm, with hens that lay small brown bantam-sized eggs and are considered good layers for a bantam breed.
Dominique Bantam vs Dominique Standard
Dominique Bantams and Dominique chickens share the same basic breed identity, but they differ in size.
Choose Dominique Bantams if you want the smaller version for pets, showing, small backyard coops, or bantam flocks. Choose standard Dominiques if you want a larger dual-purpose bird with more body size and stronger utility value. Cackle lists standard Dominiques as hardy, friendly, cold tolerant, active chickens that lay medium brown eggs.
Both versions carry the rose comb and barred feather pattern. Your choice mostly comes down to whether you want a bantam or a standard-size bird.
Dominique Bantam vs Barred Rock Bantam
Dominique Bantams and Barred Rock Bantams can look similar because both have barred feathers. The comb is the easiest way to tell them apart.
Choose Dominique Bantams if you want a rose comb bantam with the old Dominique type. Choose Barred Rock Bantams if you prefer a single-comb bantam from the Plymouth Rock family. Cackle’s blog on Barred Rocks and Dominiques explains that Dominique barring tends to look a little more staggered, while Barred Rock barring usually looks straighter and more even.
Both can make nice backyard bantams. If you are comparing them side by side, look first at the comb.
Egg Production and Utility
Dominique Bantam hens lay small brown bantam-sized eggs. They can lay a good number of eggs for a bantam, especially with steady care, good feed, and proper housing.
Because they are bantams, do not expect standard-size eggs or the same volume you would get from large production layers. Their value comes from a mix of eggs, friendly personality, show potential, small size, and backyard charm.
Cackle’s bantam chicken category notes that bantams are popular for pets, showing, broody hens, and small backyards where space is limited. Bantams typically hatch and ship February through August, depending on availability.
Temperament and Suitability
Dominique Bantams are docile, calm, and people-friendly. Because they enjoy being around people, they often become delightful little pets in backyard flocks.
Their small size makes them a good fit for families, small coops, and exhibition projects. In addition, their rose comb and barred pattern give them the classic Dominique look in a more compact bird.
As with any bantam, predator protection matters. These smaller chickens need a secure coop, a safe run, clean water, balanced feed, and dry bedding. If you free range them, keep in mind that hawks, cats, and other predators can be a bigger risk for bantams than for larger birds.
Is the Dominique Bantam Right for Your Flock?
Choose Dominique Bantams if you want:
A miniature Dominique chicken
A rose comb bantam
A calm, docile flock bird
A friendly pet chicken
A small brown egg layer
A barred bantam with old farm charm
A good backyard chicken for smaller spaces
A show or exhibition type bantam
A standard Dominique version to compare
A bantam that may be included in bantam pullet deals
Overall, this breed is a great choice if you want a small, friendly, barred chicken with classic American character. While Dominique Bantams are not large utility birds, they are charming, manageable, and useful little flock members. They also give you the old Dominique look without needing as much coop space as the standard-size bird.
Breed History and Preservation
The standard Dominique has deep roots in American poultry history and is often described as America’s oldest chicken breed. Cackle lists standard Dominiques as a sustainable heritage breed and notes that its breeding farm has developed its pure Dominique strain since 1979.
The bantam version carries the same breed character in miniature form. The Dominique Bantam entered the American Poultry Association Standard of Perfection in 1960.
Mark Fields was instrumental in providing Cackle Hatchery® with seed stock for both the bantam and standard-size Dominiques decades ago. His contribution helped support this old breed in both sizes. Mark passed in January 2021 and is remembered by many in the poultry world.
Recognition and Availability
The American Poultry Association recognized the Dominique Bantam in 1960. It remains a good choice for customers who want a showy barred bantam with a rose comb and a calm disposition.
You can choose Dominique Bantam chicks when they are available. Dominique Bantams may also appear in Cackle’s Bantam Pullet Deal when available, but assortment deals are hatchery choice and may or may not be assorted. Cackle lists Dominique among the breeds that can be included in that bantam pullet deal.
Before you plan your order, check the Availability Chart for current hatch and shipping options.
Related Breeds and Helpful Cackle Hatchery® Resources
If you like Dominique Bantams, you may also want to compare the standard Dominique Chicken, Barred Rock Bantams, and other bantam chickens.
For help telling barred breeds apart, read What’s the Difference Between a Barred Rock and a Dominique?. For a recent Cackle note about show results, see Bragging About Cackle’s Bantam Dominiques, which highlights 2025 youth poultry show wins with Bantam Dominiques hatched from Cackle Hatchery®.
For broader flock planning, browse baby chicks for sale, brown egg laying chickens, and the Chicken Breed Selector.
FAQ: Dominique Bantam Chicken
What is a Dominique Bantam chicken?
A Dominique Bantam is the miniature version of the standard Dominique chicken. This small bird has barred plumage, a rose comb, a calm disposition, and small brown bantam eggs.
Is the Dominique Bantam the same as the standard Dominique?
No. The bantam is the smaller version of the breed. The standard Dominique has more dual-purpose utility, while the bantam works better for smaller spaces, pets, and showing.
When did the APA recognize Dominique Bantams?
The American Poultry Association recognized the Dominique Bantam in 1960.
What do Dominique Bantams look like?
These bantams have black-and-white barred plumage like standard Dominiques. They also have a rose comb that sits low on the head.
Are Dominique Bantams friendly?
Yes. This breed is docile, calm, and people-friendly. With gentle handling, the birds often become enjoyable backyard pets.
Are Dominique Bantams good with people?
Yes. Because they enjoy being around people, they can be a nice choice for backyard keepers who want a personable bantam.
Are Dominique Bantams good egg layers?
Yes, they lay a good number of small brown eggs for a bantam breed. Cackle describes them as good bantam layers.
What color eggs do Dominique Bantams lay?
They lay small brown bantam-sized eggs.
Are Dominique Bantams good for beginners?
Yes. For beginners who want calm, small, friendly chickens, this breed can be a good fit. Like all bantams, they still need secure housing, clean water, balanced feed, dry bedding, and predator protection.
Are Dominique Bantams good show birds?
Yes. These small Dominiques can make good show or exhibition birds. In addition, their rose comb, barred color, and calm nature make them fun to prepare for poultry projects.
What is the difference between Dominique Bantams and Barred Rock Bantams?
The comb is the easiest difference. Dominique Bantams have rose combs, while Barred Rock Bantams have single combs. Also, Dominique barring often looks a little more staggered, while Barred Rock barring usually appears straighter.
Do Dominique Bantams have rose combs?
Yes. The rose comb is one of the easiest ways to identify a Dominique Bantam.
Who provided Cackle Hatchery® with Dominique seed stock?
Mark Fields was instrumental in providing Cackle Hatchery® with seed stock for both bantam and standard Dominiques decades ago. His work helped support this old American breed in both sizes.
Can Dominique Bantams come in a Bantam Pullet Deal?
Yes. Cackle’s Bantam Pullet Deal may include Dominique Bantams, but assortment deals are hatchery choice and may or may not be assorted.
Where can I check chick availability?
Check the Availability Chart for current hatch and shipping options.
Monica Bailey –
Love this breed! Very friendly, clam and cute! Great for my backyard coop. Loves to hang out in the garden with me. I would definitely order this one again.
hoggerjustice –
I ordered 15 mixed Dominique Bantam chicks. You sent 16, one was dead upon arrival. The 15 survived and are healthy. But the true Dominique Bantam type isn’t there. They are to big and leggy, color and combs are good, but that’s where it ends.
I urge you to reach out to the Dominique Club of America for breeders to help improve your stock. I know at one time Cackle had good quality Dominique Bantams from some of the top breeders in the U.S.
gary_morrow –
I have had this breed for almost a year…a wonderful, gentle, calm and beautiful breed. I have 2 Roosters and 9 hens. The Roosters never bother me and the hens lay beautiful eggs. The hens always come up to me to say hello. Because chick starter commercial feed was hard on these small chick’s intestines-I had a hard time with pasty butt for the first couple of days…so I added some vinegar and Pedialyte Electrolyte Water with Zero Sugar, Hydration. The pasty butt went away. For the first week you need to check for pasty butt on bantams every couple of hours–if you don’t clear the vent the chick will die. What I did was run some warm water at the sink and let the water run across the pasty butt until it became soft enough to remove with toilet paper. I have not lost one bantam by staying on top of pasty butt. The chicks I received are very healthy and hardy. I never have my chicks vaccinated or bought medicated chick starter. To date….I got rid of all my large flock and now only have these bantams. Thanks you Cackle for such a wonderful bird.
lassiedail –
I love these attractive, hardy, bantams. They are active and friendly, but not overly so. I was really happy that I could order just females of 2 bantam breeds. Thank you Cackle!!
Joyce Evenson –
Our Dominique bantams arrived safely this am. There were extras and everyone arrived alive, but one little one was off by itself and didnt seem so good. Unfortunately he passed shortly thereafter, but everyone else seems happy and vigorous, even after their long and stressful trip thru the mail. They are absolutely beautiful bantams and were packaged carefully for the trip, including a little heat pad to help them have less cold stress along the way. First time to order from cackle and very happy with the quality and care for their chicks that has been displayed so far. Thanks!
james –
Dominique Bantams
We have five of these that live happily with our full size black and cuckoo marans pullets. One has a crooked tail, but otherwise they are very beautiful birds with great personalities. They love to run around the barnyard in a group looking for something good to eat, we call them the squad. If I were to pick one breed to have as pets, these would be it.
Martha –
Okay
The Dominique I received was supposed to be a bantam. It is fully grown now and standard sized. It is of decent quality though. I was disappointed that even though some chicks didn’t make it within a few days of receiving, you offered no replacement. You did do a refund though. You were very easy to deal with and I would order from you again. The old English bantams we received are very pretty and colors that are difficult to get elsewhere.
Masterel –
Dominique Bantam
This was first time for us to raise the Dominique Bantam among others. They are a miniature kind, half the size of the large kind, and not much larger then the Silver Sebright Bantam . Their eggs are small, as well. Right in their early adulthood both our Dominique Bantam chickens became broody, and we got ten more new chicks within the first year. The rooster was one of our Silver Sebright Bantam, so I am looking Forward to see what will be the end result of that combination.
The Dominique Bantam is a very friendly and peaceful kind, and amazing mothers!!! We did nothing to help her raise her chick, she would disappeared at night then appeared in the morning with all ten of them! Once they got their feathers she simply let them be on their own, but still present there for them. Amazing kind!
Spencer C –
Gr8 layers, somewhat skittish, NOT aggressive!
Ordered 15 sr, received 14 females & 2 males. They lay a lot of small/medium eggs, 5+ a week. 1 died early on all others thrived extremely well, very vigorous line. Not aggressive at all but a bit skittish. Meaty bodies, some look to have a little barred rock type in their background. Would recommend these birds to every1. They’re vigorous and my best layers.
Randeen –
Outstanding
I am writing to tell you that the 6 bantams we ordered plus 3!!!! extras arrived on Wednesday morning. The care you took in packaging and getting them to us was outstanding. We Ordered Rock Island Red, Dominique, Old English Creole and Barred Old English. We had two dehydrated babies, pretty weak, it was clear across country to get here. We couldn’t get them to drink so gave each a few drops of water with a few grains of chick electrolytes and within a couple of hours they were up and running around. We could not be more pleased with these healthy babies, they are adapting to our active household and beginning to join in with their own opinions, lol. Thanks so much for the quality and the service.
Brando –
Very satisfied
Ordered 15 of these boys & girls,and they turned out to be everything they are said to be,very pleased with these tough guys,this New Mexico Rocky Mountains weather had nothing on them
Jason & Jessica, Indiana March 2012 –
Cackle Hatchery Order Comment
We received our chicks from you this morning after the post office called about 6 am. I brought them home and dipped their beaks in warm water and fed them in the brooder. When I checked them at 2:00 pm they were all live and running about great. They are the most robust chicks I’ve ever seen after being shipped. We ordered Dominique Bantams and Buff Orpington Bantams and would recommend you guys to anyone for bantams. I am VERY PLEASED WITH MY ORDER!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!I am excited to see how these young birds turn out and am hoping we can get some nice Dominiques to add to our show string this Fall. Thank you for your great service and for great chicks!!!
Mark, Missouri March 2010 –
Cackle Hatchery Catalog
I received a copy of your catalog from you and I’m writing you to compliment you on it. The new catalog outshines all others in the industry. Your efforts to capture quality photos of real birds which are representative of the breeds have made the catalog informative and interesting. The layout is nice, clean and easy to navigate. In short I can’t say enough positive things. Job well done! On another note, I continue to receive individuals seeking advice on breeding Dominiques and I now tell people your hatchery as the only commercial available source worth considering. Recent photos of Dominique bantams that I’ve seen indicates you are doing a good job working with the bloodline I provided. If i were in a position to have chickens again i would not hesitate to order from your hatchery for my start back into the show circuit. Keep up the good work.
Peter Texas May 2010 –
Bantams arrived this AM
Thank you for the extra-mile effort to call and ask about sending my order early. it was a big help to us. I received the call Wed afternoon and they arrived this morning. Friday, in great shape, all alive and very active. I have ordered from other hatcheries for years and always been treated well, but Cackle’s selection, quality, personnel and process have been the best. Always friendly, always met their commitments, replaced the lost chicks without question. The chicks from the first order are feathered out and totally healthy. These were the first banties we ever ordered and we were a little nervous. Our grands are going to have fun showing them, owning them. Us too.