Acquired: Other
Gender: Both
Dominiques make up the vast bulk of my free-range flock. They may not lay as well as many (a small egg every other day) or get quite as big (my hens average a little over four pounds) but you can't beat these guys for economy. Spring through fall these birds do great on what they can forage off of my couple acres and a small meal at night.
They aren't the best choice for someone who's looking for a pet--but their flighty, skittish nature will keep them alive if you have hawks or raccoons ready to get at a unsuspecting bird. I've also found my birds to be uncommonly noisy, fine for a set up like mine with a lot of space between me and the neighbors, but maybe not so great for urban flock keepers.