Are Dorking chicks less hardy than other chicks?

[Cowgirl71]

I'm looking into the Dorking breed and they're looking very interesting. Except I have found a few places that said that Dorking chicks are more fragile compared to other chicks. But then I found another place that said that it's just a myth, and that Dorking chicks are just as hardy as other chicks. So I thought I'd ask the experts!

I've also never had chickens with a 5th toe. Is there any special care they require, like nail clipping? If so, about how often? Any other interesting facts about Dorkings would be appreciated!

 

[Illia]

No clipping or such required - 5 toes doesn't bother the bird one bit. As for Dorkings, I'm certainly not the person to talk to, but I'd say if it were true about their weakness, I'd probably blame it on the fact that they are such a rare breed and so incredibly ancient, thus, lots of inbreeding and a weak genepool.

 

[Stse586]

I got 30 Dorkings from Sand Hill this spring, and they all survived without any special treatment. They were with some other breeds in the order too so it is a fair assessment. Now, there is someone I've been talking to that ordered a lot of eggs and chicks from many sources and lost most of them. So I am not sure if I'm lucky or she's very unlucky.

 

[Cowgirl71]

Quote:
Thanks!

Somewhere along the way I picked up the theory that a 5th toe needs clipping because it doesn't get worn down from the bird's natural behavior, kinda like a dog's dewclaw. Thanks for clearing that up for me, makes Dorkings all the more attractive now!

Oh, just thought of this... Do you think a 5th toe increases the chances of a broody hen injuring the eggs/chicks? Or not really?

If I do get Dorkings I'll be getting them from Sand Hill, so if Dorkings are fragile due to inbreeding I don't think it'll be a problem with Sand Hill's.

 

[Cowgirl71]

Quote:
Thanks, glad to know your Sand Hill Dorkings did well for you.

 

[Oldhound]

My Sandhill Dorkings were just as hardy as any other normal breed . Second generation same, I wou ldn't worry.

 

[Cowgirl71]

Quote:
Okay, thanks!

 

[NYREDS]

Quote:
Losing most of the chicks from multiple sources sounds more like a husbandry problem than a genetic problem. IMO

 

[monkeemakr]

I am so glad Cowgirl asked this, thank you . I have been pondering the same question. I think it came into my mind with something I saw on the Henderson's Chicken Breed chart. Does anyone know if Sandhills still has Dorkings available this season? I looked up their webpage but it seems like it might be outdated.

Thanks,

 

[Chickie'sMoma]

Quote:
Thanks!

Somewhere along the way I picked up the theory that a 5th toe needs clipping because it doesn't get worn down from the bird's natural behavior, kinda like a dog's dewclaw. Thanks for clearing that up for me, makes Dorkings all the more attractive now!

Oh, just thought of this... Do you think a 5th toe increases the chances of a broody hen injuring the eggs/chicks? Or not really?

If I do get Dorkings I'll be getting them from Sand Hill, so if Dorkings are fragile due to inbreeding I don't think it'll be a problem with Sand Hill's.

on the 5th toe question. it will occasionally need to be clipped. but when it looks long. i have some birds that don't need it and others occasionally that will (i have faverolles and a funky mixed hen with the 5th toes) the 5th toe will not be an issue with a broody moma. i have had good luck with a faverolles hen hatching for me last year and she was wonderful with them and no injuries! i've had more issues with an excited new moma cochin stepping on them than a 5 toe faverolles hen!