B.Y.C. Dorking Club!

[cukooformarans]

Does that sound like yours, framac?

 

[gallorojo]

Hello Dorking breeders! I had a question about the breed. Would you describe them as slow feathering, or fast feathering? Have you noticed any difference in the rate of feathering between different colors or strains?

Thanks!!

Chris

 

[Framac]

Mine were both large framed (8-9 pounds at 24 weeks, very sturdy. One was light grey with leakage on the back. The other was almost partridge in spots, with grey (Blue coloring) throughout. I might have pictures, but got rid of both. My Dorking roos are also study, 7-8 pounds probably.

 

[Framac]

I was thinking that they were orp/rock cross with something actually.

 

[ki4got]

Hello Dorking breeders! I had a question about the breed. Would you describe them as slow feathering, or fast feathering? Have you noticed any difference in the rate of feathering between different colors or strains?

Thanks!!

Chris

overall I wouldn't say FAST feathering. about average for most of my birds, SFH, EE's, Dorking, Dottes and bantam cochins. tho my silver laced cochins and the blue laced red 'dottes are very slow feathering, but the other varieties and Dorkings were all on par with each other.

 

[cukooformarans]

overall I wouldn't say FAST feathering. about average for most of my birds, SFH, EE's, Dorking, Dottes and bantam cochins.  tho my silver laced cochins and the blue laced red 'dottes are very slow feathering, but the other varieties and Dorkings were all on par with each other.

Ditto

 

[gallorojo]

Hmm- ok. Have any of you raised say Mediterranean or Continental Class? Those would all be fast feathering, all the English , American and Asiatic classes are in theory slow feathering. The literature I can find says Dorkings are slow feathered. Some strains of slow feathered are extreme, as well. I have reasons for the question , just trying to sort out some historical points. Curious that all the other old old European breeds are fast feathered, but not the Dorking? Thanks.

 

[cukooformarans]

My primary experience is with Marans, Turkens and, Orpingtons. We have had several other breeds but never as part of a breeding program. They were mainly layers and yard art.

 

[ki4got]

well, my bantam cochins are considered Asiatic (ok, single comb feather leg - but still...) the wyandottes are American, ee's are mutts LOL and then the dorking (English) and the Swedish flower hens... um. continental? I have had some leghorns as well in the past, mediteranean) and I really don't see any difference between any of them unless the variety is laced. the solid varieties (cochin, dotte, Dorkings and sfh) all feather at about the same rate.

now GROWTH there's a difference! my Dorkings the hens usually peak out around 6-8 months i'd say (laying between 5 & 6) cockerels tho don't reach full size until 18-24 months old, while the bantam cochins are probably 6-8 months old (pullets lay anywhere from 4-5 months), the sfh i'd say about the same and the 'dottes are slower than molasses going uphill in a blizzard, most haven't laid their first egg until close to 8 months old, my 2 year old roo is still growing I think.

 

[gallorojo]

Ok, thanks for the responses. I do appreciate it.