B.Y.C. Dorking Club!

[ki4got]

Some of you know Craig Russell. He is into Dorkings and is the president of the SPPA ( Society for the Preservation of Poultry Antiques?)
He also does Wild foods seminars and will be doing one this weekend down in Wytheville that I’m seriously considering going to (but have to work out the logistics…it’s a 3+ hour drive if the traffic light gods are kind.)
I know a lot of chicken folks are down in that area and the seminar is only $25 (to learn how to find food in the wild and how to cook it!!!) pm me for contact info if you are interested!

I've been to one of his seminars and it was interesting. thanks for telling us about this (reminding, for me LOL)

Craig is a fascinating person to talk with.

 

[pigsflyacres]

Oh, I totally forgot about Calf Manna. Love it.

It really is so important to think about how this breed was developed. What would they eat on farms in England in the 1800s? That's why I love giving them fish. In the days before commercial pellets, these birds were thrown every kitchen scrap from the farm, with lots of fish heads, skin, intestines, etc, since England is such a seafaring country. I find the commercial pellets an excellent "cheat" to be sure that I'm giving all the trace nutrients, but they just don't do well if that's all they get. I love giving them oats, but I've never tried softened alfalfa pellets. That is an excellent idea. Do you use the pellets that are sold for rabbits, or the ones for horses and let the birds tear them apart?

Love the story about the hen hating the rooster. I can see it happening. "You may be able to chase me down and jump on me, but I'll never ever move my tail aside for you!!!" That's why it's so important to observe for stress in the flock. It's different for every group.

Took me a while to get back to this. I use the ones for horses mostly because I have a horse. I like alfalfa pellets with nothing added. Rabbit pellets have added ingredients. I've not given them soaked hay cubes, but I might try it this winter when I give them to my geese.

 

[TRUE5]

In general the roosters are very docile, but not always. There are some lines that are more aggressive than others, so you'll have to see how yours develop. Mine are a bit aggressive during breeding season and sweet during the rest of the year, but I have reds from a line with that reputation. Most are incredibly sweet year round.

Breeders are few and far between. The Silver Grey is the most common color in the U.S., so you will find a few hatcheries that sell them and more breeders than the other colors. But very few approach show quality, and possibly none are close enough to the SOP to compete for Best of Class at a large show. So the breed needs more people who would like to select for SOP quality. I hope you aren't discouraged by the difficulty in finding birds, as they're a wonderful breed. Here's a link to an ad for Silver Greys listed through the Dorking Breeders Club. I'm not positive, but I think these birds may have originated from Rudy Troxel's flock, and if so they're probably top notch: http://dorkingbreedersclub.webs.com...p-quality-silver-gray-dorking-chicks-for-sale.

Welcome to Dorkings. They are addicting! As you read back through this thread, you'll find more leads to more breeders also.

Thank you so much for the info! I'm going to do a bit of research and see what I can pull up and decide if I should breed them so they are show quality or not. I know I am getting a good start and I hope this is the breed for me. They are SO pretty and I just love the ones I already have!

 

[LilyD]

Had to post a picture or two of my new babies. The greenhouse is coming in really handy. I can work on my plants and have my baby chicks in the same space so I can keep an eye on them. I ordered 12 one came with both knees bloody and pretty useless. She is refusing to eat or drink even with assistance. I am not thinking she will make it. All the others look wonderful though so hopefully they will all do well.

 

[Puddin Fluff]

Had to post a picture or two of my new babies. The greenhouse is coming in really handy. I can work on my plants and have my baby chicks in the same space so I can keep an eye on them. I ordered 12 one came with both knees bloody and pretty useless. She is refusing to eat or drink even with assistance. I am not thinking she will make it. All the others look wonderful though so hopefully they will all do well.

 

[BlackPanther]

They're lovely! Congratulations!

 

[Puddin Fluff]

My 2 1/2 week olds had two nice outing today.

 

[LilyD]

My 2 1/2 week olds had two nice outing today.

They are adorable! I can't wait until mine get big enough to be out of the brooder for a while. I think they learn more having time outside then being in a brooder. Such a big adventure.

 

[Puddin Fluff]

They are adorable! I can't wait until mine get big enough to be out of the brooder for a while. I think they learn more having time outside then being in a brooder. Such a big adventure.

Yep. Our whole family take them out to guard them fir a while and let them get used to the great out doors. They always protest getting caught but once they are outr they have a ball.

 

[heartsizedfarm]

That's like a healthy school trip to the great outdoors! What fun!