Can a silver grey dorking pullet be without the salmon colored breast?

[Liz Bailey]

Sunday my husband finally found some dorkings. We talked to the lady and she said she had ordered a trio. A roo and two hens, but that the roo died after shipment. So she was selling the two hens. My husband went to pick them up and brought them home, and as Im looking at them. They dont appear to have the distinctive separate colored breast that the silver grey pullets have. Now I dont know if the fact that they are 9 weeks old have anything to do with the fact that they dont appear like the typical silver grey pullets. I do know they come from McMurry, so is it possible that they are just very dark colored? I have noticed there is salmon colors in them in certain areas, and even noticed some green shean on some feathers. Im just curious to know if it's possible for a silver grey dorking 9 week old pullet to be missing the classic salmon colored breast.

 

[kimberly35042]

pics? Do they have black breasts? Green sheen feathers sounds like cockerals.

 

[Liz Bailey]

After further intense inspection, Ive found that some of their tail feathers have been cut. Its not the same as some feathers that appear to have been torn up by other birds. Theres only one thing I know of that makes that straight and smooth of a cut. But yes their breast feathers are black with a smidge of white in them on some feathers.I took several pictures so you could get the best possible view.

 

[kimberly35042]

They are Silver Grey cockerals. The black breasts should turn black as they age and moult.

 

[Liz Bailey]

Yeah thats what I thought. So it took me three months to find them, now I have to find me some hens. I guess one will go to freezer camp.

 

[kimberly35042]

You should always have more than rooster "just in case".
Joseph at Yellow House Farms ships chicks if he isn't sold out. McMurray has silver greys. Duane Urch also has silver greys.

 

[tadkerson]

Yeah thats what I thought. So it took me three months to find them, now I have to find me some hens. I guess one will go to freezer camp.

I agree with Kimberly. You never know, some times males are sterile. Best keep as many males as you can.

Tim

 

[3riverschick]

Quote:

Come one over to the Chicken State University thread.
https://www.backyardchickens.com/t/732985/csu-chicken-state-university-large-fowl-sop/1240
We have just started discussing the Dorking. Come and post pics of your bird and learn from poultry judges and other breeders/fanciers.
Best
Karen