Chicken Breed Focus - Dorking

[PineTopFarm]

I’ve had Dorkings since 2012 and have tried both the Red and Silver Grey varieties. I was originally drawn to the Dorking for its role in history and reputation as an excellent meat bird. I’ve settled on the SG purely for aesthetic reasons and I hope to now move forward with a breeding program for this breed. I’ve found the Dorkings to be excellent foragers and calm in nature. I’ve believe that the Dorking excels in meat qualities compared to other breeds I’ve tried. My strain is a fair layer of medium sized eggs. I’m really pleased with my Dorkings and I enjoy seeing them roam the barnyard and pastures.

 

[Yellow House Farm]

We've been raising Dorkings for many seasons now. Although we've had SG, Red and Colored, we have been specifically dedicated to the White Dorking. They are all around excellent farm fowl.

 

[NeseO]

So, random newbie question. Why is the comb different on the different colored dorkings?

 

[Dirt Farmer]

I have a small flock of Colored Dorking. They lay a very good number of small eggs. There is quite a bit of variability in the Colored variety. All Colored Dorking are a work in progress. They can be rose or single comb but only the latter is in the SOP.
Here's few pictures, all these birds are only eight months old. I'll upload them small and you can click on the picture to enlarge.

 

[N F C]

Beautiful birds...I'm really enjoying the photos on this breed!

 

[Yellow House Farm]

So, random newbie question. Why is the comb different on the different colored dorkings?

Multiple breeds have more than one comb permitted in the breed, e.g. Leghorns, Anconas, Minorcas, RIRs, etc... In Dorkings specifically, the rose comb white was the original dominant variety of the breed. In the mid-1800 with a penchant for crossing chickens in general, the other varieties emerge. On account of the crossing, single and rose combs are very present, as the Silver Gray and Colored become prominent, the single comb eventually dominated, in the SG especially.

 

[NeseO]

Thank you for the info

 

[smarsh]

I know the hen missing the red breast gene is less correct for the breed, but I really like the looks of that hen, very pretty.

 

[autumnhearth]

I know the hen missing the red breast gene is less correct for the breed, but I really like the looks of that hen, very pretty.

Ditto. Love the pic of the two hens facing each other!

 

[Dirt Farmer]

I know the hen missing the red breast gene is less correct for the breed, but I really like the looks of that hen, very pretty.

Ditto. Love the pic of the two hens facing each other!

I like the pale pullet for her type and size, she's probably the best I have in that regard. I also have a cockerel from a Colored Dorking hatch that is indistinguishable from a Red Dorking cockerel except that the down at the base of the tail is charcoal, whereas the Red Dorking's is usually white. I'm going to mate them to bring up the color level and hopefully keep the type and size.