Sydney Acres
Songster
Compost King, you have a very unhealthy line of Dorkings. I breed Red Dorkings and my line is extremely healthy and vigorous. I have about a 90% hatch rate (which does need improvement, but isn't terrible) and I honestly can't remember losing any chick that hatched. Over the last 8 years. I have the Sandhill Preservation line, and every chick survived shipment despite a delay. A few of the other breeds died a few days after arrival, but these Dorkings are like little dinosaurs with my free range management. I am a member of several Dorking FB groups based all over the world -- USA, Australia, NZ, UK, etc, and no one is reporting such a high mortality rate. And longevity has been good -- I have many 8 year old hens that are still laying and producing chicks.