Dorking Differences

[PeckinChicken]

I have been reading around and it seems that everyone says there are differences between hatchery and privately hatched Dorkings. Can anyone tell me what they are. I ordered 9 pullets and a cockerel from Murray McMurray. Are there things I need to watch for to make sure they are good breeding stock?

 

[CochinBrahmaLover]

Yes.

While hatchery bred birds can be decent, they often aren't. Hatcheries need money, so they'll sacrifice quantity over quality. Not to mention they don't have enough people to look for subtle differences to choose the best stock.

Private breeders usually focus on 1-2 breeds, so they know all about their birds and can sacrifice birds. They put their money in those/that breed(s), and are dedicated to them.

Hatcheries aren't bad, but they don't give show quality stock as they simply cannot due to money and time.

No, I wouldn't breed chickens from hatchery stock. I'd try to find a private breeder.

 

[cluckcluckluke]

x2 ^^^^^^^


But a note: Not all 'private breeders' are going to have quality stock either. Just because someone only has one breed doesn't mean they even work to the standard or are only beginners etc. If I was you and I wanted to start breeding my own quality stock I would go to a reputable breeder that you 100% know can give you quality birds

.

 

[CochinBrahmaLover]

Yes, sorry forgot to mention that just because it's private it doesn't mean its good.

I would bring a SOP copy (standard of perfection - buy the book if you plan on breeding) and compare the breeders birds to it. They won't mind if they're doing good. Before you check you should ask about anything they've been working on that they are having issues, and up front tell you about the faults. Just because they have some faults doesn't mean they aren't good, all birds will have some faults.

 

[cluckcluckluke]

Good idea @CochinBrahmaLover . Getting the Standard of perfection will help you become familiar with your bird and help yourself breed to the standard.
Also Dorkings were traditionally considered the best dual purpose breed. Since then Australorps and Plymouth rocks etc have taken over. Now a days (from what I have heard) is that Dorkings don't have these qualities. So make sure you find out what your breeder is perfecting his birds for and see if it's what you want.

 

[gjensen]

I have been reading around and it seems that everyone says there are differences between hatchery and privately hatched Dorkings. Can anyone tell me what they are. I ordered 9 pullets and a cockerel from Murray McMurray. Are there things I need to watch for to make sure they are good breeding stock?

Something to consider with Dorkings is that there is not a surplus of quality stock to begin with.

Another matter is your chances of picking up on a good male is pretty slim, when you get one chick. Even from decent stock. Hopefully he does not die.

Breeding rare breeds can be a numbers game.

I would not recommend worrying about any of it right now. You have already purchased your birds. I would plan on enjoying them, and getting to know the breed. Pick up on what information that you can. You will not get a good feel for what I a good bird is or not overnight. Get yourself a Standard, share some pictures of your birds with others breeding them etc. Once you have hatched and raised your first generation, and having learned what you could in the mean time, you will be in better shape to make decisions.

I am not trying to be discouraging. I am trying to be encouraging. Just enjoy them, and learn what you can about them. They are a fascinating breed, with a long and fascinating history. You may get lucky and grow out a hen or two that you can use. It is not that you cannot pick up on a male down the line to help improve what you have. Work with what you have and enjoy doing it.

 

[PeckinChicken]

Thanks so much for the input. I will get that book. I am loving my chickens. We have 3 breeds, buff Orpington, Dominique, and Dorkings. They are all wonderful, each breed with its own little mannerisms. The Dorkings are still young now, as they mature out I`ll post pictures.