Dorking?

[GraceAK]

regarding Dorkings' very large single combs.... is there a breed of chicken which is similar to a dorking but with a pea/rose/cushion comb? Perhaps it could be bred with a dorking to make a chicken with the same qualities as a Dorking but with a hardier comb type? that might be my next project....

 

[Mrs MIA]

Quote:
Dorkings can have rose combs, too. I can't remember for sure, but I think the rose comb is dominant. I have a Red rooster with a rose comb, and I'm hoping to get some RC girls from him this spring.

 

[dorkinggirl]

I think that Dorkings are GREAT birds!



dorkinggirl

 

[Alpha]

I only had one silver grey female, and she was one of the sweetest girls that I've ever kept. She was very docile and would always follow me around the yard and want to be held. She was also very quiet. She didn't cackle and cluck nearly as much as our other hens.

 

[rancher hicks]

I was going to drive to NH for some dorking chicks but then I remembered the frostbite problem. Does vaseline prevent frostbite? I have a roo and I think I may put some on his comb just in case.

 

[chickenzoo]

I have the Bantam ones and just love them...... they are very personable, they lay very well and are just cute as a button..... My first was a Silver Gray hen who I loved dearly. Her name was Sweet Pea and she was one of the funniest and friendliest chickens I've ever owned.

 

[thechickonthehill]

For the frostbite problems I'm going to try something called Udder Balm
Priority Care

1 by First Priority , here is the product description: "Contains vitamins A, D, and E, Lanolin, Aloe Vera, and glycerin. Also contains PABA as a sunscreen that soothes and softens chapped irritated udders. Provides freeze protection. Daily application aids in soothing and softening dry chapped irritated skin." I think it might work better than Vaseline. You can get it at Jeffers Livestock or any livestock supply.

 

[Mrs MIA]

It works, but you have to get it on there before they're exposed to the cold temps. Anything that insulates the skin should help minimize the damage. I just resolved to keep my Dorkings inside where it rarely gets below freezing. My poor boy has already had his spikes downsized a couple of times, not for lack of trying to keep him safe.

 

[Freeholder]

If you live where it gets very cold in the winter, you really should look for rose-combed Dorkings -- Sand Hill carries a couple of colors of rose-combs, and I'm sure there are breeders who raise them, too. IMO, while using vaseline or some such to prevent frost bite is good, avoiding the necessity for it in the first place is even better!

Kathleen

 

[Mrs MIA]

Yep, I agree... the reds have beautiful rose combs, and so do the whites, though they can be SC or RC.