Dorkings for meat ?

[OutRun]

I have had Dorking hens for 2 years and love all the eggs - I now want to buy some for meat. I really love Dorkings but they grow slowly. Would I wait to butcher them until about 16 weeks or would they be too tough? Does anyone here raise Dorkings for meat?

Thanks,

Dave S
Claremore, OK

 

[BCMaraniac]

I have had Dorking hens for 2 years and love all the eggs - I now want to buy some for meat. I really love Dorkings but they grow slowly. Would I wait to butcher them until about 16 weeks or would they be too tough? Does anyone here raise Dorkings for meat?

Thanks,

Dave S
Claremore, OK

I don't, but here is a thread in which Dorkings are discussed toward the end:

https://www.backyardchickens.com/t/839670/pros-and-cons-breed-choice/60

Perhaps you can discuss this with them there.

 

[OutRun]

Thank you

 

[LilyD]

I have Dorkings and I process them anytime between 20 to 24 weeks. So far haven't had a tough bird in the bunch. You could process them at 16 weeks but I gave them the extra 4 weeks to fill out a bit more. They definitely fill out faster than my other birds do.