I live in northbay ont.i would like to start a new flock next spring ,are dorkins hardy enough to winter indoors with minumal heat ,-20 to -40celsius is not unusual if not what would be a good breed of dual porpose bird
Dorking, not dorkin. I've never raised them, but they are an ancient breed introduced by the Romans to Britain over 2000 years ago. The Roman origin doesn't argue for being cold-hardy, but 2000 years in Britain certainly does.
Rosecomb dorkings would be able to handle that weather, but you would probably get some frostbite on the single combed varieties (they are quite large). Chanteclers would be a great dual purpose breed for your weather, the only APA recognized breed that was created in Canada
i will be getting my 4 week old columbian rock-x chicks soon what is the minimum temp they can handle