How are your DORKINGS laying?

[Hopeful Peacock]

I have a mixed flock of 13 including 3 dorking hens. They are apparently happy and healthy (and the Dorkings are my friendliest birds, so I love that). They hatched March 2011 and 2 of the 3 never really laid regularly. In October, they went through a light molt and it's been about a month since they appeared to be done with molt and I have gotten ONE egg during that time

I have one other hen who is not laying, but the other 8 are laying wonderfully. They are all dual purpose breeds. I'm just wondering if this light/inconsistant laying is usual with Dorkings? Or maybe they just mature late and will surprise me in the Spring?

 

[capayvalleychick]

I think that they will probably start laying in the Spring. Mine are older, but taking a break now.

Kim

 

[ga_goat]

I'm still trying to find some Dorkings , they seem to be few and far between , looking for white.

 

[Hopeful Peacock]

Yes, I felt lucky to find them. A local hatchery in TN had them. Mine are silver grey though.

 

[capayvalleychick]

Quote:
Which hatchery? Where did they get their breeding stock?

I'm making a list of sources.

Kim

 

[ki4got]

my dorkings i'm getting 3-4 eggs per week from each hen. i have only the 2 girls but so far so good...

hatching everything i get tho, but the first dozen or so were all clear. took a while for the roo to get the idea i think.

for whites, you might try sandhill preservation. they've got all dorking colors available, but the waitlist can get long.

I'm planning on trap-nesting my girls and selecting for better egg production hens (in addition to better quality/size/conformation). i've only got silver grey right now myself but want colored/red also.