Raising Barred Rocks & Dorkings together; Questions

[Hatrick]

We currently have three Barred Rock hens and one rooster, the plan was to raise these as our only breed for meat and eggs, however after reading up on the taste of the Barred Rock at the table we're second guessing this and thinking about starting a flock of Dorkings instead.
Since we've never had a flock with a rooster before I'm wondering, should we get rid of our Barred Rock roo completely and just have a Dorking roo?
Will that rooster breed with our Barred Rock hens?
Is that a big problem if they do?
If we keep the Barred Rock roo and set up a Dorking flock will they keep to themselves if they free range?
Any general thoughts or advice on Dorkings would be appreciated as well.

 

[Hatrick]

Ugh, no replies yet? Did I ask stupid questions? I thought there were no stupid questions...

 

[fowlsessed]

A rooster will mate with all and any breed of chicken, It's really no problem except if you hatch the eggs you'll get mutts. And if you free range them together they will most likely range together.

 

[capayvalleychick]

We currently have three Barred Rock hens and one rooster, the plan was to raise these as our only breed for meat and eggs, however after reading up on the taste of the Barred Rock at the table we're second guessing this and thinking about starting a flock of Dorkings instead.
Since we've never had a flock with a rooster before I'm wondering, should we get rid of our Barred Rock roo completely and just have a Dorking roo?
Will that rooster breed with our Barred Rock hens?
Is that a big problem if they do?
If we keep the Barred Rock roo and set up a Dorking flock will they keep to themselves if they free range?
Any general thoughts or advice on Dorkings would be appreciated as well.

You might try actually tasting some of your BR and see if you like them before adding another breed.

I raise Delawares and Dorkings and both breeds have good tasting meat. The Delaware is made with the BR, so I'm wondering why it wouldn't also be good tasting.

If you mix the breeds together, the result might not be as good tasting as either purebred.
Dorking roos are fairly passive and will get beat up by the BR roo if you try to have both breeds, so you would have to either have one breed or keep them separate.

I don't know where you are located but good Dorkings can be very hard to find. I think that it would be easier for you to stick with what you have, unless you absolutely do not like the BR.

Kim

 

[kathyinmo]

Good Shepherd Poultry sells meat and they have only a few breeds. Barred Rocks are one of them. They taste great!

 

[Hatrick]

We do have access to some Dorking chicks from a local breeder. I had just read that Barred Rocks might be more of a stewing bird rather than a roasting bird. All we've ever eaten is store chicken so I was worried about it tasting too gamey. I guess we could give it a try. So do mutts always taste bad then? We're picking up a Sussex hen tomorrow.

 

[kathyinmo]

They ALL taste like chicken to me.

 

[Rillowen]

I am reviving this thread because i would like to know how it went. Also if anyone else has input.
"Mutts" is a pretty vague term when it comes to chickens, especially with this cross since BR was originally developed from the dorking breed to begin with, and not that long ago really. Its like calling a husky/wolf mix a mutt. From what I understand, the catch isnt so much they wont be good, as you dont really have any consitancy with what you will get. There are so many variables that can change, in general you will get a good mix of the two, but if you plan on breeding the first new generation, know that thier chicks could turn out wildly differen. I am starting my own mix of Plymouth and dorking mix, with a goal of good layers through the winter and a larger table bird. We tried raising BR, White Plymouth, and Dorking meat this last year, the dorking was by far our favorite (wow a tender buttery bird, but had to wait soo long for full size!) that said there's nothing wrong with the BR meat, and it's hard to say how much affect our samples had from butchering timing and cooking methods. (We waited late in the year, 4+ months to butcher most) Although BR did seem to be one that benefited more from the wet and slow cooking like a crockpot (our favorite way anyway). We didnt like the temperament of the BR though, too aggressive for our free range and small kids. The Dorking and Plymouth whites are positively gentle (but not too affectionate for slobber mouths), and fantastic foragers and mothers, which is a huge bonus for us. I would be interested to know if anyone has tried this mix? Honestly we would be fine with straight dorkings, the only down point is the less eggs. BUT we have a white Plymouth roo who has the most perfect temperament you have ever seen, so now I am wondering how their mix (which we will almost certainly do) will turn out.