The Dorking Breeders thread

[neopolitancrazy]

The American Livestock Breeds Conservancy also has an excellent explanation of assessing size and vigor and general conformation in growing heritage birds. Of course, if you are interested in breeding Dorkings, the Standard of Perfection is irreplaceable.

 

[ki4got]

What age to process ..we are at week 16

if you're selecting for breeding stock, I wouldn't make any decisions until closer to 6 months, myself. the Dorkings are considered a slow growing breed and as such, selecting for size at 4 months may not get you the largest birds, just the ones that started fastest, but they may stop growing sooner too. my boys continue growing until close to 2 years old, but I make my initial selections between 6 and 8 months old usually. then go thru them again at 1 year, before I set up my breeding pens.

 

[VistaSRJ]

This is my 4 month old Colored Dorking cockerel. Could anyone tell me how he measures up to the standard? I've looked at the standard, and to my novice view he looks like he'll be a good rooster. Thanks for any replies!

 

[Yellow House Farm]

Definitely keep him around for a while to give him tume to grow into himself. Where did you procure him?

 

[VistaSRJ]

I got him from Sand Hill- where else can you get Colored Dorkings????? I purchased three originally. The female is not up to standard, quite small and not the right colors, and the other male is silver. This guy appears to have the straw coloring with the black stripe in the hackles (something I've heard is often missing), has a beautiful comb, and five good toes. He's also very chunky and carries himself like a block, with short white legs.

I wasn't planning on breeding Colored Dorkings, but if this cockerel turns out close to standard, I'd hate to turn him into a meal! I'm trying to decide if I should sell him, butcher him, or invest in more Colored Dorkings and use him for breeding.

Again, thanks to anyone who can help me as I determine what I want to do.

 

[VistaSRJ]

Do I have a Red Dorking female or a Colored Dorking female?

 

[draye]

Do I have a Red Dorking female or a Colored Dorking female?

I'd say its a Red Dorking.

 

[kimberly35042]

She's red.

 

[Bluefield]

Pretty hens you have! Mine are grey. Love how docile and quit they are compared to my cream legbars n bresse

 

[Yellow House Farm]

I'm trying to decide if I should sell him, butcher him, or invest in more Colored Dorkings and use him for breeding.

Stick to the Reds.