Unknown trait. Never seen before.

[Woodworthfarm]

Hey all, so I've raised chickens for 20 years. I've had a lot of breeds from various hatcheries, cochins, Java, speckled Sussex, partridge rocks, Cornish seabrights etc etc. However last year I hatched a mixed rooster that has a trait I've never seen before.
It has long hairs on his hocks on both legs. They are like cat wiskers but softer. Some being 4-5 inches long. I noticed his father (also a mix) also has the hairs, but about 1inch shorter. Does anyone know of a pure breed that has this trait? I've never noticed them in all my years with chickens.

 

[FluffyFeathers97]

Wow, I've actually never seen anything like that before! That is so cool!

 

[TomNY]

It's not very new. Columella wrote Dorkings in their purest form could be distinguished by the hairs on their thighs.

 

[Woodworthfarm]

Dorkings ay? I haven't raised dorkings. I'll be sure to look into that. Although my chickens are mixed breed, I am not aware of any any dorking jeans in my chickens heritage, so that is very interesting. Thank you for the tip.

 

[Woodworthfarm]

I can't find any article or picture of Dorkings that show or describe these long wisker-like hairs growing on their thighs. Does anyone have a source?
Thanks.

 

[wilkinsfarm2020]

This is wicked cool☺

 

[Woodworthfarm]

Thanks. I think so too! It's a subtle thing, but now that I've noticed it, I really like it.