Description

Dorking Assortment

Heritage Variety and Appeal

The Dorking Assortment offers a unique opportunity to raise one of the oldest and most respected heritage chicken breeds. This assortment may include a mix of classic Red Dorkings along with the rarer Slate Red Dorkings, giving your flock both historical depth and visual variety.

Originating from Surrey, England, Dorkings have been valued for centuries for their five-toe trait, calm disposition, and balanced utility. The Slate Red variation adds a distinctive touch with blue-toned feathering, often producing a mix of slate, standard red, and splash birds.

Appearance and Breed Characteristics

Dorkings are easily recognized by their:

• Long, broad, horizontal body shape
• Short legs and extended tail
• Distinctive five toes
• White skin, shanks, and feet

Coloration will vary within the assortment, offering a diverse and visually appealing flock.

Egg Production and Utility

Dorkings are a reliable dual-purpose breed, known for both egg production and premium meat quality. Hens typically produce 170–190 medium to large creamy white eggs per year and are known to continue laying through the winter months.

They are also highly regarded for their rich, flavorful meat, making them a favorite among heritage poultry enthusiasts.

Temperament and Suitability

These birds are docile, friendly, and easy to manage, making them a great fit for:

• Backyard flocks
• Families with children
• Small farms and homesteads

They are excellent foragers and thrive when given space but can adapt to a variety of setups.

Broodiness and Care

Dorking hens are dependable setters and attentive mothers, often raising chicks successfully—even those from other breeds.

They perform well in both warm and cold climates, though extra care should be taken to protect combs in extreme cold.

Breeding and Management Notes

Fertility typically ranges from 65–75%, with a recommended mating ratio of 8 females to 1 male. Roosting height preference is around 4 feet, and birds integrate well into mixed flocks.

FAQ

What breeds are included in the assortment?
Typically a mix of Red Dorkings and Slate Red Dorkings, depending on availability.

Will all birds look the same?
No, expect variation in color, including red, slate (blue), and splash patterns.

Are they good egg layers?
Yes, they produce around 170–190 eggs per year and often lay through winter.

Are they beginner-friendly?
Yes, their calm temperament makes them easy to raise.

What makes Dorkings unique?
Their five toes, long history, and excellent balance of egg production and meat quality.