Dorkings

A Rare Breed of Roman Origin

The Dorking is one of the oldest breeds of poultry known. It was brought to England from Italy by the Romans almost 2000 years ago. Back then it had not been named Dorking but was given that name by the British in the mid-nineteenth century.

The Dorking is a dual purpose heavy breed which is highly valued as a table fowl. They lay a decent number of tinted eggs but are slow to mature.

They have five toes and their legs appear to be short in comparison with other breeds. The Dorking here in New Zealand mainly comes in Silver grey – a variety where the chicks can be colour sexed at hatching. The pullets are a lot darker than the cockerels.

In New Zealand the Dorking is one of the rarest breeds of poultry.
 

 

Thanks to Marina Steinke for supplying the above information.

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