Dorking
A British breed known to exist around 47AD, and probably brought in by post Roman Conquest settlers.
Quiet and stately, it is a heavy bird with either a single or rose comb (depending on colour), large long wattles, abundant hackle feathers,
short clean legs and five toes. They lay a moderate amount of good-sized eggs, & are a very good table bird, being large and square bodied.
The white fleshed Dorking became popular in the 19th century as a delicacy for the table. The docile nature of this breed enabled large flocks
to be kept for fattening, with the counties of Surrey, Sussex and Kent the main sources for the lucrative London markets.
Available: large fowl or miniature.
Weight: Large Hen 8-10lb, 3.6-4.55kg.
Cockerel 8-14lb, 3.6-6.35kg.
Bantam Hen 2-2.5lb, 0.91-1.13kg.
Cockerel 2.5-3lb, 1.13-1.36kg.
Colours: cuckoo - blue/grey with dark grey or
blue bands; dark - black, white and grey with
some red; red - bright glossy red with dark red
and black; silver/grey - silver/white with black
and some red in female; white.
Eggs: cream.
Secretary: victoriaroberts@tiscali.co.uk
Rare Breeds Survival Trust
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