White Dorkings

These White Dorkings from Yellow House Farm in New Hampshire, www.yellowhousenh.com, are an ancient breed. They probably came to England with the Romans. Their distinctive fifth toe identifies them in Roman art, where they are portrayed with Mercury and other important heroes and gods.

It acquired its name from a market town in England and is classified by the APA as an English fowl.

Dorkings are recognized in SilverGray, Colored and Red color varieties as well as White. Breeders raise other colors, such as Cuckoo, Crele, Dark and Black. Siver-Gray and Colored Dorkings are recognized with Single Combs. White birds have Rose Combs. Breeders raise both varieties of combs in all colors.

I see few Dorkings at shows. Whenever I donate cash for a prize, I always designate it for Best English, in hopes that a Dorking will show up and win it. This breed deserves more attention and I intend to give it some focus later this year.

My posts have been less frequent as I've been absorbed with my next book, "How to Raise Poultry." It should be completed in the next month or so and I will post more frequently.