Dorking Chicken

Looks how to spot one

feathers

The Dorking has a rectangular, sturdy body set on very short legs. It is a five-toed breed, which is a distinctive feature. The comb can be single or rose, depending on the colour variety. The skin is white and the shanks are a pale grey colour.21

Personality what they are like

Dorkings are calm, gentle and friendly birds. They are not aggressive and can be pushed around by more assertive breeds. They are known to be good mothers and often go broody. They enjoy foraging but do not wander far from home.42

Daily activity how busy a day looks

Dorkings need plenty of space to roam and forage. They do not thrive in confined spaces and benefit from ranging in small batches. They are not prolific scratchers but enjoy free-range access.25

Grooming and care the hands-on bits

In cold weather, the large single comb may need protection from frostbite. Rose-comb varieties are more cold-hardy. They are hardy birds but can suffer in dusty environments. Regular access to clean water and a balanced diet is essential.253

Home where they are happiest

A coop with at least 2-3 square feet per bird inside and 8-10 square feet per bird in the run is recommended. They need protection from extreme cold and predators. They are not suited to very confined spaces.32

Food basics what goes in the bowl

A high-quality commercial layer feed provides the necessary nutrients. They enjoy foraging for insects and greens, but the main diet should be balanced feed. Clean water must always be available.3

Company who they like around

Dorkings are docile and can be kept with other gentle breeds. They are not aggressive and may be bullied by more dominant chickens. They are good mothers and will often raise chicks from other hens.42

The story where it all began

The Dorking is one of the oldest British chicken breeds. It may descend from five-toed chickens brought by the Romans in the first century AD. The breed is named after the market town of Dorking in Surrey, from where birds were sent to London markets. It was the main meat breed for London until the Sussex replaced it in the early 1900s. Dorkings were shown at the first poultry show at London Zoo in 1845 and were included in the first poultry standard in 1865. By the Second World War the breed was nearly extinct, but a revived Dorking Club in 1970 helped restore it.14

Recognised by the official bits

American Poultry Association (APA)

Recognised in 1874 in three varieties: White, Silver-Grey and Coloured; Red added in 1995; Cuckoo added in 1998.4

Poultry Club of Great Britain (PCGB)

Classified as Soft feather: heavy.1