Cockerel at a year old.
Gallery
A selection of photographs of our Red Dorkings illustrating both their good points and a few faults that require correction, demonstrated to assist new breeders when they are assessing their own stock.
The perfect Red Dorking doesn't exist, however by understanding what the 'ideal' would look like we know what to aim for.
Achieving correct size, type, colour, pattern, legs, toes and comb in a single bird is most certainly challenging and perhaps why Dorkings rarely take the 'Best in Show' prize, awarded to birds that very closely meet their breed standard. This should not dissuade anyone considering the breed; they are all beautiful birds and it is only those focused on showing that will be concerned with perfecting these finer points. The challenge of their perfection is enjoyable and breeding a good example gives a real sense of achievement and pride.
Front view of the cockerel above showing his broad breast and excellent leg colour.
Henry, winner of 'Best Red Cock' and 'Best Red Dorking' at the 2013 PCGB National Show.
Pullet at 6 months old showing great width to her body. Note the red-brown taint on her feet; a disadvantage of the red intensifier genes and a fault that needs correcting.
A young white cockerel showing good breast development.
Head shot of a young cockerel showing correct eye colour.
A pair of our Rose-comb Dark Dorkings
2016 hatched red cockerel. A promising body shape, but note the undesirable white in the under colour of his neck hackles; a fault that often becomes more pronounced with age.
Red Dorking pullets at a little over six months old.
Dark cockerel standing to attention and showing his prominent breast.
Mature White Dorking hen. Best White Dorking at the 2013 Club Show at the National Poultry Show, Stoneleigh.
A 2013 breeding group.
A 2014 breeding group.
Another 2016 hatched cockerel. At this immature stage it isn't always easy to assess potential, but his eventual deep chest and 'boat-shaped' body is starting to reveal itself. This young chap went on to win Best of Breed at the PCGB National Poultry Show just a few months later.