Silver Gray Dorkings from Murray McMurray Hatchery

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Silver Gray Dorkings from Murray McMurray Hatchery

Postby George Collins » Mon Apr 08, 2013 1:43 am

Sometime ago, while researching prospective chicken breeds for our farm, I learned of the Dorking.

The thing that caught my attention was that the Dorking chicken is reputedly the best tasting of all of the breeds of chicken and:
1. Being dual purpose birds, they are also good layers
2. Are good foragers
3. Are very docile
4. Make excellent mothers
5. To me, in the silver-gray variation, is among the most handsome of all chickens.

Today, we ordered fifteen (3 males and 12 females).

They are due to arrive in about a week.

I'll keep everyone posted on how it all turns out.
"Solve world hunger, tell no one." "The, the, the . . . The Grinch!"

"If you can't beat them, bite them."
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Re: Silver Gray Dorkings from Murray McMurray Hatchery

Postby dave brenneman » Tue Apr 09, 2013 1:36 pm

All those characteristics sound good - especially the taste.

Where is the breed from?
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Re: Silver Gray Dorkings from Murray McMurray Hatchery

Postby matt walker » Tue Apr 09, 2013 4:52 pm

The comments on this breed from MMH's website do make it sound appealing. I'd love to see photos once they feather out.
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Re: Silver Gray Dorkings from Murray McMurray Hatchery

Postby dave brenneman » Thu Apr 11, 2013 11:38 am

I just read about the Dorking breed - imported from Italy to the UK by the Romans, apparently? It's interesting to me to see photos of the breed, as they look like some kids' book illustrations of chickens.
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Re: Silver Gray Dorkings from Murray McMurray Hatchery

Postby George Collins » Sun Apr 14, 2013 12:14 pm

I will be sure to post many photos along the way and keep everyone updated on the progress of the project.

Also, I was mistaken about the arrival date. My wife was the one that actually placed the order. She informed me subsequent to the original posting that they aren't due to arrive until the end of the month. An unexpected blessing since the walnuts are occupying so much of my time right now.
"Solve world hunger, tell no one." "The, the, the . . . The Grinch!"

"If you can't beat them, bite them."
George Collins
 
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Location: South Central Mississippi, Zone 8a

Re: Silver Gray Dorkings from Murray McMurray Hatchery

Postby George Collins » Sat Apr 27, 2013 10:48 am

Got an email this morning that the chicks have shipped.

I'm gettin all twitterpated with anticipation.
"Solve world hunger, tell no one." "The, the, the . . . The Grinch!"

"If you can't beat them, bite them."
George Collins
 
Posts: 535
Joined: Mon Jan 16, 2012 10:57 pm
Location: South Central Mississippi, Zone 8a

Re: Silver Gray Dorkings from Murray McMurray Hatchery

Postby George Collins » Mon Apr 29, 2013 10:36 am

The chicks should be at the post office this morning.

I plan on being there when the truck arrives at 7:00 a.m. to collect them.

Is it just me or has time slowed?
"Solve world hunger, tell no one." "The, the, the . . . The Grinch!"

"If you can't beat them, bite them."
George Collins
 
Posts: 535
Joined: Mon Jan 16, 2012 10:57 pm
Location: South Central Mississippi, Zone 8a

Re: Silver Gray Dorkings from Murray McMurray Hatchery

Postby George Collins » Mon Apr 29, 2013 1:13 pm

GOT EM!!!

Image

Fifteen Dorking chicks and one unknown yellow fuzz ball now reside in my daughters' closet.

All have had their first drink, many have had their first bite and some have even had their first poop.
"Solve world hunger, tell no one." "The, the, the . . . The Grinch!"

"If you can't beat them, bite them."
George Collins
 
Posts: 535
Joined: Mon Jan 16, 2012 10:57 pm
Location: South Central Mississippi, Zone 8a

Re: Silver Gray Dorkings from Murray McMurray Hatchery

Postby matt walker » Mon Apr 29, 2013 3:34 pm

Aw, that's awesome George. I've ordered from MMH twice now. It's always so fun picking up that loud little box in the early hours at the post office. Here they usually call me and let me come get em an hour before they open, I think because the cheeping is so loud!
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Re: Silver Gray Dorkings from Murray McMurray Hatchery

Postby George Collins » Wed May 01, 2013 12:22 am

Had a major scare today. We are housing the chicks in a makeshift brooder in the girls' closet. My eldest daughter has the primary responsibility for caring for them. After doing a few routine tasks around the farm today, she dutifully went to check on them. Deciding they needed a bedding change, she left to procure some paper towelling. Upon returning only minutes later, they were all soaking wet. Somehow, the watering device had tipped enough to one side to break the seal and all of the water leaked out. All of them were wet. Some of them were soaking wet.

I was summoned and we all went I to emergency life saving mode. My eldest retrieved the hair drier and with the heat on "high" and the power set to "low" she started circulating warm air around them. The rest of us got dishrags and started wiping them gently. In short order, their distressed chirping had settled down and a few of them started eating and drinking seemingly none the worse for the ordeal.

BIG whew!
"Solve world hunger, tell no one." "The, the, the . . . The Grinch!"

"If you can't beat them, bite them."
George Collins
 
Posts: 535
Joined: Mon Jan 16, 2012 10:57 pm
Location: South Central Mississippi, Zone 8a

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