Slate Red Dorking Chicken

Description

Slate Red Dorking Chickens for Sale – Rare Heritage Breed for Your Backyard Flock

The Slate Red Dorking chicken is a unique and rare variation of the classic Red Dorking, featuring beautiful blue feathers instead of the traditional black. In other chicken breeds, this eye-catching plumage pattern is referred to as “blue-breasted red.” The Dorking breed originated in the Dorking area of Surrey, England, and has been a part of American flocks since at least 1840. However, the Slate Red variety has not yet been accepted into the APA Standard of Perfection, making it a rare and special addition to any backyard flock.

The Slate Red Dorking chickens have existed for many years but have never gained widespread popularity. Despite this, they are one of the most strikingly beautiful chickens you can add to your farm or backyard flock. Like all blue chickens, these birds will produce splash and black variants. The black version is simply a Standard Red and can be shown in standard classes, while the splash variants offer a dustier, stunning take on the Red Pyle.

Bruce Lentz and John Norris often mentioned Slate Reds to my friend Craig Russell, but they spoke of them in the past tense, believing the color was extinct. Craig managed to acquire his flock of Slate Reds from a lady in eastern Canada whose husband had passed away. Her family had kept Slate Reds (along with the resulting Reds and Splashes) as their only chickens for generations. In 1984, not wanting the birds to disappear, the man’s wife reached out to the Tilt family, well-known Dorking aficionados at the time. They referred her to a younger poultry enthusiast, Craig Russell, who has faithfully maintained the breed ever since. When you order Slate Red chicks, you may receive some Standard Reds and Splash Reds along with the Slate Reds.

The Dorking chicken breed is known for its horizontal, blocky body structure, which makes it stand out among other chickens. With a short neck, long back, extended tail, and short legs, these chickens have a unique look. Dorkings also have the rare trait of having five toes, and their skin, shanks, and feet are all white.

Originally developed as a meat breed, Dorking chickens are still praised by chefs today for their exceptional meat quality. The Slate Red Dorking, like other varieties, retains its meat quality longer than most chicken breeds, making it ideal for those who appreciate flavorful poultry.

Dorking hens are late to mature compared to most chicken breeds, but they lay eggs consistently throughout the winter months when many other breeds stop laying. They are also excellent setters and dedicated mothers, often raising chicks that they didn’t hatch themselves. This makes them perfect for anyone looking to expand their flock naturally.

Slate Red Dorking chickens are well-suited to both warm and cold climates, provided their large combs are protected from frostbite in colder weather. They are excellent foragers and thrive when given plenty of space. Their docile and friendly nature makes them perfect for backyard flocks and family-friendly environments.

Cackle Hatchery® is proud to work with Slate Red Dorking bloodlines from P. Allen Smith, founder of the Heritage Poultry Conservancy. We also offer the similar Red Dorking chicken, allowing you to raise a truly unique and historical breed in your backyard. Order your Slate Red Dorking chicks today and experience the joy of raising a rare, beautiful, and friendly chicken breed. Perfect for any backyard flock, these chickens are a great choice for poultry enthusiasts and beginners alike!