Ornamental Chickens - Raising Poultry - page 157

somewhat docile, make suitable pets, and look massive from a distance. They are con-
sidered loose feathered , making their size deceiving. They appear to be heavier than
they really are — until you pick them up.
Cochins are fair to good layers of a tinted, brownish egg, and make suitable moms
as they tend to go broody once they reach a couple of years old. With carcasses much
larger than the crested Polish chickens, you can use Cochins as a multipurpose egg and
meat bird.
Dorkings
If you feel Dorkings are not suitable as dual-purpose birds, you can always obtain them
for a hint of the exotic. They have a long history as a domesticated bird dating way back
to Julius Caesar's time. This type of chicken is large; some folks argue it should be in
the meat class — and indeed, Dorkings produce a large carcass with a fair amount of
meat. However, their sluggish growth rate makes them less desirable as meat birds in
today's society. Dorkings grow slowly at first, putting on their massive bone structure
that they fill out with muscle as they age.
When observing your flock, it may look as if these birds have a genetic defect of
sorts; they're built a little low to the ground. They have a fifth toe and are layers of tin-
ted eggs. They come in a variety of colors: Red, Silver Grey, Black, White, Colored,
Cuckoo, and Light Grey. They occur in both single and rose combs.
For centuries these birds have been recognized for their wonderful setting and moth-
ering abilities. They lay well in the lower-light seasons of the year — better than any
other breed I have known. They will, however, want to become mothers and are very
persistent in their desires. It is not at all uncommon for a Dorking hen to set and raise
three broods a year if allowed to do so.
Cubalayas
Cubalayas are a regal, ornamental, functional Oriental breed developed in Cuba prior
to being spread worldwide. They lay well, though their eggs are small. They are spunky,
active foragers. They are available in Red Pyle, Black Breasted Red, White, Black, and
Brown-Red, among others. The males have long, sloping tails and the females have a
slope at the rear part of their bodies as well. Cubalayas are not a large breed but provide
a special elegance to the backyard flock with their beautiful body style and habits.
Sumatras
Sumatras are docile, gorgeous birds with a greenish sheen. Males possess the unique
characteristic of double spurs, another mutation that has been selected for in breeding.