Dorking Bantam

The Dorking Bantam is a rather low-set, white-skinned, five-toed bantam with a rectangular, relatively heavy build for its size. Its body is sturdy, long, and deep, appearing rectangular when viewed from the side.

• Weight: Roosters typically weigh between 2.20-2.65 lbs (1000-1200g), while hens weigh 1.98-2.20 lbs (900-1000g).
• Comb: They have a single comb, quite large and firm at the base, regularly serrated with six points. The comb heel follows the curve of the neck without resting on it, and it is red.
• Head: Quite large, with a smooth, red face.
• Eyes: Orange-red.
• Earlobes and Wattles: Earlobes are quite small, red, and some mingling with white is allowed. Wattles are quite long and well-rounded at the bottom.
• Legs: Shanks are unfeathered, strong and quite short, set well apart. They are a distinctive characteristic with five long and straight toes, the fifth toe is placed directly above the hind toe and grows slightly upwards. Leg and toe color is white without any pink or red tinge.
• Feathering: The feathering is rich but close-fitting, with a moderately developed down part.

Dorking Bantams are decent layers, producing a good number of eggs for their size. They are also known for their broodiness.

• Egg Production: Hens can lay approximately 150-180 eggs per year.
• Egg Size & Color: They lay small to medium-sized white or cream-colored eggs, with an average weight of about 1.2 oz (35g).
• Broodiness: Dorking hens are known to be good broodies and can be reliable mothers, often going broody and successfully raising clutches.

The differences between Dorking Bantam roosters and hens are mainly related to secondary sexual characteristics. Both sexes share the breed's sturdy, rectangular build and five-toed feet. The texture of the skin should be white.

The rooster possesses a larger, upright single comb with six distinct points. His tail is well-developed, somewhat spread, and carried at a medium-high angle, featuring broad main tail feathers and well-curved sickles.

The hen's comb may droop slightly at the back. She carries her tail slightly lower and less spread than the rooster. The hen is also noted for having a well-developed, deep abdomen, characteristic of a good layer.

Dorking Bantams are considered hardy birds, capable of adapting to various climates. Their robust build and moderate feathering provide good protection against different weather conditions.

They do not have excessively high demands for housing, but a clean and dry environment is always beneficial. Their docile and calm nature makes them suitable for backyard flocks and allows them to be kept in runs, although they appreciate space to forage. Good ventilation in the coop is important, as with any breed.

The Dorking Bantam is recognized in several traditional color varieties, known for their distinct patterns and hues:

• Silver Gray: The rooster has silver-white hackle, saddle, and wing bows, with a black breast and tail. The hen is predominantly silver-gray with darker lacing.
• Colored: A darker, richer version of the Silver Gray, with deeper shades of grey and black.
• Cuckoo: Features a barred pattern of light and dark grey or blue across the plumage.
• Red: A rich, even red plumage.
• White: Pure white plumage throughout.