The Orpington is a chicken breed that originated in Great Britain in the late 1800s. Crossbreeding a Minorca with a Black Plymouth Rock and breeding the offspring with clean-legged Langshans created it.
The Orpington has soft feathering and is suitable for egg-laying and table meat. It can withstand cold temperatures and is a calm and gentle bird, but more aggressive breeds can bully it. The hen is known to go broody and is a good mother.
When do Orpington chickens start laying eggs?
Orpington chickens are known for their large, light-brown eggs. They can lay 150-200 eggs annually, enough for those keeping fewer chickens. Orpingtons may take longer to mature than other breeds, and some hens may start laying at 24 weeks old.
This breed’s other positive qualities make them a worthwhile investment for many chicken keepers. Orpingtons are an excellent breed if you plan to breed chickens. They’re attentive and great mothers, even when their eggs aren’t theirs.
What’s an Orpington chicken living era?
- Generally, hens have a lifespan of about 8-9 years.
- When they are 22-26 weeks old, you will notice their wattles and combs becoming reddish.
- The hens will lay eggs consistently for 3-5 years before they reach the end of their laying cycle. Should you choose to, you can butcher them as early as 6th months old. However, they may gain their total Weight in 12 months.
What’s an Orpington chicken’s appearance like?
The Orpington chicken is known for its sturdy, ample body and low stance. Its feathers are both fluffy and sleek, with a short, curved back. It comes in different color variations, with buff being the most common.
However, other colors may take more work to arrive. The chicken’s beak, legs, and feet are usually pinkish-white, while its eyes have a reddish-brown hue. Red is the standard color for its wattle, comb, and earlobes, with the comb typically having five points.
What is the Weight of an Orpington chicken?
Mature Orpingtons are hefty hooligans – weighing in at an impressive 7 to 8 pounds! On the other hand, their Bantam buddies are much more dainty – coming in at a feather-light of 3 to 3 1/2 pounds.
What are the uses of Orpington Chicken?
The Orpington chicken is a popular breed among exhibitors, as its good looks have earned it a place in the show ring. However, this has come at the cost of slightly diminished egg production, as the focus on appearance has caused a slight decrease in productivity.
Nevertheless, the Orpington is still an excellent choice for those looking for a dual-purpose bird, and its friendly nature makes it an ideal pet for families, schools, and clubs.
What is the cost of Orpington Chicken Egg?
When purchasing Orpington or Bantam eggs, expect to pay between $4 (£2.50) and $10 (£8) per egg, excluding postage.
The blue Orpington eggs I purchased were of champion quality and cost £10 ($14) each.
What are the Pros and cons of Orpington chickens?
I love Orpington chickens, but here are the pros and cons:
PROS
- These hens are excellent at laying eggs.
- Gentle and affectionate
- Kid-friendly
- There are many different colors to choose from.
- Suitable for cold climates or able to withstand low temperatures.
CONS
- Expensive
- It takes 6-12 months to achieve the maximum Weight.
- It is difficult to determine sex.
- It can become too heavy to lay nicely.
Summary
The Orpington chicken is an excellent choice as a dual-purpose breed. They’re gentle and affectionate and can withstand cold climates better than other breeds. Their large, light brown eggs can lay 150-200 annually.
There are many different colors, but they may be expensive to purchase. It takes 6-12 months to reach full Weight, and it is difficult to tell males from females. All in all, the Orpington is a hardy bird that can provide many years of enjoyment.
