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The Orpington chicken, developed in Orpington, Kent, England in the late 19th century, is a large, friendly breed known for its fluffy appearance and docile nature. Created by William Cook, Orpingtons were bred to be a dual-purpose fowl, excelling in both egg and meat production. The breed quickly gained popularity and was admitted to the American Poultry Association's Standard of Perfection in 1902.
- Large-sized birds
- Come in several color varieties, including Buff, Black, White, and Blue
- Single comb, red wattles and earlobes
- White skin and pink or white legs
- Typically weigh around 7-10 pounds
- Broad, deep body with a low stance
- Profuse, fluffy feathering giving a rounded appearance
BREED & ORIGIN
Orpington
&
Orpington, Kent, England
LIFE EXPECTANCY
5-7 years
HEIGHT & WEIGHT
Height: 20-24 inches (51-61 cm)
&
Weight: Roosters: 10 lbs (4.5 kg)
Hens: 8 lbs (3.6 kg)
Chick (0-8 weeks)
Pullet/Cockerel (8-22 weeks)
Layer/Rooster (22+ weeks)
LOW
MEDIUM
HIGH
Temperament
Very calm, docile, friendly
Activity Level
Low to moderate, adaptable to confinement
Climate Tolerance
Hardy in cold climates, less tolerant of extreme heat
Genetic Traits
Good egg production, meat quality, broodiness
Egg Laying Capacity
Good; 200-280 eggs per year
Broodiness
High tendency, excellent mothers
Feeding
A balanced layer feed is essential for maintaining their egg production and overall health. Supplement with calcium sources like oyster shells for strong eggshells. Due to their size, they may require more feed than smaller breeds.
Housing
Orpingtons require spacious coops with good ventilation. A minimum of 4-5 square feet per bird inside the coop and 10-15 square feet per bird in the run is recommended. They tolerate confinement well but also enjoy free-ranging.
Health
Orpingtons are generally hardy but can be prone to obesity due to their docile nature and large appetites. Regular health checks for common poultry issues like mites and lice are important. Their fluffy feathers require extra attention to keep clean and parasite-free.
Breeding Practices:
- When breeding Orpingtons, select birds with desirable traits such as good egg production, proper body conformation, and gentle temperament. The incubation period for their eggs is about 21 days.
Raising Chicks:
- Orpington chicks are relatively hardy but grow more slowly than some breeds. Provide a warm brooder environment (starting at 95°F and gradually decreasing) until they're fully feathered at about 8-10 weeks. Offer chick starter feed and clean water. Introduce them gradually to the flock when they're big enough to hold their own.
Nutritional Needs:
- Orpingtons require a balanced diet to support their egg production and maintain their large size. Commercial layer feeds usually meet their needs. Be cautious not to overfeed, as they can become overweight easily.
Orpingtons have been popular in both commercial and backyard settings due to their dual-purpose nature and friendly disposition. They've contributed significantly to the poultry industry, particularly in meat production.
Culturally, Orpingtons have become synonymous with the idea of the perfect backyard chicken, often featured in books and media about poultry keeping. Their gentle nature has made them favorites for children's 4-H projects and as therapy animals.
Category |
Details |
|---|---|
Origin |
Orpington, Kent, England |
Temperature |
Very calm, docile, friendly |
Common Health Issues |
Prone to obesity, susceptible to heat stress |
Commercial Use |
Dual-purpose for both egg and meat production |
Backyard Use |
Extremely popular for their friendly nature and good egg production |
Breed Standards |
Admitted to American Standard of Perfection in 1902 |
Exhibition |
Judged on body type, feather quality, and color |
Role in Culture |
Often considered the ideal backyard chicken breed |
Population Status |
Common, not endangered |
Conservation Efforts |
Some color varieties may be subject to conservation efforts |
Breeding Practices |
Focus on maintaining dual-purpose traits, temperament, and fluffy appearance |
Fertility Rates |
Generally good, but may vary |
Parasite Control |
Require extra attention due to fluffy feathers |
Market Value |
Chicks typically cost $3-$7 each |
Cost of Raising |
Approximately $35-$45 per chicken per year, due to higher feed consumption |
- Extremely docile and friendly
- Good egg production (200-280 eggs per year)
- Excellent meat birds
- Cold-hardy
- Great for families and beginners
- Prone to obesity
- Less heat-tolerant
- Higher feed consumption
- Frequently broody, which can interrupt egg laying
Orpingtons typically start laying eggs at around 22-26 weeks of age.