Orpington

Orpingtons are big, gentle birds that respond well to attention.

Classification: Heavy Breed

They are non-aggressive and enjoy handling, making them a good bird for families. Orpington hens have a very strong tendency to go broody and therefore make great mothers. As they are passive birds, they do not do well in mixed flocks that include aggressive breeds such as the Rhode Island Reds. Orpingtons are relatively quiet birds, suited to city or suburban environments. They are greedy birds and need exercise to keep fit! They lay about 175 to 200  medium to large  light-brown eggs a year. If raised for meat, Orpingtons are ready for the table after approximately 22 weeks.
The Orpington is a British breed of chicken, bred in 1886 by William Cook of Orpington, Kent, south-east England. To create the black orpington Cook crossed Minorcas, Langshans and Plymouth Rocks. Orpingtons are a curvy shape with a low stance, short back and U-shaped underline with fluffed out feathers and a small head with a medium single comb. They were intended as a dual-purpose breed, reared for both eggs and meat, and became a popular showbird when shown in Madison Square Gardens in 1895. The White Orpington followed 3 years later and was a cross between a White Leghorn and a Black Hamburg and a White Dorking. This was not such a popular colour at the time. The Buff Orpington was introduced later as people wanted a buff coloured bird. Apparently the Queen Mother was a keeper of this bird.

We do not have Orpington hatching eggs, pullets and cockerels available for sale.

Orpingtons are beautiful, large chickens with gentle characters! This one is a buff orpington.