Fantastic Reasons Why English Orpington Chicken Could Live With You

Fantastic Reasons Why English Orpington Chicken Could Live With You

Jan 02, 2024

This British breed of Orpington chicken was bred in the late nineteenth century by a fellow called William Cook of Orpington...


Thats' right!


Orpington!


In Kent, south-east England. It was intended to be a dual-purpose breed, to be reared for both eggs and meat, but soon with their looks and charm became exclusively a show bird.


Being more courteous of the chicken breeds, this courtly Orpington chicken has proved herself to be one of the best mothers.


The Hardy Orpington Chicken

Did you know that Orpington chickens were designed to be a hardy bunch, so much so that can endure some of the most bitter winters that England can throw at them, on top of that, they just seem to keep on laying...


So, if you live in a very cold place, these Orpington hens will lay for you without calling it quits just because there might be a blizzard going on outside the hen house.


Now you can't say that about a lot of other chicken breeds out there, you only have to look at their fluffy feathers and they have a lot of them, which I may add...

Make them look just darling...


Are Orpington Chickens Good layers?

Well, the utility strains are very good layers.


Before we go any further, there are some out there who might not know what the word UTILITY means when it comes to chickens.


The word 'utility' seems to be used quite often as an overall description of any breed that was commercially viable for egg-laying.


These orpington hens will lay between 200-280 light brown medium-sized eggs for you each year.


In fact, all Orpington hens will lay light brown medium-sized eggs whatever colour they are.


Although, they do tend to start laying a bit later than many hens


What Color Eggs Do Orpingtons Lay?

All Orpingtons, no matter what colour their feathers are will lay light brown eggs.
There is a downside though...


Orpington hens do have a habit of going broody more than many other breeds and this can be a pain when you only want the orpington as a pet and an egg layer in your backyard.


Sometimes owners become frustrated by the Orpington chicken's natural broody behaviour.


However, you can shorten their broody time by taking them away from nests or putting them somewhere that has a wire floor so that they don't get too comfortable.


Else you will have a hen just sit on a nest for weeks even if she does not have any eggs under her.


Yes...


This is true.


What Colors Do Orpington Chickens Come In?


The Orpington chickens do come in a fairly wide range of colours:



  • chocolate
  • blue
  • diamond jubilee
  • lemon cockoo
  • buff


The Opringtons True Nature

The orpingtons true nature is of a kind, loving and gentle disposition.


Sounds just great, doesn't it?


Being a good-natured chicken, so don't be surprised if you have a chicken that is more than happy to sit peacefully on your lap and love it.


So a pet as a chicken is more than dusted when you choose the orpington chicken as your new feathered friend.


Orpington chickens are the perfect pet for the family, any animal lover who truly values the virtue of kindness.


Will be pleased to choose the orpington breed of chicken.


Well Connected with the British Royal Family

No the orpington does not have a crown on their heads...


But are owned by members of the British royal family.


Yes, they do have chickens as they are animal lovers.


There was a rumour that the Queen Mother adored her Orpington chickens
It's a bit of a surprise as I thought horses were the main thing, but it's lovely to see that their interests also expanded to the feathered variety as well.


So, all up, the Orpington Chicken is an all-rounder, and worth a good look into before you either want to add to your flock or are just getting into keeping chickens in your back yard for the first time.