Orpington Chickens

Color and Appearance
The Orpington are large types of chickens with a soft appearance. It has a wide chest, broad back, and small head and tail.


They originally came in black, white, buff and blue. Other varieties have also been developed including porcelain (speckled), red, mottled and birchen.

Origin

The original Orpington (the Black) was developed in 1886 by William Cook. He crossed many different breeds of chickens, chiefly Minorcas, Langshans and Plymouth Rocks, to create the new hybrid bird.

Size

The Orpington is a heavy breed, weighing from 7 lb (3.2 kg) to 10 lb (4.5 kg). Its soft, profuse feathering makes it appear even larger than it is.

Temperament

Docile, affectionate and easily handled types of chickens.

Uses

The Orpington was bred as a dual-purpose breed, famous for good egg laying capacity (from 110 to 160 beige eggs/year even through winter), moderately early maturity, and good carcass qualities. Hens may go broody.