Originally bred in 1866 by William Cook, the Orpington has been a household farm favourite from the beginning. Thought to be a cross between Minorcas, Langshans, and Plymouth Rocks, Cook intended his chickens to be a dual-purpose breed. He also had a third goal: breeding a chicken that could be sold in London without looking dirty. The first Orpington breed was black to hide the soot and dirt of the city. A few years later, the Buff Orpington (America’s favourite) was introduced and is said to have been the favourite of Queen Elizabeth.
Starting to lay at around 8 months, they go broody readily and make great mothers! You can expect around 200 large eggs from a hen each year. Excellent for families with young children, these birds love cuddles and are incredibly friendly. They are quite patient and curious and one of the quietest layers, making them perfect for a townhouse.
Due to their docile nature they tend to fall at the bottom of the pecking order when housed with more aggressive breeds. They can lean towards laziness if they do not have space to exercise so a larger coop will do them good. We have found that they prefer nesting boxes and housing closer to the ground and they do not enjoy roosting high up, this might differ from bird to bird.
Buff Orpingtons have a red single comb, as well as red wattles and earlobes. Their feathers should be yellow/gold and legs and beaks should be a pinkish white. With amber coloured eyes and a heavy broad body covered in fluffed out feathers we can see why this bird caught the eye!