The American Orpington Fanciers Thread

[BlackPanther]

Took some time today for a chicken photo-shoot. These aren't the best pictures, but I think I captured the close-lay of my big girl's feathers fairly well. My little one, however, is actually fluffier than shown -- the pictures don't quite do her justice.

 

[tnmommy]

I have 3 blue and 1 splash American Orpingtons in the brooder. In the grow-out pen, I also have 1 English bantam chocolate Orp pullet, 1 bantam Chocolate Splash English Orpington pullet, 1 bantam chocolate Orp cockerel, and 1 standard chocolate Orp pullet.

I also have 2 English Orpington pullets, almost 4 months old. I have the large fowl to breed with my Australorp rooster. Is it a good idea to keep my large fowl hens with the bantam and standard Orps? I'm looking to have mauve Orps out of the breeding pen. I don't think the bantam roo would be successful in mating with the large fowl just due to logistics.

The only reason I will be keeping the large fowl Orpingtons is my sentimentality. They were the first I hatched and one has become a favorite pet. First chicken I've had to voluntarily sat on my lap to be petted.

 

[Kinmera]

Posting to follow

 

[Kinmera]

I recently received a shipment of blue, black, and white orpingtons from Sand Hill Preservation.

I adore this breed, and have been trying for several years now to locate quality breeders in the NE. I live near Buffalo, NY.

I am specifically looking for the 3 colors mentioned above. I am also looking for American orpingtons, not English.

Any and all leads would be appreciated.

 

[Phoenix Farms]

I just got a pair of blue Orpingtons and 4 lavender chicks. I cant wait to see these birds grow up!

 

[ataraninja1]

Here are some pics of my Buff Orpingtons. These were purchased from Cackle Hatchery as a starter flock and I hope to begin breeding to the standard so I can show the perfect American style Orpington. Any advice from breeders is welcome as I have not yet purchased the Standard book and am new to this whole breeding to type thing.

The roo I'm planning on keeping in the breeding program. Has good color and type. Minor defects in the comb.

One of my better hens, although not sure if any of them have good combs. I will be trying this year to get some replacement hens with straight combs. But about half of the 10 hens have good type with two, maybe three being much larger than the others. A few with uneven color.

One of my more typey hens. Notice the Elvis impersonator comb however.

My other roo who has much better type and a nice comb I think but sadly has white leakage in the tail and wings. Was told this might moult out since he's still young but I don't know if I want offspring that's not showable until year 2. Also next to him a VERY good specimen of a hen. Notice how large she is compared to him. Probably one of my biggest ones.

 

[ataraninja1]

Am I crazy for fancying this girl?
I rarely get any comments on my photos and I was hoping to get others' feedback.

Beautiful bird but I agree she looks more like an English Orp. Also, the earlobes are a little white and the color on the saddle area is uneven. Regardless she is a beautiful girl and if using properly in a breeding situation could even out some of the faults other members of her breed and variety may have. When breeding animals it's important to cross birds that don't have the same flaws. So you may have a roo with more legginess or more even color, but maybe he's too leggy. You cross the two, the babies could end up perfect. That's what makes breeding so fun.

 

[BlackPanther]

Is she an English Orpington?

She's stunning!

 

[OnlyOrps]

This thread has been a bit slow lately. With the Orp Photo thread locked for cleanup, maybe we can all just discuss our American SOP type Orpingtons here. Please no bickering! Here is a comparison with the American SOP Orpington and a normal hatchery produced Orpington.

​

Great example!!!!

 

[Heron's Nest Farm]

Yep, the one on the left is the hatchery bird. It's a very pretty and nice bird. Would make any backyard flock happy. But when compared to one bred to the Standard of Perfection, it can not compare or compete.

What do you think about the coloring in these two birds?

I have heard some good commentary on coloring in this forum and I would love to move in that direction, especially on chocolates. NOW I KNOW this isn't an accepted bird yet, but if anyone would like to venture in that direction based on the submitted SOP, I'd be interested.