Chicken Breed Focus - Russian Orloff

[pasdechat73]

The Russian Orloff is a very tall chicken of striking appearance, with a thickly feathered neck, muffed and bearded, and a small cushion type comb. It is a calm tempered sociable breed that has a very hardy constitution and is extremely cold tolerant. It was originally considered a meat bird, but are now bred to be more duel purpose. The hens are fair layers of brown eggs, considered good winter layers, and they will occasionally go broody.

The breed has been described as early as 1774, when it was called the Chlianskaia, the present day breed is probably named after Count Orloff of Russia who imported and popularized the breed. It is a rather rare breed today, but is regaining some popularity.

It is uncertain what breeds were used in the creation of the Orloff, but the Malay and various muffed and bearded game fowls are thought to have contributed to its makeup.

It was in the first APA standard in 1874, but was removed due to lack of popularity in 1894.

It is on The Livestock Conservancy's Critical list.

Details:

Breed purpose: Dual Purpose
Comb Type: Cushion
Broodiness: Occasional
Climate Tolerance: Very cold hardy
Weight: 8.5lbs roosters, 6.5lbs hen
Egg Productivity: Fair-Good
Egg Size: Large
Egg Color: Cream

Picture by @RiddleMe

Picture @kahlua


Picture @6littlechickies

BYC Breed reviews:

https://www.backyardchickens.com/products/russian-orloff

General breed discussions & FAQ thread:

https://www.backyardchickens.com/t/297764/russian-orloffs/0_20

Do you own Russian Orloffs? Are you a Russian Orloff breeder? If so, please reply to this thread with the your thoughts and experiences, including:

· What made you decide to get this breed?
· Do you own them for fun? Breeding? Some other purpose?
· What are your favorite characteristics about this breed?
· Post some pics of your birds; male/female, chicks, eggs, etc!

We actually came upon 3 Orloffs at a feed store in 2018: 2 female and 1 male. Unfortunately, our male was attacked and we are left with 2 females...the twins. Gracie and Buttercup. They're just so chill and ready to get along with everyone....

 

[rascal66]

I decided to raise Russian Orloffs because they are a cold hardy dual breed of bird. The look and coloration was also a very large consideration for me, they remind me of a old russian noble in a fur lined coat in the winter (just my mental image). They have proven to me so far that they are very intelligent, very easy going and they come in some spectacular colorations and patterns. So far they are my favorite birds that I own.

These birds are all under a year old.

Wow, some really gorgeous birds! Love how you have some that are more white or more red. I really like variety like that also a really nice 'mean' face!!!

 

[rascal66]

I really really want to try this breed, they're gorgeous!

 

[TheLaboratoryBF]

I just picked up an Orloff chick at my local feed store last weekend after reading about the breed...they order their chicks from Privett in New Mexico. Was not familiar with the breed prior but their temperament, looks, and cream-colored eggs enticed me! Does anyone have pictures of the eggs their Orloff hens lay?

Edited to add picture of my Orloff chick.

 

[K0k0shka]

I don’t know if anybody has mentioned this yet, but - fun fact: “orloff” means “eagle-like” or “of eagles”. Some of these chickens do remind me of eagles. Pretty cool (though a total coincidence since they were named after a person and he just happened to have the eagle last name).

 

[Chickileta]

I'm new to posting (obviously!) and not all my photos showed. Trying this again.

Thank you for showing your great photos! They are beautiful birds! How are the roosters?

anyone can answer that? we don't have real winters and summers are hot. I fell in love with this breed but I don't want to get the birds who cannot live in 105 f summer.

yes, Texas is very hot also!!

 

[18awesomechickens]

These birds are beautiful! I hope to get some one day

 

[Coykoi]

I'm pretty sure that I've got an Orloff in a group of hens that I brought in last week. The gal wanted to downsize and I needed to upsize. It looks like they were part of a "rare breed assortment ". My suspected Orloff is solid black, is that a known color for this breed?

 

[pasdechat73]

I just picked up an Orloff chick at my local feed store last weekend after reading about the breed...they order their chicks from Privett in New Mexico. Was not familiar with the breed prior but their temperament, looks, and cream-colored eggs enticed me! Does anyone have pictures of the eggs their Orloff hens lay?

Edited to add picture of my Orloff chick.

Not a good pic...but I posted a funny photo a few days ago of my Orloff twins who love to hide their eggs...

Obviously there are other culprits (breeds!) who decided to hide their eggs too in our wood pile...but they (the Orloffs) are the instigators! Beautiful coloured eggs and tasty as well...

 

[pasdechat73]

yes, Texas is very hot also!!

Before we moved up here we lived in a dry southern-ca climate. In the summer it would sometimes get up into the 100's. We had all three Orloffs in tow (1 roo and 2 hens) and they managed quite well with the heat. I think its their personality too? They are very calm, cool and collected. Unfortunately, we lost our roo (Latte) to a predator, but he mated with our Dominique before passing and now we have his offspring, Jet