I mean, you're correct about the rain (it's raining right now!), but the weather is hardly mild. It can get quite cold, and yesterday we had a blackout it was so windy. We also have thunderstorms and hail. Lots and lots of hail.
And we live in the rain shadow!
Our Orpington is really hardy and tolerant of most weathers. However, she DOES have a large comb. She doesn't mind rain, hail or snow (all of which we've had!) She also lays consistently every day. We haven't had them long enough, but I'm fairly certain Orpingtons go broody. As for color, while...