A post is for people trying to figure out if their Orpington is a hen

[dandydoodle]

This is my Orpington hen. She lays 4 to 5 eggs a week. So just because an Orpington has a big comb and wattle doesn't mean its a roo. I have seen so many people talking about killing young birds that look like hens because, they think they are roos. Anyway take a look at my hens pics if she didn't lay eggs I would think by comb and wattle she is a boy. You really can't tell with Orpingtons unless they start rooing or laying eggs.

 

[DuckLover2399]

thats a biiiiiiiiiiggggggg COMB!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

 

[gumbii]

really..? is that true for all orps...? they'r very pretty...

 

[lauralou]

Do you have any pictures of her when she was younger? An age progression thing might be helpful.

 

[Tuffoldhen]

I have a few Orpington hens that have gotten large combs and wattles as they age. You can tell yours is a hen she has no saddle feathers or pointy neck feathers. First time I have ever seen a Buff with that floppy a comb, that's usually see those on Leghorn hens. Big combs and wattles at early ages on young Orpingtons "usually" means a cockerel, that's why we always say post a pic!

 

[HenThymes]

Sandy, my lav orp hen born just last year has that same huge flop over comb and it really does make her look like a lavender leghorn.

All it can contribute it to is just lots of high % protein as that has been known to cause excessive combs.

 

[hinkjc]

I've read that limited access to sun can cause combs to flop as well. I think there is a big difference between a big combed bird at 6 weeks old and a laying hen of 6 months or more. If you've got a big red comb on a 6 weeker, it's pretty likely a boy. However I have seen fast maturing pullets get pink pretty quick too. It is always best to look at a couple of the sex traits to ensure you're making the right decision. If you're not positive, then it's best to wait and see.

 

[ALynn]

This post has given me such hope! I was wondering if you could tell me what you thought about my 4 week lavender Orpington? We just love her so much and from what people say, she's a he

Did your hen have this much comb at 4 weeks?? Thank you!!!

This is a head and body shot:

 

[enola]

This is a cockerel.

 

[Wizer7]

I’m starting to think my 5 month old lavender Orpington may be a Roo. Any thoughts?