Blue blood or mixed chick!

[Our Roost]

Most currently the Blue orpington breed has appeared as a newcomer on the hatchery listings. Most chicken lovers are well aware of the buff color orpington and the popularity thereof. My question arises as to how the Blue strain of the orpington breed occured? Is this a true blooded orpington or a mix of 2 different breeds to achieve the blue pigmentation?

 

[scratch'n'peck]

I've wondered about Blue Orpingtons as well. I have read that Black Orpingtons are not uncommon in the U.K. and thought that maybe they were used in the breeding, but I am interested to read a reply from someone who actually know the answer.

 

[Criskin]

I'm not quite sure how they were developed but Blue Orpingtons are an actual variety and recognized by the APA since 1923. Like many blue chickens, if you breed two blues the offspring will be 25% Splash, 25% Black and 50% Blue. I have a couple of Blue Orpingtons in my laying flock but don't breed them so I'm not particularly familiar with them. A great place for information is the United Orpington Club's home page: http://www.unitedorpingtonclub.com/

 

[thatchickenlady]

The Blue is an interesting variety. As Criskin said you'll find great info at the UOC website

 

[Our Roost]

Established in 1923? I don't think the blue variety goes that far back in time? I checked the web site you suggested and it is more of a private club than an open forum like BYC. At almost $20.00 hatchery cost per bird, I would like to know some history behind the genetics and color! Beautiful, but pricey.

 

[scratch'n'peck]

I looked over that site as well. Although it does not have a direct answer, it does confirm that the Black Orpington from England was the original and it mentions that the blue color is a result of a "mutation" that occurs in domestic fowl. I did a quick search and found another link with breeder's contact information. There are even more colors for orpingtons than imagined. Check it out, and if you want more info I suppose you could email one of the breeders: http://www.feathersite.com/Poultry/CGK/Orps/BRKOrps.html

 

[scratch'n'peck]

Ok, I checked out one of the sites that has Blue Orps and that the blue color developed from crossing black and white orps and was admitted to the APA standard back in 1923: http://horstmanspoultry.com/largefowlhome/blueorpington.html

 

[Our Roost]

This was some really good feedback! I will check out both of the web sites you suggested. Thanks!