At the time blue orpingtons started being introduced, breeders and breeding information was slim and none on both subjects. I acquired my birds from a hatchery also because there were no known breeders to contact. I have been raising them for about 4 years now. Unlike the ever popular buff orpington color, these birds are much more than feathers! They have nice large framed bodies and blackish steel blue leg shanks to support them. If you check the wing pin bones, they are an indigo black blue unique color. Where the heck did that come from?
The real creator of the orpington breed passed on but related kin ( daughter, son, son-in-law) were in the process of mastering something more with the breed. I dont recall where I stumbled onto this article! Obviously, this is still a secret to only a select few on what was used to establish the "Blue" orpington. Interesting to note, the color options are not blue. I have never had a rooster of any other color than the black saddle back with silver and black gray body feathers. The hens have always been shades of silver gray pure or silver gray with black necks. I had a rare splash color emerge this spring and she is stunning! I will use your little color chart to try and replicate more splash next spring. Not so sure as its a 50-50 chance.
The real creator of the orpington breed passed on but related kin ( daughter, son, son-in-law) were in the process of mastering something more with the breed. I dont recall where I stumbled onto this article! Obviously, this is still a secret to only a select few on what was used to establish the "Blue" orpington. Interesting to note, the color options are not blue. I have never had a rooster of any other color than the black saddle back with silver and black gray body feathers. The hens have always been shades of silver gray pure or silver gray with black necks. I had a rare splash color emerge this spring and she is stunning! I will use your little color chart to try and replicate more splash next spring. Not so sure as its a 50-50 chance.
