Buff Orphington ?

[Crower]

At what age does a Buff Orphington rooster have to be to be an efective breeder? Also at what age does a Buff Orp hen have to be to produce eggs ? Thanks for your input Crower

 

[dirtsaver]

I don't know about the roos but our BO girls started laying around 24 weeks.

Larry

 

[lildinkem]

For both the cockerel and pullet, alot depends on the line you have. Many hatchery lines are only concerned with production. The idea of a good bird is one that matures quickly and lays younger. Some here have birds that are from Exhibition breeder lines, & you tend to have a longer time to wait for them to mature and start laying eggs, The same can be said for the cockerel. Maany line bred birds tend to be less prolific breeders. The hens from those lines, like I mentioned lay much less. I know and have some lines of Orpingtons that may on a good year lay between 25 and 35 eggs. Again those who do are more focused on appearance then production. Some, like myself will mix different Exhibition lines to increase vigor. While they may not lay at an early age (8 to 10 month and much depends on when then were hatched) they will lay prolifically. My better breed mixed line Orps laid 8 days out of 10. Near production like levels. And did not slow down for the heat of the summer. Hope this helps.