*Buff Orpington Thread!*

[mspj]

I bought 12 buff's about 5 weeks ago. I was told they were 17 weeks at that time, I thought they looked small for that age and figured they were probably 10 - 12 weeks instead. With that being said I would guess them to be 15 - 17 weeks old now, at what age should I start looking for eggs? None of the girls have any red in their combs, do their combs start turning before they start to lay? I also have not heard the one I suspect to be male attempting to crow, at what age should this occur?

I also have RIR that are 9 months old, the buff's are about 2/3's the size of them, can anyone help me in guessing their age? I am guessing they should start laying sometime mid to late February, think I'm close?

 

[thedragonlady]

I bought 12 buff's about 5 weeks ago. I was told they were 17 weeks at that time, I thought they looked small for that age and figured they were probably 10 - 12 weeks instead. With that being said I would guess them to be 15 - 17 weeks old now, at what age should I start looking for eggs? None of the girls have any red in their combs, do their combs start turning before they start to lay? I also have not heard the one I suspect to be male attempting to crow, at what age should this occur?

I also have RIR that are 9 months old, the buff's are about 2/3's the size of them, can anyone help me in guessing their age? I am guessing they should start laying sometime mid to late February, think I'm close?

Photos would be really helpful.

 

[Vickery]

My BOs began laying right at 20 weeks...however it was July! Depending upon where you live and the weather I would imagine they might lay somewhat later since it still could be cold and wintry! A couple of things to look for is the red comb, AND squatting behavior when you reach down to pet them. That, for me, was a sure give away that they were going to lay soon. Hope that helps.

 

[goatluver20]

Mona my buff orpington

 

[informative]

This time of year north of the equator is rare to see eggs prior to 5-6 months of age - Earliest I have seen personally is at about 4.0-4.5 months

If you think in terms of months instead of weeks and plan/expect more/earlier in warmer weather you will be less likely to be disappointed.

I read it also helps to boost their protein and calcium intake right around when you know they are gearing up to lay (like starting at 4-5 months of age to try to trigger the process)

you'll know it has started when they tend to hang out late mornings in the henhouse (nest boxes) while others are running about outside and you hear that awk awk awk awk awk noise from indoors like someone is giving birth to an egg

 

[sonderah]

At this time I have 2- 5 month old BO pullets. I am planning to switch over to all BO's, so I've been looking for a rooster. I found an 80 yr old gentleman who has decided to get rid of all of his chickens because he just isn't able to care for them anymore. He has 6 females & 1 rooster. 5 of his hens are 2 years old, & I'm not sure how old his rooster is. My questions r, generally speaking.... How many years do BO's lay well? How many years do the usually go broody? And how long is a rooster able to fertilize eggs?

 

[greatergraceoffbg]

Can anyone tell me the best place to get the large Buff Orpingtons? We got some from a hatchery but were moe like leg horns in size and build. I used to have Buff orpingtons twice this size and heavier... Thanks..

 

[MEMama3]

Can anyone tell me the best place to get the large Buff Orpingtons? We got some from a hatchery but were moe like leg horns in size and build. I used to have Buff orpingtons twice this size and heavier... Thanks..

Post 2022 author dragonlady. Most beautiful orps around.

 

[Twisted-Rooster]

Mona my buff orpington

Cute!!!....

 

[goatluver20]

Thanks Twisted-Rooster here is another pic of her with my jersey giant Joan jet black