*Buff Orpington Thread!*

[Arielle]

Hi, I have a little 7-week-old Buff Orpington pullet that is half the size of my other chicks of the same age. I thought they were supposed to be a big breed. Do they normally start out small?

She was sick for about a week when we first got her, but she's been a healthy and very active little chick since then. She's constantly running underneath the other chicks and stealing their food. It cracks me up! I'm just wondering if she will eventually 'catch up' in size.

Are the other chicks of the same age the same breed??

There are hatchery birds which are much smaller, and designed to be primarily egg layers; the SOP birds are HUGE.

It could be that your little bird did suffer a set back due to the illness; in my livestock experience, often the runt will catch up eventually if allowed access to enough feed, and little stress.

 

[deserthues]

Are the other chicks of the same age the same breed??

There are hatchery birds which are much smaller, and designed to be primarily egg layers; the SOP birds are HUGE.

It could be that your little bird did suffer a set back due to the illness; in my livestock experience, often the runt will catch up eventually if allowed access to enough feed, and little stress.

Thanks Arielle, yes, I forgot to post that. It's a mixed flock. She is from a hatchery. I'm more curious than concerned, because she's obviously doing fine whatever her size. Are they always so brave? She's my most assertive little bird, lol. I'm training my two chihuahuas to leave the chickens alone, but she just ran right up to one of them today. Actually none of my chickens seem to have the fear of dogs that I thought would come naturally to them.

 

[Chaneys Ranch]

Looking at breeds HARD right now. Have plans to increase my flock for laying in the spring (adding at least 18, maybe 24). I keep coming back to orpingtons. I have a PR, EE and 3 RLW hens now. Not pleased with their overall personalities I think it also due to not starting with newly hatched chicks... Think i will get a mix of colors and go from there. I love the buff color and hope to go thru a local breeder.

 

[Arielle]

Quote: Most of the hatchery birds are smaller than they should be, but that does make for a more efficient layer. ( some lines are closer to the SOP) ANd individuals do vary in size. Some flocks are more uniform.

 

[Mr MKK FARMS]

Just snapped this picture outside a few minutes ago. My BO cockerel, Fritter. Such a good guy.

That is one intimidating rooster! Ha ha ha, good picture ladyrsanti.

 

[Arielle]

Quote: Looks like a professional photo--nice.

 

[thomas333]

Here is my two little ones<<<<any signs of a roo?

 

[thedragonlady]

Here is my two little ones<<<<any signs of a roo?

Top 2 photos = ROO Bottom Photo = Possible Pullet and Roo.

 

[thomas333]

Thank you!

 

[choptank330]

Hello All,


I am fairly new to raising chickens. Here is one my rooster "Big Bird" . He is a pure BO. I have had him since November 21st. The guy that I got him from said that he is pretty big. There were four of them total all brothers and he said he is by far the biggest of them all. I would like some of you all's input. He is around 7 or 8 months old. Here are a few pictures. I would really appreciate any input.