*Buff Orpington Thread!*

[Nevaschickens]

Adorable!!

 

[jubilation]

Well, I'm going to have to change my mind on my 4 week old chick. I'm definitely convinced it is a cockerel. It is very aggressive to the others, always trying to put its feet on their backs. It has no tail and a very developed comb for its age. Its the only one that doesn't want to be friendly and is always jumping at the others. So, in saying this, does anyone want a buff orpington rooster. I had one from the first batch of chicks I bought last year but the neighbors dog killed it. He's name was Henry and he was a good boy. My avatar is Henry. Just don't want to deal with a rooster again. He was somewhat unpredictable, never mean but wanted to come after you one time and then walk away from you the next. I managed to stop his aggressive behavior and once you caught him he would settle down and not fight you.

 

[thedragonlady]

It must have been cold and windy.

 

[OwlandBear]

I have been keeping Buff Orpingtons for three years now and really appreciate everything about them. I think it's time to breed them, but I must ask............................. are they good eating? The hens I have feel pretty plump to me, and I've read good things bout them, but does anyone here eat theirs?

 

[FVRM]

Actually, the sex feathers will not be different at 4-5 weeks of age. That does not happen until weeks later when the male hackle and saddle feathers come in. Remember, I've raised many Orps over the years, only the blue variety from breeder stock, it's just been awhile. I've sexed them way before a month old, just haven't had a hatchery Buff in many years. I was just wanting a quick, in-the-now assessment from experienced Orpington breeders on this chick, not a wait and see. I know that is 100% accurate.

The pullets have longer tails by the age of a week to two weeks old, not a month. That is in most breeds, not just Orps. This chick in question already is way behind in the tail department and in the wings as well. So, I'll just bet $5 it's a cockerel right now since no one wants to venture a guess for me. And if I'm wrong, I'll be quite happy to be so!

i'll wager it's a pullet

but i noticed there is a whiter buff in the background. i think that one is a roo

 

[Tappy4me]

I have been keeping Buff Orpingtons for three years now and really appreciate everything about them. I think it's time to breed them, but I must ask............................. are they good eating? The hens I have feel pretty plump to me, and I've read good things bout them, but does anyone here eat theirs?

Not yet. ..but we plan to with some of ours.

 

[debgal]

Quote: Sorry been really busy outside since we have nice weather getting my garden in. As far as the dog. Problem solved. I had a falling out with the people next door, so we don't even speak anymore. Since I have moved my chicks and duckies into my back porch, that I converted into a greenhouse. My dogs have been very protective of the babies, which, has made them VERY protective of the game hens out in the coop area. Only took a couple of, well lets say, deterred aggression from the German Shepard and that little ankle biter doesn't come over any more. Even at night the shepard stays watch and I do have a 22 just incase. Did contact the county and they said I could defend my property if they will not deal with the dog.

 

[3goodeggs]

Yea, GS! what a good dog!

 

[speckledhen]

i'll wager it's a pullet

but i noticed there is a whiter buff in the background. i think that one is a roo

Based on? It's feathering like a pullet. I know that the Buffs vary in gold hue quite a bit from having both a sunny yellow one and a more golden one years ago from a different hatchery. Are you going on the color or what?

 

[Big Orp]

I have been keeping Buff Orpingtons for three years now and really appreciate everything about them. I think it's time to breed them, but I must ask............................. are they good eating? The hens I have feel pretty plump to me, and I've read good things bout them, but does anyone here eat theirs?

I put 10 males in the freezer last fall. They are not bad. Mine are free range and they like to run from one side of the yard to the other like a chicken marathon. It made them a little tough but has a good flavor.