Buff Orpingtons

[collisinana]

When I first got into chickens I loved and wanted buff orpingtons, but I held back because I was afraid that it's too warm down south. I've heard that they're very hardy against the cold, but in nc that's rarely too big of an issue. Would heat be a problem for them?

 

[ChickensAreSweet]

I have Orps and they do suffer when it gets to be 95-100. I haven't lost any to the heat but we don't have that kind of heat for more than a couple weeks out here in the Pac. NW.

You might go with some of the Orps and make sure they have DEEP shade in the run. Mine love to get under the grapevines when it is hot.

Or you might consider getting Buff Minorcas instead- but they are flighty and LOVE to fly over 8 foot high fencing to free range. Ask me how I know.

I LOVED the one Buff Minorca hen that I had but she wouldn't stay in the pen. She looked very similar to a Buff Orp. They lay white eggs and are skittish.

Also there are Buff Plymouth rocks which are even more similar to the Orps.

 

[collisinana]

How big are the buff minorcas? I let my chickens free range after failed attempts of keeping them in so flying wouldn't be too much of an issue.

 

[ChickensAreSweet]

How big are the buff minorcas? I let my chickens free range after failed attempts of keeping them in so flying wouldn't be too much of an issue.

http://www.welphatchery.com/std_breeds/buff_minorca.asp
has weights

https://www.backyardchickens.com/t/378195/minorca-thread/220
see post #225 to see how they look too

http://www.feathersite.com/Poultry//CGK/Minorc/BRKMinorca.html
scroll down for pics

http://www.mcmurrayhatchery.com/buff_minorcas.html

This is making me miss my girl! I will have to order these again one day.

 

[ChickensAreSweet]

https://www.backyardchickens.com/t/426353/the-bantam-orpington-thread
Also there is such a thing as a bantam buff Orp.

If you want Buff Orps though I'd just get some. I have lived in NC though and the summers are so humid and brutal.