How do you build YOU build a great ORPINGTON flock?

[Krys109uk]

It does sound a bit like two sides spoiling for a bit of an argument but I'm not sure what about.

Speckled Hen. Please don't take this the wrong way. I don't mean this to be offensive in any way. I am just curious. I don't think anyone would suggest that you ought not sell your own bird's eggs. But, in order to help people who might be going to buy your eggs or birds, especially people who are new to the breed or new to chickens, do you explain what you see as your bird's good & bad points?


As to how one would build a 'great' Orpinton flock.
I doubt that many people would lay claim to having a 'great' Orpinton flock. So, presumably, they'd have a job describing to anyone else how to do it.
I expect people breed their birds to be the way they want them but if they deviate too far from type they can no longer really be called that breed.

 

[MissPrissy]

As this forum has members from many countries one has to take into consideration the set standard for an establish breed and recognized colors according to the country standard if they intent to show.

I don't show. I never intend to show. I am developing the best flock I can. However, if I see a chance to improve my flock and breed toward the UK standard as it is the one I prefer, that's my business and no one can tell me suddenly my flock isn't a specific breed as it doesn't meet the US standard for a blue orp.

 

[Krys109uk]

However, if I see a chance to improve my flock and breed toward the UK standard as it is the one I prefer, that's my business and no one can tell me suddenly my flock isn't a specific breed as it doesn't meet the US standard for a blue orp.

I hadn't thought of it from that point of view. That wasn't what I meant. I also breed to UK standards & as it's a British breed I'd dare anyone to say that Orps bred to UK standard weren't Orps.

But how many times have you seen birds called Orps or indeed other breeds, that are nothing like, not even close? Sometimes it looks as if someone has just plucked the name of a breed out of a hat & decided to call the bird that breed. If a bird doesn't have type for the breed then it is not that breed. Maybe it's a wannabe, I don't know. But there have to be certain criteria for a bird to be called a certain breed or there would be no sense in having breeds.
People get fussy enough about the EE/ameraucana/araucana issue. Why do people say that EEs are not Ameraucanas or Araucanas? Presumably because they don't conform to type. Some of those EEs look closer to an Ameraucana than birds sometimes called Orps (or indeed other breeds). If EEs are not Ameraucanas then logically speaking, birds such as the hatchery & others describe as Orps are not Orps.
It used to happen a lot with Marans. It seems much better now with the more recent introduction of French bloodlines. One I particularly remember was a photo of a huge bird with a pea comb somewhat resembling a Brahma that a person was calling a 'French Marans'.

...... Oh goodness. I'd better get off my soapbox.​

 

[speckledhen]

Speckled Hen. Please don't take this the wrong way. I don't mean this to be offensive in any way. I am just curious. I don't think anyone would suggest that you ought not sell your own bird's eggs. But, in order to help people who might be going to buy your eggs or birds, especially people who are new to the breed or new to chickens, do you explain what you see as your bird's good & bad points?

Well, as a matter of fact, I do and I have. However, it is up to any buyer to research the breed and know what they are looking for, to check out the parent stock of the eggs or chicks they are buying, not up to me to point out every imperfection in my flock. Pictures of my birds are all over this forum so anyone can decide if they want hatching eggs from me. 'm not sure exactly what your point is? I have a breeding quad of Blue Orps, I am not a breeder nor do I belong to an Orpington Club, and won't ever, after what I've seen of the members lately (not speaking to anyone in particular here).​

 

[Krys109uk]

No offense meant. There was no real point; I've never seen your Orps; it was certainly nothing personal. I was just curious about what you'd said.
It's interesting. I'd agree with you; it's always best to research ones chosen breed prior to buying. Again, nothing personal to anyone here, I speak from experience, it was my job to sell poultry to people back in UK. I am amazed by how many people either don't research & trust to the breeder to educate them,or they don't seem to notice the difference between the breed type & what they actually get.

But really this too serious. Most people just want chickens as pets & chickens are fun & a cheap commercial hybrid can be just as much fun as any other chicken.

 

[speckledhen]

But really this too serious. Most people just want chickens as pets & chickens are fun & a cheap commercial hybrid can be just as much fun as any other chicken.

That, I can agree with.​

 

[MissPrissy]

I agree about pulling names out of a hat. I have seen too many buff rocks, blue rocks and blue jersey giants labled orps simply due to their color.

I think it is irresponsible to breed and promote a breed when you haven't done your homework to understand the standard, the breed specific traits. I'll get in trouble for this as I have in the past but here goes - if you can't spell orpington why even bother breeding them? Seriously. Know your breed and help perfect it if you really love the chicken type.

 

[Krys109uk]

I think it is irresponsible to breed and promote a breed when you haven't done your homework to understand the standard, the breed specific traits. I'll get in trouble for this as I have in the past but here goes - if you can't spell orpington why even bother breeding them? Seriously. Know your breed and help perfect it if you really love the chicken type.

I think we're on the same page.

 

[lildinkem]

I am back with 2 fixed cats. I guess I missed alot of the fun! LOL Give me a sec to take it all in.

 

[lildinkem]

Larry who's that hansome stud in your pic?
He look like a nice young Silver feathered man!