Lavender Orpingtons

[Martha in missouri]

I have 1 rooster and 9 hens. I really would like to know about orpingtons - egg laying, temperament, dealing with cold/hot temps. I received these grown, but not laying yet. I haven't heard the rooster crow. The person I got these from said they came from a bloodline in France? They cost her $20 each? Does this sound right to you?

They have gotten used to me and don't freak out when I come into the coop. They figured out I am food. lol

From what I see in the coop none of the nesting boxes are being used at all. I do know they sleep on the old wooden ladder perches and seem to gather under one nesting box.

Oh! We raised parakeets for a number of years. They loved when I put their "bathtub" in the cage. Will chickens go into water and take a bath? I know they take dust baths just didn't know if they liked the water too.

Thanks so much for your help!

 

[oldhenlikesdogs]

Orpingtons are nice birds. It will depend on whether yours were bred for production or looks as far as egg production.

They are good with cold weather. They should be okay in hot weather.

Chickens don't take water baths. Some my stand in water but that's about it.