Orpington Love

[gunslinger33]

Why do so many people love Orpingtons?

They are average layers. Mine lay about 4-5 eggs per week
They lay a medium size egg. At least mine lay a medium egg
They are big eaters.
They are pretty docile and calm.

So my questions why so much love? Many other breeds lay better , larger eggs , just as sweet and more efficient.

If I cross my Orp roo over my Biel hens will I reduce egg size and output? My Biels lay 6 eggs per week and range from Large to XL. I am adding SFH , CCL and SBI all of which lay more and larger than a medium egg.

 

[Ribh]

Well, chicken love is about looks as well as production. Guess some people really like big fluffy Orps!

 

[WindingRoad]

Why do so many people love Orpingtons?

They are average layers. Mine lay about 4-5 eggs per week
They lay a medium size egg. At least mine lay a medium egg
They are big eaters.
They are pretty docile and calm.

So my questions why so much love? Many other breeds lay better , larger eggs , just as sweet and more efficient.

If I cross my Orp roo over my Biel hens will I reduce egg size and output? My Biels lay 6 eggs per week and range from Large to XL. I am adding SFH , CCL and SBI all of which lay more and larger than a medium egg.

Mine lays most days, large eggs I weigh my eggs, her crop is full at bedtime keeps her warm here in Maine, she is a love bug. Good with my 2 SLW. Shares, not pushy. I could go on .

 

[Naser]

I agree, they are good only if you want broody hens or you want them for the table when they stop laying.

 

[WindingRoad]

I agree, they are good only if you want broody hens or you want them for the table when they stop laying.

As are most breeds.

 

[WindingRoad]

Why do so many people love Orpingtons?

They are average layers. Mine lay about 4-5 eggs per week
They lay a medium size egg. At least mine lay a medium egg
They are big eaters.
They are pretty docile and calm.

So my questions why so much love? Many other breeds lay better , larger eggs , just as sweet and more efficient.

If I cross my Orp roo over my Biel hens will I reduce egg size and output? My Biels lay 6 eggs per week and range from Large to XL. I am adding SFH , CCL and SBI all of which lay more and larger than a medium egg.

Up your feed to 22% protein. And feed mealworms. My eggs from my BO range from 66-70 grams.

 

[Brahmachicken240]

They’re friendly,docile,great broody mothers and they’re just beautiful.

 

[Naser]

As are most breeds.

The Orpingtons are particularly broody and big eaters, Most my hens are white leghorns

 

[WindingRoad]

The Orpingtons are particularly broody and big eaters, Most my hens are white leghorns

Mine is 2 years old. Never been broody with me. As for eating. She eats with the other 3. I feed morning and night. They have a feeder down in the run but I want to make sure they all get some. Hard to see my feeder down there as the snow is banked up pretty high. And do you love your leghorns just for what they can do for you. I love my BO because she is a great chicken but even if she wasn't I would still love her.

 

[oldhenlikesdogs]

I always say if we all liked the same thing we'd be all fighting over the same stuff. The good thing about chickens is there's something for everyone.

I like the shape of the Orpington, the temperament, the range of color, their cold tolerance, and the fact that they lay much longer in their lives compared to many breeds. They also live longer in my experiences than other breeds.