Orpington Love

[WindingRoad]

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.

I didn't get my chickens to be laying machines. I can go to the store or my local farmer if I want eggs. I was buying fresh eggs from a local and got the taste of them and said now I'm gonna have my own. I've lived all my life in areas where I couldn't have chickens or didn't have the time. Raising my son alone, working 40 a week or more going to school doesn't leave much time for animals. That's why I've never had a dog. Dogs are pack animals and they need company. Luckily hens can have other hens for company.

 

[gunslinger33]

For a little clarity I am not an Orpington hater , I was interested know why so many people love the breed. Why are they so popular? For most people Orp's are one of the must haves and I was curious as to why due to the average qualities.

For some broodiness is a curse and for others it is a blessing. My Orp is not broody but she does take forever to come out of the nesting box.

When I looked for breeds to add to my flock I was not interested in the breeds that spit eggs out like bullets from a Gatlin Gun. I looked for breeds that were average to large in size , produced large eggs , above average production length and breeds that were not flighty. I buy my birds from a local breeder not TSC or feed store. My choices are limited from my breeder versus the other options. I had ordered a Blue Buff Columbian Orp but changed my mind because I was a little underwhelmed with my Orp.

With that being said I wanted other's input as to why they love the breed so much , to help me with my decision.

 

[birdiefluff]

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.

Orpingtons are my over all favorite breed of chicken especially the lavender color! In my profile, there's a gorgeous pic. of my rooster I once had. he passed away last year before he turned a year old. His name was Birdie. He'd crow and and crow til I came outside to play with him in the mornings. He'd sleep in the cat's bed in the garage because he didn't like the other chickens and would've perfered to stay inside with me. He passed from what I recently found out was the disease blackhead. I sent one of my hens for testing in a big city and now know how to treat it. I miss that rooster more than you know!

 

[WindingRoad]

For a little clarity I am not an Orpington hater , I was interested know why so many people love the breed. Why are they so popular? For most people Orp's are one of the must haves and I was curious as to why due to the average qualities.

For some broodiness is a curse and for others it is a blessing. My Orp is not broody but she does take forever to come out of the nesting box.

When I looked for breeds to add to my flock I was not interested in the breeds that spit eggs out like bullets from a Gatlin Gun. I looked for breeds that were average to large in size , produced large eggs , above average production length and breeds that were not flighty. I buy my birds from a local breeder not TSC or feed store. My choices are limited from my breeder versus the other options. I had ordered a Blue Buff Columbian Orp but changed my mind because I was a little underwhelmed with my Orp.

With that being said I wanted other's input as to why they love the breed so much , to help me with my decision.

Why do you love your kids. If they are average is that ok with you? Geez I never knew average was unacceptable. Why are you timing how long she stay on the nest? So what?I guess I'm just not following your logic here. You sound like my ex. He timed me on the toilet I swear. I like to read, I like to go to the bathroom. When you work you have to get right back or take the extra time off your lunch. When I am home I like to sit and read most everywhere. And now it's MY house I do just about what I want.

 

[gunslinger33]

WindingRoad

I'm not sure that a chicken forum is the right place to address the love for my kids!! To answer your question , no my kids being average is not acceptable because they have the ability to be better than average. If they had limitations that would not allow them to be better than average then average would be acceptable. My oldest has made the Dean's list 2 years in a row , my youngest is currently a grade ahead in 3 subjects and my middle is a mostly A student , so no average is not acceptable but it takes work. All of my kids are above average athletes , so if they want to play in college then average is not acceptable. My employer expect more than average from me.........

As far as timing laying time , my statement could have been unclear. My direction in that she takes longer to lay is that possibly she is starting to show signs of being broody. I'm not timing her, just noticing that she will sit for 45 minutes or so, which is much longer than the others.

Sorry things didn't work out with the ex...................wonder why

 

[Alexandra33]

"Average" is the perfect word to describe my current opinion of Orpingtons, too. Decidedly blah personalities, normal to poor laying abilities, and build/colors than can be found in other breeds. Feeling like I'm part of the minority that would never recommend Orps for most purposes.

Not completely sure what all the hype is about, but then again, it seems others' experiences have been much better. To each their own (taking into account both positive and negative experience), and that's perfectly fine. I find joy in watching others enthusiastically share rave reviews, and wish wholeheartedly joining the club were feasible for me.

Hopefully, if more Orpingtons find their way into my flock down the road, opinions will change.

Looking forward to seeing the reasoning behind fellow BYCer's advocacy.

~Alex

 

[ChickNanny13]

Why do I prefer Orpingtons .... Their puffy/fluffy butt docile and friendly and calm and they lay eggs ... In that order. I have 4BO right now, get about 3.5 eggs per day, ferment my feed, they are Pets with Benefits. Have had blacks, blues, buffs and would LOVE a lavender but living in HI it's not that simple (shipping cost is outrageous).

 

[WindingRoad]

WindingRoad

I'm not sure that a chicken forum is the right place to address the love for my kids!! To answer your question , no my kids being average is not acceptable because they have the ability to be better than average. If they had limitations that would not allow them to be better than average then average would be acceptable. My oldest has made the Dean's list 2 years in a row , my youngest is currently a grade ahead in 3 subjects and my middle is a mostly A student , so no average is not acceptable but it takes work. All of my kids are above average athletes , so if they want to play in college then average is not acceptable. My employer expect more than average from me.........

As far as timing laying time , my statement could have been unclear. My direction in that she takes longer to lay is that possibly she is starting to show signs of being broody. I'm not timing her, just noticing that she will sit for 45 minutes or so, which is much longer than the others.

Sorry things didn't work out with the ex...................wonder why

She's a different chicken. Either she's broody or she isn't. Wow I'm glad you didn't want to discuss your kids.

 

[gunslinger33]

Alexandra33 and others

Thank you for you input and comments. My original intention was to help me determine if my experience is the majority or minority.

This input helps me decide if I want to add Orps or not.

How is NW Ohio today? I have some people down from Bryan this week. It's -30 wind chill