Orps - what is typy?

[halo]

I dont know why size would be an issue in the show world. The standard is very specific on how much they should weigh.

 

[KKluckers]

Quote:
Size is a issue when the birds dont meet the "standard" and are to small, narrow, etc.

 

[KKluckers]

Quote:
I think some lines do have Cochin blood breed into them. I just love how fluffly they are without the leg feathering to get messy. It gets really muddy hear sometimes.

 

[kstaven]

It has been an issue because so many entries are barely reaching the accepted size. With more hatchery stock and people who honestly do not know what to look for out there, the big stalky orpington is becoming more and more rare.

Mine push the high side of the weight scale and have had many compliments from long term breeders and judges on how this is what they used to see and rarely see now.

So yes, the orpington is popular, but the true to type part is being lost in the push to breed quantity.

In many cases the breeding community has done this to themselves over the past few decades by becoming such closed communities. In recent years I see that changing. SLOWLY!

 

[EweSheep]

Deep, broad (wide), and well rounded and not overly obessive in weight and size.

As for "typey", I like to see balanced in birds, making sure the heads are appropriate for their body...who wants an oversized beaky, bug eyed looking of Orp???? The pullets should show feminity and a little more refinement or detailed in her face and not overly heavier than the males. Good temperment, decent heavy size and good egg laying capability with a WIDE rear ends make a good egg layer as well.

The males should be mascline and show good temperments as well as HUGE size but not grossly obese looking similar to a Cochin. And good colors are important too.

You certainly dont want one that looks like a Thoroughbred nor a Clydesdale in type, size and gait either! With a practiced eye, you can pick out your better Orp out of the lot even it means to dismiss your favorite hen with bad legs or whatever for breeding purposes.

Reading the standards help but going to shows help even better and do not be afraid to ask the judges and long time breeders for their input and advise and suggestions.

 

[KKluckers]

Quote:
This is what I did and it help me see things clearer. Judges are usually always willing to help as well as other breeders.

 

[halo]

Thanks, everyone. Cleared up a lot of points for me, and gave me things to be aware of when I start my own little program here.

 

[tberggren]

Quote:
Kstaven
Would love to see pics of your birds.

 

[BamaChicken]

If I had a scanner i would scan a page out my Book the Orpington Fowl. It has a good description of the difference in American looking Orps and British Orps. I am trying of course to get mine to the Brit Standard. The Roos tend to have a Shorter back and higher rise in the tail. They need to be broad and not lanky in their legs. Their wattes don't need to hang to long and their points on their combs should be very distinct. Should have brown/black eyes on the Blue/Blacks. White legs and skin. On the hens they need to have short looking legs and nice wide feathers on their cushion in the back. feathering should be low on their legs. Here are a few pics of some of my fav hens and I wil try and post a pic from feathersite.
Here is one of my hens that i consider a very typey black. Hope you can see her throught the fencing.

Here is a splash hen

Front on black hen, nice rounded chest

 

[speckledhen]

There you go again, Julie, showing me that splash hen!

She's a real honey of a girl.