POLL: Wyandottes or Orpingtons? Why?

[WallTenters]

Orps being mean? Wow, you must have had some really bad stock. All of our Orps are the friendliest chickens. They are so sweet with their big dark eyes and fluffy butts. I love seeing the hens run with their big "skirts" across the yard when you yell for treat time.

I do think that if you're willing to improve a breed, the blue Wyandottes could use the help more than blue Orps. The Orps are pretty popular and there are a lot of people having some good success with the blues by crossing back into nice black bloodlines. Rhonda (my chicken partner) really loves blue, but I actually prefer the black and splashes!

 

[turbo]

God all my orp friends are going to kill me for this...but you need to go with Wyandottes...Orpingtons are a mess type wise...well really they have no type. On the other hands the majestic Wyandotte is a bird of circles and the colors really pop on their shape, they are an American bird that has been around a long, long time...longer than Orpingtons. The rosecomb is a great advantage when it comes to wintertime, they are good layers, they also make good broodies, and most of all they are very easy going and friendly. Your going to hear how massive the orp is, well the average large fowl exhibition wyandotte will tip over 10 lbs...they are not all feathers with little meat...they are heavy wide birds.

Now I am going to go hide from the orpington breeders.....

 

[SunnyCalifornia]

Wow, tough call. I have 2 Buff Orp hens, 1 SL Wyandotte (actually 1 more in the grow out coop too)

Temperament= both are sweet
Laying= both are doing a great job
Looks= mine are only hatchery quality, but the Wyandotte wins by far, not in just color, but body type too, may be different with better stock
Heat hardiness= First summer for my Wyandotte, so can't say yet. but my Orps had a rough summer last year, I lost one.
Cold= not applicable where I live
Noise= Orps are way noisier, Wyandotte quietly does her business.
Combs= You don't have to worry about a Wyandotte getting a point pecked off her comb.
Broody= Can't say, none of my 10 girls have ever wanted to sit!
Troublemaking/ Mischief= My Orps definitely get in more trouble

I'm going to say.... Wyandotte... but its a really close call....

 

[andrew6d9]

I picked Orpingtons because:
1. They are very hardy in hot and cold climates
2. They are a beautiful breed.
3. They are one of the most docile birds if you work with them some.

 

[Katy]

Quote:
You don't have to hide from us!

I should add that even tho I sold my blues, I do still have my SLWs and BLRWs and they won't be going anywhere. I hope I never have to make the choice of either or.......I love them both.

 

[BooBear]

I dunno, have not tried an Orp yet. Currently I have some Blue Wyandottes that are stressing in the hot summer weather we have already been having.
Since it has gotten hotter egg production has dropped and the girls keep trying to go broody. Yep I caved and currently have 3 brooding away in the nests.
They follow me around but really don't like being touched. Slightly aloof; however, Saphire will hope on my shoulders and let me pet her while telling me who was doing what in the yard. Mrs. Grumpy also likes to watch me when I am cleaning and grumbles orders if I miss something. She has better vision so she makes a point to help.

I do enjoy my Wyandottes and if they do make it through the summer ok, I will probably always have them in my flock. (this is still my first year into chickens).
Ofcourse at 105 degree temps it is enough to make any breed feel like they are being slow roasted. Been making sure they have lots of clean fresh water with ice added, shade, cool treats ect... to help them get through the summer.

 

[roocrazy]

up here in MN if your chook has a straight comb itll get frost bit so wyandotte with this one

 

[ginbart]

I pick Orpingtons. I was surprised at after having my RIR's and getting Orp's the Orps are so friendly. I have smaller chicks and they just look at them. They never go after them and my RIR's would have. They come to me when I call them. And I know you are going to think I'm crazy but they listen to me. When I tell them it''s time for bed they all go in the barn so I can close the door.