Post Pics Of Orps/ Orpingtons HERE

[popcornpuppy]

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Thanks for the imput Bama. I tried to get some more pics to see if a different view would help. I came to this thread to get advice because I have seen all of the beautiful Orps and wanted to see if mine are any good. We wanted to breed them but I just don't know if they are up to par. You guys seem to know what a good looking Orp should look like so that's why I wanted some opinions. I wanted to see if I should scrp my plans for breeding these 2 and concentrait on the babies I hatched from Imogene. Her eggs were sired by a roo named Big John

. I have seen pics of BJ and thought he was

 

[hinkjc]

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Those are beautiful birds, but I don't understand why they are bred to look so much like a cochin. I would think if the heavy fluff down to the ground is desired, why not just breed cochins? I think it really takes away from the gorgeous orpington stature for which it originated.

 

[foxflower]

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Those are beautiful birds, but I don't understand why they are bred to look so much like a cochin. I would think if the heavy fluff down to the ground is desired, why not just breed cochins? I think it really takes away from the gorgeous orpington stature for which it originated.

I was thinking the same, but wasn't brave enough to say so. Well said. It's definitely intersting to see the differences in the breed and preferences of others though. I'm glad you posted the pictures Can't Beet the Bantams.

 

[Morgan7782]

Hello all you Orphington owners! I have a few questions. I originally wanted SLW and GLW, but turns out I won't be able to get the GLW at this time. I have loved the look and sound of the Buff Orphington and had a few questions.

A.) Can they be in a mixed flock? (I have 1 BR pullet, 1 EE pullet, and will have 1 SLW pullet around the same time)

B.) How are their temperments? Personal experience?

C.) How are they as layers? Personal experience here too please. About an egg a day?

D.) How do they do with being in an urban backyard flock? I have a good sized yard, and they will only be in the coop from about 9pm to 6am. Rest of the time in a large run or free ranging in the backyard.

F.) Are they big flyers? (do they fly easily/often?)

Thanks for ANY information and personal experience with this breed!

 

[MomtoSyd&Emma]

A.) Can they be in a mixed flock? (I have 1 BR pullet, 1 EE pullet, and will have 1 SLW pullet around the same time)

We have 2 Buff Orps, 1 buff rock, 1 Silver Spangled Hamburg, 2 Black Austr., 4 Amber links, and 6 RIR


B.) How are their temperments? Personal experience?

our girls are WONDERFUL, we have one that is a broody Momma right now, and while she doesnt like me touching the chicks, she will allow it!!


C.) How are they as layers? Personal experience here too please. About an egg a day?

WONDERFUL layers! We got eggs up until it became BITTER cold, and they resumed laying in February with snow still on the ground!

D.) How do they do with being in an urban backyard flock? I have a good sized yard, and they will only be in the coop from about 9pm to 6am. Rest of the time in a large run or free ranging in the backyard.

That describes our yard also!!!

F.) Are they big flyers? (do they fly easily/often?)

Mine have NEVER flown around, BUT they can jump/flutter high for treats!!!


If I could have one breed and only one breed it would be the Orpingtons!!!!

 

[Morgan7782]

Thank you for the info! I am dissapointed about the GLW but now that I recall, I had originally wanted BO's even before my EE and Barred Rock. I am glad to hear they are what I am looking for.

How do they do in warm temps? It gets over 100 here in Sacramento. Our backyard is about 85 percent shade, and water is available. But would there be issues with them in summer heat?

I am glad to hear they are good layers. I am aiming to get chickens of different breeds/colors so I can tell them apart lol. Thanks for the information! My feed store carries BO's until September so they will definately be available.

 

[lildinkem]

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I heard Steve Jones built a misting system over his covered runs. He is in the deep south, OK opr TX or somethin like that. Gets very hot!

 

[foxflower]

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A) I've only ever had them in a large mixed flock and they always do fine. I had a roo also, and he was the best roo too.
B) The orpingtons I had were sweeter than most the others (Speckled sussex were friendly too). The ALBC describes their disposition as calm and friendly. Storey's guide to poultry says they can become affectionate with handlers (I think it was Storey's anyway). They are said to make good pets. I have found all this to be true if they are handled often as chicks. It is one of my favorite breeds because of disposition.
C)They tend to be good layers, but also go broody -- depends on what line you get them from. A "production" line will lay better probably.
D)Can't address this, as we live on a farm. I think they'd be fine under those conditions.
E)I haven't found them to fly easily or often...they are pretty big and calm.

I don't think you can go wrong with orpingtons.

 

[Morgan7782]

I will be getting these from a feed store, but really from Belt Hatchery. They will be hatchery chicks. Does that affect broodiness at all? I am new so I apoligize if these are stupid questions. Thank you for the information! I don't mind broodiness, but am curious if hatchery stock is less inclined to broodiness as opposed to breeder status?

Also, when do they usually start laying?

 

[foxflower]

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Hatchery chicks are production bred. I doubt that affect broodiness too much, but I don't know for sure as I've only had production stock myself -- first from McMurray and this year's chicks from Belt as well. Non-productions stock is bred for confirmation and not specifically for laying ability. Still, I think in terms of laying and broodiness they are probably pretty similar. I think they start laying at 20-24 weeks, when they are mature. There is a No. CA chickenstock in Kelseyville, CA this Saturday you might want to attend. https://www.backyardchickens.com/forum/viewtopic.php?pid=4285308#p4285308 They might have some chicks you want and it sounds like it is going to be fun. Kelseyville is up by Lakeport. Meet some BYCers in person and connect with fellow No. CAians