Post Pics Of Orps/ Orpingtons HERE

[lildinkem]

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Were did the speckled orpingtons go? I want those! I supposed the originals are gone forever? Question...if the judge said not to breed to a type seen in a picture, what exactly should a person breed them to look like? Aren't those orignial renderings a description of the standard of perfection? Are we to just breed as close to what we interpret the standard of perfection to be? I am not new to chickens, but I am new to learning about the standards of perfection. I will have a new and large flock starting this year. I want to learn how to recognize what the best birds are for preserving these great breeds. But I'm more confused than ever because beauty seems to be in the eye of the beholder. We all love chickens and think they are beautiful, and each have favorite looks. Sooooo, how do I choose? Scratch head: http://www.pic4ever.com/images/297.gif

The judge said it is an "artists interpretation" of what the standard is. And my response is, "it is good enough to put into the book of standards, it is good enough to breed towards". And that is my interpretation of the standard. lololol

 

[foxflower]

Well, I tend to agree, if it's good enough for the SOP, it's good enough for me.

 

[hinkjc]

Mrs. Fluffy Puffy :

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And they are AMAZING!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

yes, I am a total fan! I'm thinking of starting a club!

Do you have ny pics?

There are some pics on my web site and here is an auction I have listed for some chicks with pics. https://www.backyardchickens.com/forum/viewtopic.php?id=355031

lildinkem - I tend to agree that we should assess our birds for what they were originally created. I tend to use old documentation that outlines the orpington breed for my reference, as well as the APA. Breeding towards the standard of perfection for show winner potential, while still breeding some for what I just enjoy having on my farm. I don't think either way is right or wrong, just a personal preference for what one enjoys. I also don't find that looks are all we should be aiming for. While conformation to breed standard is one thing, there are many facets to a breed, including egg production, temperament and natural broodiness.

 

[joletabey]

Thank you so much for the answers on maturity- the "stop growing" part of the question is my asking what age do they stop growing UP- where they may not get any taller, but start filling out more. I only have Delawares to compare to, and they matured extremely early- I had one girl laying at 17 1/2 weeks, and they have been the same height since about that same time. I have a Blue Orp Roo that is 7 months old, and I am trying to figure out when I can put him in with the BBS pullets. I don't want him flattening them. I have three pullets that are four months old, and two that are three months old. According to people's answers about being 8 months old when they start to lay, I think it's still too soon???

Thanks for the help!

Oh, and I agree about the SOP. If the experts are OKing those pics as standards, then it makes sense that is what they are supposed to look like.

 

[tazcat70]

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With my rooster, I don't think he stopped growing until about 2 yrs old. After the first year he slowed down, but he was still growing. The hens, around 18 mos. By those ages they were done filling out. Does that make sense?

 

[lildinkem]

It's like being an artist and our birds are the canvas. There is no right and wrong. Just awesome Orps!

 

[joletabey]

Tazcat- it makes sense- thank you- what age would recommend the pullets be before I put them with the roo? Do I need to wait till they start to lay?

 

[tazcat70]

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It is really what you want to do. Mine usually grow up with an adult rooster. If you have the space, you can wait until they are laying. Right now I have my main laying flock and then the Orps, so last summer when I hatched Orps out they were raised with the main laying flock. When she (I only kept 1) got big enough (body wise) I put her in the Orp pen. She was 5 or so months old, and didn't start laying for several months.

 

[joletabey]

Thank you, Tazcat. I appreciate the help.

 

[tazcat70]

You are most welcome! Any time!