Post Pics Of Orps/ Orpingtons HERE

[hinkjc]

I would have to guess they are referring to being mature enough for show season. When you hatch a bird does not change its genetics. I hatched my orps over all seasons over the years and have never seen a difference in size when they are mature. Of course I don't consider a bird fully mature until around 18 months. By that time, regardless of when you hatched them, they should fill out the same as any others, as long as your breeding is consistent and results typically are as well. Pullet eggs are the only times I have seen birds start out small, but again by about 18 months they are normal size, because it is driven by genes not the size of the egg or time of year you hatch.

 

[Beth G.]

I just washed up and blow dry my two Juvie Orps for the show this Sunday Boston Poultry Expo. I hope they do well

I'm bring my monster Black Orp Roo Brutus, and my little blue pullet Daisy. So excited to see them all purdied up

 

[hinkjc]

Have fun Beth!

 

[Beth G.]

Thank you!!! I'm meeting up with a bunch of BYC'rs and letting some kids show my birds. This is a fun event that I look forward too all year

Hopefully in the spring I will be able to show one of those white pullets! They are soo cute and fluffy but, not quite big enough just yet. I waited till the last possible moment to try and see if one might make it, but, they just aren't there yet

But, Next year they will be!!!

Quote:

 

[matte]

Nothing makes them happier than mounds of old garden hay mixed with a little hidden scratch grains--

This roo's eyes are black as night, but the sun must be reflecting just right.

 

[matte]

So...I had to make another pile for the other pen.
6 mos old and still scraggly and lanky. I should own a good percentage of Purina corp by the time they've grown out.

I don't know if you can tell by the picture, but this black one has a "forked" tail. Did it just loose some tail feathers? If so, will they grow back? Or, is this something that is genetic?
(50% Eng if that makes any difference)

 

[syble]

I'm too new to orps to comment, but i know with turkeys, my spring hatched birds grew faster and more robust then the summer hatched birds, i'm almost 100% certain that the summer birds will finish off a bit smaller BUT I can't see why that would possibly hurt their chances of producing superior offspring in the following spring, as the solid genetics are there, just a mater of negative environment. Rabbit ear length was an issue with summer bunnies too, the heat seamed to always inspire over sized ears (not by a lot but enough to mess you up on the table), where as winter kits were always nice and compact.

 

[Renie'sPeeps]

Good Luck Beth

I might try showing some of mine in the future.. who knows.. lol

 

[hinkjc]

Matte, great pictures..thanks for sharing! Your boy with the odd tail looks young. If so, it reminds me of the look just before the full tail and sickle feathers come in. I'd give it time and see how he finishes growing.

 

[aveca]

Have a great time Beth and hope you bring us a lot of pics to enjoy!!!!