Russian Orloff thread

[orloffer]

I don't have Orloffs But I am considering getting a couple. A few questions:
Are they good layers?
Are they a recognized breed in the United States?
Are they a heritage breed?
Any specifics?

I see that Gray Farms has already answered, but I will put out my answer anyways:
a) Orloffs are fair layers, not the best but not the worst either. My Orloff sits in the next box with her tail facing outwards!
b) They are not recognized by the American Poultry Association, though they have a long history. They are currently considered endangered, and are rare in the U.S. I think Privett hatchery is the only large hatchery that sells them.
c) They are a heritage breed in Russia, but I am not sure about what they are here.
d) Orloffs are slow to mature, and very cold hardy and quiet and calm, though perhaps not the type to jump up on your lap. Their body shape is rather heavy and tall, almost like that of a game bird. My Orloff has a very deep, distinctive voice. Overall, they are a wonderful addition to any flock and people seem to admire them.

 

[orloffer]

Here are a few pictures of my Orloff:

 

[PioneerChicks]

I see that Gray Farms has already answered, but I will put out my answer anyways:
a) Orloffs are fair layers, not the best but not the worst either. My Orloff sits in the next box with her tail facing outwards!
b) They are not recognized by the American Poultry Association, though they have a long history. They are currently considered endangered, and are rare in the U.S. I think Privett hatchery is the only large hatchery that sells them.
c) They are a heritage breed in Russia, but I am not sure about what they are here.
d) Orloffs are slow to mature, and very cold hardy and quiet and calm, though perhaps not the type to jump up on your lap. Their body shape is rather heavy and tall, almost like that of a game bird. My Orloff has a very deep, distinctive voice. Overall, they are a wonderful addition to any flock and people seem to admire them.

Now I want one! Thank you!

 

[SnootyHen]

Boy, if mine ever starts laying, I'll let you know. She is very sweet though. Doesn't cause any drama in the flock and gets along with everyone.

 

[SnootyHen]

Can one of you post a Russian Orloff egg? I have a mystery new layer today and only 2 pullets it could be. My Russian Orloff or my black laced red Wyandotte.

 

[ladybrasa]

Don’t have one, but one of the breeds on my wishlist, to have a hen

 

[orloffer]

Can one of you post a Russian Orloff egg? I have a mystery new layer today and only 2 pullets it could be. My Russian Orloff or my black laced red Wyandotte.

I would if I could tell which of my eggs came from which hen! My Speckled Sussex and Russian Orloff lay very similar eggs.

 

[Finnie]

Can one of you post a Russian Orloff egg? I have a mystery new layer today and only 2 pullets it could be. My Russian Orloff or my black laced red Wyandotte.

I would expect both those eggs to look similar.

 

[PachanPeeps]

Can one of you post a Russian Orloff egg? I have a mystery new layer today and only 2 pullets it could be. My Russian Orloff or my black laced red Wyandotte.

My ROs were both late layers! One at 33 weeks and the other laid her first today at 42 weeks! Their eggs are the first two on the left in this pic. Light cream, and the one laid today is lighter. The 3rd from the left is a wyandotte egg, and the last one is a welsummer egg.

 

[orloffer]

My ROs were both late layers! One at 33 weeks and the other laid her first today at 42 weeks! Their eggs are the first two on the left in this pic. Light cream, and the one laid today is lighter. The 3rd from the left is a wyandotte egg, and the last one is a welsummer egg.

That picture of the Orloff with the egg is so adorable! Congratulations to your new layer!

I am hoping my hens will start laying again sometime soon--the CA White is the only one who continued laying into the winter, but now she is molting and has ceased production. Luckily, I still get a couple of quail eggs every day.