Russian Orloff Thread

Wonderful and handsome birds! We bought 7 spangled chicks in late May of 2013 and immediately fell in love with them because of their calm and intelligent dispositions. They are a bit slower maturing, are tall and upright, similar to game birds in appearance. I was surprised to see how quickly the chicks caught on and remembered things. When they were just a few weeks old if I put them in boxes with other chicks they'd always hop out and find the other Orloffs. They're easy to handle. They get along well with our other breeds which include R.I Reds, Rocks, Welsummer, Orpington and Wyandottes. Two Orloffs follow me constantly and would go into the house if I let them. My favorite Orloff (Miss Chocolate) enjoys being held and stroked. If I rub her neck and under her wings she'll sit quietly and go to sleep. They enjoy flying and when one starts the others will join in careening about the pen but they don't fly high. Ours are classified as Spangled but they're solid chocolate, like mahogany, with only a bit of spangling on heads and throats They came from Ideal Hatchery. They lay slender eggs that are cream to champagne in color. While they aren't as productive as our R.I. Reds or Plymouth Rocks we don't mind because our primary reason for purchasing them was because the breed is endangered. They're unique and interesting birds and we wanted to do our part to help the breed flourish and we'll continue to have Orloffs in our home flocks in future.
 
They're definitely rare in the US. Russian Orloffs are one of the most cold hardy breeds. They don't fare well in heat. They're beautiful birds. They were developed for meat and are poor layers.
The only thing that would make one think they were wild is that they avoid human contact. Otherwise they are docile and are good with confinement.
The only impact on egg flavor is diet. Breed has nothing to do with the taste of eggs only the shell color.

Thanks for posting this. I live in NV and was thinking about hatching some of these because Ive heard they are very nice birds. The heat during the summer would be a concern now that Ive read this.
 
IMO climate is first and foremost when choosing breeds. If you don't have to do a lot of work to make your birds comfortable it makes things so much easier.

Matching to your needs, wants and personality come next.
Egg laying, meat quality, feather color, adaptability to confinement or foraging ability, temperament, et. al..
 
Wonderful and handsome birds!  We bought 7 spangled chicks in late May of 2013 and immediately fell in love with them because of their calm and intelligent dispositions. They are a bit slower maturing, are tall and upright, similar to game birds in appearance.  I was surprised to see how quickly the chicks caught on and remembered things. When they were just a few weeks old if I put them in boxes with other chicks they'd always hop out and find the other Orloffs.   They're easy to handle. They get along well with our other breeds which include R.I Reds, Rocks, Welsummer, Orpington and Wyandottes.  Two Orloffs follow me constantly and would go into the house if I let them. My favorite Orloff (Miss Chocolate)  enjoys being held and stroked.  If I rub her neck and under her wings she'll sit quietly and go to sleep.  They enjoy flying and when one starts the others will join in careening about the pen but they don't fly high.  Ours are classified as Spangled but they're solid chocolate, like mahogany, with only a bit of spangling on heads and throats  They came from Ideal Hatchery.  They lay slender eggs that are cream to champagne in color. While they aren't as productive as our R.I. Reds or Plymouth Rocks  we don't mind because our primary reason for purchasing them was because the breed is endangered.  They're unique and interesting birds and we wanted to do our part to help the breed flourish and we'll continue to have Orloffs in our home flocks in future.


Hi spirit1! I just ordered RO chicks from Ideal. 5 pullets and 2 roos. I am really excited about owning this breed, as i have read so many good things about them. And im interested in seeing what different people have gotten from Ideal's RO stock. Do you have any pics of your orloffs from Ideal? I would love to see!
 
Hi spirit1! I just ordered RO chicks from Ideal. 5 pullets and 2 roos. I am really excited about owning this breed, as i have read so many good things about them. And im interested in seeing what different people have gotten from Ideal's RO stock. Do you have any pics of your orloffs from Ideal? I would love to see!
That's so awesome!
celebrate.gif
Take some pictures and post them if possible! I'd love to see them.
smile.png
 

New posts New threads Active threads

Back
Top Bottom