Small Orpingtons

[Rainbowskyes]

Hi all, I have 6 hens all ranging from 23-28 weeks old, 2 light sussex being the oldest, 2 Cuckoo Morans and 2 Buff Orpingtons. They all eat well, are plenty energetic, and seem quite healthy, I have never had Orpies before and feel mine are small compared to my other hens. I see pics of Orpies on line and feel like they are so much fluffier and larger than my girls. One in particular seems much smaller than even her sister. I see no signs of worms, they eat well and I have treated them and their area with DE. Are Orpies slow growing? Do I need to just give them time to fill out? Am I being overly concerned? They are not laying yet, but their combs just went from pink to dark pink...still not red and they are not squatting yet... thoughts anyone?

 

[chickenreyna]

What color are their feet i only have one someone gave me thats full grown so im not sure om their transformation. . the feet color look a little too dark from the picture are you sure not mixed breed

 

[chickenreyna]

Lol very big but docile girl..

 

[Rainbowskyes]

What color are their feet i only have one someone gave me thats full grown so im not sure om their transformation. . the feet color look a little too dark from the picture are you sure not mixed breed

I have wondered about that, only because their personalities don't match the traits of a Buff Orp. Mine seem to be more in your face and up front than that of the sweet docile descriptions I have read. Their feet are light pink, its wet and dirty out today, so it is hard to tell in the pics I posted.

 

[Rainbowskyes]

Lol very She is a beauty.

 

[TalkALittle]

If they are hatchery birds they will never be as big and fluffy as those from a breeder's lines.

I have hatchery Orps and they are outgoing and friendly and will come running up to me and perch on me if I sit in the lawn chair and are inquisitive about what I'm doing in the yard but they are also docile.

I hand raised my birds in the house and I think that can make a huge difference in behavior and temperament.

 

[chickens really]

Not pure Orpington...I have Orpington...

 

[Rainbowskyes]

If they are hatchery birds they will never be as big and fluffy as those from a breeder's lines.

I have hatchery Orps and they are outgoing and friendly and will come running up to me and perch on me if I sit in the lawn chair and are inquisitive about what I'm doing in the yard but they are also docile.

I hand raised my birds in the house and I think that can make a huge difference in behavior and temperament.

Yes, they are hatchery Orps. I hand raised 4 of my girls including the Orps and 1 is very friendly until Gertie, my rotten Orpie comes over. Gertie, just thinks I need to be under her in the pecking order, and I will have none of that, So i hold her down for a moment or so, then she is fine for about 3 days and then we need to re-establish who is the boss all over again. I will say, she keeps it interesting out there...lol!

 

[Rainbowskyes]

Not pure Orpington...I have Orpington...

Thank you. Any thoughts on what she might be mixed with?

 

[chickens really]

Thank you. Any thoughts on what she might be mixed with?

Looks more ISA Brown....?
I'll tag someone...
@drumstick diva