The "Ask Anything" to Nicalandia Thread

[3KillerBs]

Orpingtons are a "soft feathered" breed, in official parlance. The feathers don't lay as flat, and the base of the feather is often less zippered up by way of the barbs, so there is more floof. English having softer feathering than American Orps.

Australorps (and many other breeds) are "hard feathered", giving the smooth sleek appearance.
Some breeds are intermediate.

*nods*

It's those close-fitting, harder feathers that I want because of the greater heat-tolerance vs. the soft, fluffy types.

Many Australorps have close fitting soft feathers.

Would you happen to have photos showing the difference?

It would be educational to see that clearly.

 

[MysteryChicken]

Close/tight fitting hard feathers lacking fluffy down.

Close Fitting hard feathers with lots of fluffy down.(Not the best picture.)

Close fitting soft feathers.

Loose fitting soft feathers.(She was Currently molting in this picture)I can get better pictures of the Orpington later.

Old picture of one of my first Orpington hens.

 

[3KillerBs]

Close/tight fitting hard feathers lacking fluffy down.View attachment 3216775View attachment 3216776
Close Fitting hard feathers with lots of fluffy down.(Not the best picture.)View attachment 3216777
Close fitting soft feathers.View attachment 3216780Loose fitting soft feathers.(She was Currently molting in this picture)I can get better pictures of the Orpington later.View attachment 3216781View attachment 3216782Old picture of one of my first Orpington hens.View attachment 3216787

Thank you. That's helpful.

 

[3KillerBs]

Close/tight fitting hard feathers lacking fluffy down.View attachment 3216775View attachment 3216776
Close Fitting hard feathers with lots of fluffy down.(Not the best picture.)View attachment 3216777
Close fitting soft feathers.View attachment 3216780Loose fitting soft feathers.(She was Currently molting in this picture)I can get better pictures of the Orpington later.View attachment 3216781View attachment 3216782Old picture of one of my first Orpington hens.View attachment 3216787

Thank you. That's helpful.

 

[MysteryChicken]

Thank you. That's helpful.

You're welcome.

 

[NanaK]

Here are a couple more comparisons.

My hatchery Buff Orp, Mama Bird (my first broody) She is over 9 years old and still hanging in there!

This is Betty my Black Australorp. She passed away a couple months ago at over 9 years old. She was head hen and always a very healthy bird. Also from a hatchery.

Hope this helps!

 

[MysteryChicken]

Here are a couple more comparisons.

My hatchery Buff Orp, Mama Bird (my first broody) She is over 9 years old and still hanging in there!
View attachment 3216902


This is Betty my Black Australorp. She passed away a couple months ago at over 9 years old. She was head hen and always a very healthy bird. Also from a hatchery.

View attachment 3216906

Hope this helps!

Your Australorp has a flatter rump then mine did. Mine had a rounder rump like an Orpington.

 

[SourRoses]

Many Australorps have close fitting soft feathers.

Do you have any pictures of some? Is it a particular line of Australorps? I've only seen pictures of hard feathered Australorps.

 

[MysteryChicken]

Do you have any pictures of some? Is it a particular line of Australorps? I've only seen pictures of hard feathered Australorps.

I would post pictures if I still had Australorps. But I can probably search a few up.

 

[MysteryChicken]

Do you have any pictures of some? Is it a particular line of Australorps? I've only seen pictures of hard feathered Australorps.

Found pictures.

American Australorps.

Australian Standard type Australorp.