The IMPORTED ENGLISH Orpington Thread

[boykin2010]

Sandy's whites are amazing - even the bantams. I don't understand how she can keep them so clean though with all the rain and nasty weather they have in the UK.

 

[delisha]

Beautiful whites..so crisp.

 

[aveca]

I wondered how she keeps them so white too..Mine do the dirt bath and skid across the grass after a bugg and no more pretty white bird. they .might be feeding more oats, less corn ..and nice shady space for them. ..I am not really sure yet....its so interesting to me..she told me that I would have the occasional grey legged bird..Keep that one she told me..its out of a top german show line..But I didnt know weather she meant as an adult or baby..I had a couple hatch with grey legs or blue that later turned stone white..So I will ask her when I get a min..couple hatched solid white, pink legs the others had some grey ticking and grey legs ..have had so much fun with it all..and lot to learn about it..My german friend told me same thing..don't worry about the little things he said..the house is built..a color issue here or there is nothing..don't over think it, just enjoy it..thats what your supposed to do..they got into the how tos of breeding the offspring back to the parent and grandparent because an outcross was already done in England .. So that's what I will do..they all give wonderful advise as well..Vickie also..

 

[galanie]

Thanks Salina, I am looking foward to getting home & settled in !!!
Thanks everyone.

I'm right there with you Roger! Just moved about 175 miles north of Houston onto 5 acres with no real fencing, only a very old 20x20 outbuilding for a "barn" and in need of clearing. We're both going to be struggling for a while but it'll be worth it.

 

[boykin2010]

I wondered how she keeps them so white too..Mine do the dirt bath  and skid across the grass after a bugg and no more pretty white bird. they .might be feeding more oats, less corn ..and nice shady space for them. ..I am not really sure yet....its so interesting to me..she told me that I would have the occasional grey legged bird..Keep that one she told me..its out of a top german show line..But I didnt know weather she meant as an adult or baby..I had a couple hatch with grey legs or blue that later turned stone white..So I will ask her when I get a min..couple hatched solid white, pink legs the others had some grey ticking and grey legs ..have had so much fun with it all..and lot to learn about it..My german friend told me same thing..don't worry about the little things he said..the house is built..a color issue here or there is nothing..don't over think it, just enjoy it..thats what your supposed to do..they got into the how tos of breeding the offspring back to the parent and grandparent because an outcross was already done in England .. So that's what I will do..they all give wonderful advise as well..Vickie also..

From what I understand, the majority of people in the UK feed a lot less corn than us Americans do. Mostly because of the price, but also because feeding too much corn can wreak havoc on the whites and some other colors and make them turn yellow really easily.

Sandy calls those off colored birds "sports" and really they can pop up in any color when you hatch enough chicks. Those "sports" can sometimes be very beneficial to breeding programs. It's all very interesting for sure! Your whites look great! Would love to see some pictures of the gray legged birds if you have some.

 

[Irishhenman]

From what I understand, the majority of people in the UK feed a lot less corn than us Americans do. Mostly because of the price, but also because feeding too much corn can wreak havoc on the whites and some other colors and make them turn yellow really easily.

Sandy calls those off colored birds "sports" and really they can pop up in any color when you hatch enough chicks. Those "sports" can sometimes be very beneficial to breeding programs. It's all very interesting for sure! Your whites look great! Would love to see some pictures of the gray legged birds if you have some.

You are right, we hardly ever feed hens corn (or maize as it is known here) we feed hens oats, barley and wheat if we have to feed them grains. I never feed my orps maize because it would ruin their leg colour, but I do however feed my brahmas and RIR small amounts of maize to keep their leg colour. Maize is also very fattening. Wheat is best I think, they eat far to much barley and I have heard that chickens cannot digest it properly and oats makes them over energetic and that isn't good for show birds.

 

[Shaffer]

From what I understand, the majority of people in the UK feed a lot less corn than us Americans do. Mostly because of the price, but also because feeding too much corn can wreak havoc on the whites and some other colors and make them turn yellow really easily.

Sandy calls those off colored birds "sports" and really they can pop up in any color when you hatch enough chicks. Those "sports" can sometimes be very beneficial to breeding programs. It's all very interesting for sure! Your whites look great! Would love to see some pictures of the gray legged birds if you have some.

They are not sports they are culls in my book.

 

[aveca]

They are not sports they are culls in my book.

maybe thats why US version doesnt look that good....the birds are too few..too few people want them...US version look like wyandotte..if your having to add wyandotte to save them..then perhaps somone culled too much...UK version at least look like an orp should . they are nice birds..hard to just say that isnt it harry....i think conversations about all of this on other orp sites about crossing cuckoo to enhance color and getting yellow legs ect means the problem exists both sides of the pond.and as i recall austalia too..like the article a study in white from australia.....im personally dont plan to spend one second worrying about it ..i know exactly what i have...i would probably faint if you ever said anything positive..

 

[thedragonlady]

maybe thats why US version doesnt look that good....the birds are too few..too few people want them...US version look like wyandotte..if your having to add wyandotte to save them..then perhaps somone culled too much...UK version at least look like an orp should . they are nice birds..hard to just say that isnt it harry..you cant do that can you..i think conversations about all of this on other orp sites about crossing cuckoo to enhance color and getting yellow legs ect means the problem exists both sides of the pond.and as i recall austalia too...im personally dont plan to spend one second worrying about it ..i know exactly what i have.

Anytime you can outcross WITHIN a breed it's worth a gamble. Some of those sports do carry useful genes.

 

[boykin2010]

That's what I was trying to get at Vickie, thanks. Even though the sports may not have the exact color you are looking for, sometimes the genes are really useful in a breeding program. It takes patience and good records but I believe those sports are usually beneficial. IMO better than crossing to a different breed entirely