The IMPORTED ENGLISH Orpington Thread

[RedReiner]

I am new to chickens and the Orpington breed.  Right now I have buffs and whites that came from hatcheries.  I believe I have the American versions if they came from the hatcheries, not sure??  Would like to start hatching eggs over the winter.  I love all the colors of the breed and it will give me a variety to enjoy.  I am not looking to show any birds but would like to start breeding the correct way, with the correct standards for this breed.  I would really appreciate any advice on how I can go about doing this.  Would like to get a hold of more white orpingtons, but I want them from reputable breeders, not a hatchery.  If anyone can help me, please get back to me.  I live in PA for shipping.  I just purchased a LG incubator to hatch eggs.  Don't trust Ebay, and especially now after reading all your postings.  Thanks!  

Pam

welcome Pam, yes hatchery birds are the american variety, there is another thread that is more oriented towards the American standard birds, its called, post pics of orpingtons here lol, anyway you could probably get a line on birds or eggs there if you want to stick with the American lines, this thread is is about our recent imported orps, they are a little different than the American type although same breed. hang out in between the two threads and you will quickly see the differences and learn lots. have fun!

 

[piglett]

I don't think Galanie's birds would be happy in a "chicken tractor", and she certainly would NOT be happy keeping birds this way. Good birds deserve a proper spacious coop, not a "chicken tractor" to roast in. She would not own my birds if I thought she might entertain this idea.

There is a vast difference in those breeding for the betterment of the breed, and those trying to merely propagate it for profit.

what i was talking about was giving the birds a place so they can enjoy some greed grass because they don't have a fence up yet
i have seen tractors that have a blue tarp over the top for needed shade
& i'm sure a box fan could be added to one end so no one would overheat.
after all a 20'x20' shed/bard doesn't hold many birds well
however i have never had birds in Texas so maybe i'm just full of (insert a bad word here)

piglett

 

[silkiesuz]

Someone, anyone, could you please tell the the difference between the creles and the legbar creles? Is there coloring different because I have seen some creles that have alot of black feathering undernearth and others with lighter under feathering. Thanks

 

[thedragonlady]

what i was talking about was giving the birds a place so they can enjoy some greed grass because they don't have a fence up yet
i have seen tractors that have a blue tarp over the top for needed shade
& i'm sure a box fan could be added to one end so no one would overheat.
after all a 20'x20' shed/bard doesn't hold many birds well
however i have never had birds in Texas so maybe i'm just full of (insert a bad word here)

piglett

A 20' x 20' barn will sleep a lot of birds , and Galanie sensibly doesn't keep that many. Galanie's birds are out most of the day. Stomp fencing works well for temporary fencing until the permanent runs are up.Chicken tractors are death traps in the heat , especially the sort of heat they are having in Texas. Her big Orps are probably soaking their tootsies in their wading pool as we speak.

 

[aveca]

When was your particular birds mentioned? I made no comment about your birds or their picture. You stated a white bird with black legs is a SPORT which it is not. I don't want new people to think using them without any restriction is acceptable. I have one bird from an import that has dark legs plus both the males I had possibly were carriers. It took me three years to clean my birds free of this defect when I first got only a white male to use. Now, after adding this import I had to cull 75% of the offsprings because someone did not ethnically clean them up first. These were not from the strain you have if I am correct. No bird is perfect but some things can be elimated with a little of effort. I test breed several of my males of different breeds and this is time consuming and using needed space to clean up defects that should have easily been eliminated.

I know my comments blunt and to the point.

maybe it wasnt meant to be and maybe i took it that way..i dont know anything about the imports you used..beings that they were belgium i cant imagine they are that much different..but i dont know..this is a hobby harry..no need to get all that uptight..kts supposed to be fun and for the most part relaxing...and if they are mine were talking about , no need for you to worry about it..i can do that all be myself..for the record 2 chicks out of the batchs had blue legs that by 4 months turned solid white..the rest were pink....the ones with grey legs that also had grey ticking in down turned out a blinding white..this is going to be fun for me..i intend to enjoy every second of it..and just so you know everything you might have said befor about me was told to me..so im quite aware..its better if you just say it straight to me..i dont have any problems with blunt..your blunt came right after i posted pictures..i dont think its beyond any of our capability to do a little work and clean or tidy things up..the perfect chicken hasnt hatched yet..after all , you felt compelled to add imports to yours..and as they told me..if you want a perfect paint job out of the box..then buy a new car..never mind chickens.or colored horses.

 

[Renie'sPeeps]

It does get pretty darn hot in TX ...and some areas get more rain than others. So you may or may not have grass on the ground. Meanwhile there are predators to worry about by land and air. Oh and then there are those darn dust storms... She certainly has space issue conquered now it's all about time and money to get set up. A.chicken tractor can be as fancy as you want it to be... it all depends upon how much time and money you have/want to put into it.
Sarah.. I hope you have trees ") if not.. that would be something I would address straight away

Good luck

 

[Renie'sPeeps]

Just talked to Vivi... (a true Texan as we all know) She says a stomp fence even for temporary use is a waste of money .... the coyotes, fox, mt lions, etc will wipe your birds out. She has a terrific set up ... according to the NPIP tester who came to her place.... and SHE STILL looses birds. it happens

 

[McCormack Farms]

Someone, anyone, could you please tell the the difference between the creles and the legbar creles? Is there coloring different because I have seen some creles that have alot of black feathering undernearth and others with lighter under feathering. Thanks

Start reading at post #14368.
https://www.backyardchickens.com/t/386051/the-imported-english-orpington-thread/14360#post_10685297

 

[MorgansManor]

I am new to chickens and the Orpington breed. Right now I have buffs and whites that came from hatcheries. I believe I have the American versions if they came from the hatcheries, not sure?? Would like to start hatching eggs over the winter. I love all the colors of the breed and it will give me a variety to enjoy. I am not looking to show any birds but would like to start breeding the correct way, with the correct standards for this breed. I would really appreciate any advice on how I can go about doing this. Would like to get a hold of more white orpingtons, but I want them from reputable breeders, not a hatchery. If anyone can help me, please get back to me. I live in PA for shipping. I just purchased a LG incubator to hatch eggs. Don't trust Ebay, and especially now after reading all your postings. Thanks!

Pam

Hi Pam

Welcome to BYC. I also started out with hatchery american buffs orpingtons. They are my bug control and get to free range daily. My love for chickens just grow and I discovered the Imported Opringtons. The more I watch this thread and research chickens, I just knew I had to have them. Stick around you can learn a lot from this thread and yes there are many other really good threads on BYC. Regarding future purchases be it hatching eggs, chicks, or chickens - just be sure to get the know the sellers and don't be afraid to ask a lot of questions. Unfortunately in the world of chickens you have the good, bad, and the ugly. You will quickly learn who you can trust. Good luck!

Debbie

 

[piglett]

Just talked to Vivi... (a true Texan as we all know) She says a stomp fence even for temporary use is a waste of money .... the coyotes, fox, mt lions, etc will wipe your birds out. She has a terrific set up ... according to the NPIP tester who came to her place.... and SHE STILL looses birds. it happens

i would think a LSGD would be in order if you have high dollar birds
if i had to replace everything i have including the Britts & the Bresse
i would be near $1000
next year i'm thinking 6' chainlink for the front 1/2 of the property with a dog as backup