The IMPORTED ENGLISH Orpington Thread

[cutipatooti]

English Orps are poor layers in general unlike their American counter parts.  They are seasonal layers in England and are primarily used for exhibition over there.  In the USA the American  Buff  Orpingtons are one of our best layers.   English Orpingtons are very finicky layers as well as being seasonal.  They will lay well when they first start laying (between 8 months and a  year), but if something changes, add a new hen or rooster, move them from winter coop to summer coop and sometimes for no reason at all  they can stop laying for months.  Their best production period is between 12 and 18 months.  Beyond that they are hit or miss at best.   They are not a dependable producer.  Fertility can be excellent then out of the blue you will have zero percent fertility.  We have researched this phenomenon with little success in correcting it.

We imported a lot of the English Oprs that are in the USA today, several years ago.  We have learned first hand about their laying habits.  If you purchase the imported English Orpingtons do it for their beauty and not for their egg production or you will be disappointed and frustrated.   There are lots of other breeds that are much better producers but not many that are more beautiful.  If someone tells you they are great layers they are being less than honest.

Good luck with your new chicks.  Who are you buying them from?

Thanks! This is just the information I was looking for. I am getting them for their beauty. I have not had this breed before except a hatchery buff. I did get a few in the spring but had to sell my flock. I am just starting over and have recieved no chicks yet but should be getting bielefelders in November. I have these chicks ordered from ultimate orpingtons. I have my fingers crossed that they are a good quality. I wanted to get some from the fancy chick but they are sold out. Does anyone have experience with ultimate orpingtons?

 

[ChicagoClucker]

Thanks! This is just the information I was looking for. I am getting them for their beauty. I have not had this breed before except a hatchery buff. I did get a few in the spring but had to sell my flock. I am just starting over and have recieved no chicks yet but should be getting bielefelders in November. I have these chicks ordered from ultimate orpingtons. I have my fingers crossed that they are a good quality. I wanted to get some from the fancy chick but they are sold out. Does anyone have experience with ultimate orpingtons?

If that is the same as old orchard with Greg Milnot, I am also getting some Spangled Orps in the spring. I do know a lot of people buy from him. And he does have beautiful birds. He has some buff Columbian up for auction right now. Starting bid for 6 chick's is $700.00. So I think u will be starting out with some good chick's

 

[cutipatooti]

ChicagoClucker, Yes ultimate orpingtons is Greg. I'm getting a mix of crele and Isabelle cuckoo. Only 6 unless he sends extras. I love the buff Colombian and spangled, really all his birds are gorgeous. It will be a while before I can afford some of the other colors. I wish you luck with the spangled.

 

[ChicagoClucker]

ChicagoClucker, Yes ultimate orpingtons is Greg. I'm getting a mix of crele and Isabelle cuckoo. Only 6 unless he sends extras. I love the buff Colombian and spangled, really all his birds are gorgeous. It will be a while before I can afford some of the other colors. I wish you luck with the spangled.

Next on my list from him, will be some GL. Good luck on your crele and isabelle cuckoos.

 

[ChuskaMtns]

I have GL and BBS from Greg (Old Orchard). The BBS are huge. I have Buff Columbians from The Fancy Chick and they are equally large but are sexually dimorphic at hatch. They are my favorites and follow me around as I go about my garden chores.
As already stated, they are poor layers but you won't find more beautiful or gentler birds. My Jubilees didn't start laying until they were a year old, btw, so you may also have a wait for your first egg as well.

 

[ashlieneevel]

I just wanted to pop in and say WOW. I never knew there were so many different types of Orpingtons and each is more beautiful than the last. I have been looking into them all night and I am completely spellbound. They tick every box for me in desirability. I started my chicken journey wanting to have various breeds because I loved their coloring, but that is a thing of the passed now because every possible coloring one could desire is found in an Orpington and aside for the different coloring choices/feather patterns they have the body shape i find the most desirable. I want all of them. I am so envious of all of you with your beautiful chickens. Ok sorry for just busting in like that, but I just wanted to say wow i'm in love.

 

[Ren2014]

I just wanted to pop in and say WOW. I never knew there were so many different types of Orpingtons and each is more beautiful than the last. I have been looking into them all night and I am completely spellbound. They tick every box for me in desirability. I started my chicken journey wanting to have various breeds because I loved their coloring, but that is a thing of the passed now because every possible coloring one could desire is found in an Orpington and aside for the different coloring choices/feather patterns they have the body shape i find the most desirable. I want all of them. I am so envious of all of you with your beautiful chickens. Ok sorry for just busting in like that, but I just wanted to say wow i'm in love.

Me either, lol. I've started with Lavender and am trying to hatch some Jubilees. Next spring I'm going to try some chocolates and mottled chocolates. I love the English body shape also. Good luck to you and bust in anytime (I do, lol)

 

[HighStreetCoop]

I just wanted to pop in and say WOW. I never knew there were so many different types of Orpingtons and each is more beautiful than the last. I have been looking into them all night and I am completely spellbound. They tick every box for me in desirability. I started my chicken journey wanting to have various breeds because I loved their coloring, but that is a thing of the passed now because every possible coloring one could desire is found in an Orpington and aside for the different coloring choices/feather patterns they have the body shape i find the most desirable. I want all of them. I am so envious of all of you with your beautiful chickens. Ok sorry for just busting in like that, but I just wanted to say wow i'm in love.

You'll like them even more when you get some. Lovely personalities and a delight to watch.

 

[VeggieMinette]

Just hatched 14 English Orpingtons from Papa's Poultry! Mottled; Lavender; Lemon Cuckoo; Splash and a project Gold Laced/Silver Laced cross (not for breeding, just for eye candy). So excited! They are 1 day old and they look like fluffy, colored cotton balls running around the brooder. I'm in love!

 

[Ren2014]

Just hatched 14 English Orpingtons from Papa's Poultry! Mottled; Lavender; Lemon Cuckoo; Splash and a project Gold Laced/Silver Laced cross (not for breeding, just for eye candy). So excited! They are 1 day old and they look like fluffy, colored cotton balls running around the brooder. I'm in love!

CONGRATULATIONS! Post pictures if you can