The IMPORTED ENGLISH Orpington Thread

[Faraday40]

Is it too cold to ship you some now up there? lol

Don't tempt me. The shipping's not the problem. Raising big fat orps in the house until March would be. Incubating in Feb is great if we get a window of good weather.

 

[ColtHandorf]

I nearly fell over when he attempted to mount an orp hen laying down in the shade. She didn't even bother to stand up; he lost his balance and slipped off.

What a fart! Haha I have a couple of little ones that think they can. lol They can't. lol

 

[ColtHandorf]

Don't tempt me. The shipping's not the problem. Raising big fat orps in the house until March would be. Incubating in Feb is great if we get a window of good weather.

Well just let me know. That's when we got all the snow last year.

 

[Faraday40]

Thankfully it's not in reverse. My big orp roos see the tiny bantams as chicks. They don't show any romantic interests....... or perhaps my Sebright put too much fear in them.

 

[ColtHandorf]

My big Orps don't pay the small chickens any mind.

 

[Faraday40]

I got a little excited when I found Crystal (SLO) sitting in the nest box with an egg under her. I thought, "Yeah! She's laying again!" BUT When I got inside I realized the egg looked a bit weird.

Spoiler: What's this?

Is this a turkey egg????

 

[Faraday40]

Processed turkeys with @homeschoolin momma yesterday. My orps are much happier now - especially the rooster who is now back with his girls. The rooster would chase and torment those big boys up until a week or two ago. The turkeys finally held their ground. Three turkeys against one rooster would not end well. Rooster was caged for his own safety.

I decided to send Crystal (SLO) to "my back-up flock" south. She was not bullied and found her way to the coop at night. Hopefully she will be accepted quickly. If needed I may send a black/lav split to be a buddy. Next year I'll have 2 blue laced and one black laced female for breeding.

My big guy was 18 lbs before and 15 lbs after

14.4 lbs before and 11 lbs after

15.2 lbs before and 11 lbs after

We were told the meat needs to rest before cooking.

Didn't have enough time to do the cockerels so we'll get together again soon. Her blue orp cockerels are huge. They are related to my Jewel. I forgot to take a photo, so perhaps @homeschoolin momma will share. Their mama was a black/lav split and daddy was a blue SLO (great grandson of Jewel). Very pretty

 

[ColtHandorf]

I got a little excited when I found Crystal (SLO) sitting in the nest box with an egg under her. I thought, "Yeah! She's laying again!" BUT When I got inside I realized the egg looked a bit weird.

Spoiler: What's this?

Is this a turkey egg????View attachment 2903593

lol! Yes, that's a turkey egg. I can't believe they started laying this late in the year.

 

[Faraday40]

lol! Yes, that's a turkey egg. I can't believe they started laying this late in the year.

April 23, 2021 hatch. I can't believe she's laying so "early."

My temptation to hatch is growing. Must resist. Must resist!

 

[ColtHandorf]