What's up with all the Orpingtons?

[BeachBumBiddies]

I have just recently got back into Chickens after getting some property again & I got Brahmas, being my fav breed (although i haven't had every Chicken breed out there). I was just on the Rare Breed Auction site & they literally have almost all Orpingtons for sale on there & the prices are crazy. I was wondering, why all the hubbub? I had Buff Orps in the past but didn't find them any better than any other Chickens I had. Not that they're not good Chickens, just the same as any other in my opinion. Are they the new "fad" Chicken? Or are they staying this way for good? I'm just curious as to what's so special about them? Any insights?

 

[speckledhen]

They are not a fad as a breed, but some folks are into the new European colors and the super fluffy Cochin-y (oh, don't even start on fussing at me for this one-it's my opinion and I'm explaining to the poster

) look of the imported ones.

Orpingtons have always been popular as far as I can tell. They are usually sweet tempered birds and generally, will brood, though many of the hatchery types don't.


I see you're in Ga, too. Welcome to BYC! I love Brahmas, too.

 

[FVRM]

The imported orpington might be somewhat of a fad right now but the american orp has been popular with backyard chicken keepers for years. They're common thanks to feed stores and farm supply stores. and yeah they are a very well rounded breed to own

 

[Searsmom]

I knew nothing about chickens, but read every magazine, book and online article I could get my hands on about ALL chickens. I picked Buff Orpingtons as my first try - 1 because they tend to lay through winter. 2 because the can go broody. 3 because I had a 3-year old at the time and wanted supersuper friendly, non-aggressive chickens and rooster. I even had to order them because no one was selling any BO locally at that time. My plan worked, when my now 5-year old is crouched down next to the rooster, you can see he's bigger than she is, but he has never even pretended to offer her any type of hassle. She can even pet him if she's quick. And I got two broodies out of it and they lay all winter - not every day, maybe every 2-3 days. They're big enough that if I need to cull, there will be enough meat on them to make it worthwhile.

So that's why I'm adding to the impression that they're everywhere!

(and I love the fluffy butts)

 

[BeachBumBiddies]

Thanks for all the info y'all...I like the Orps ok but I guess like anyone, I have my favs as well...they do come in some great colors though don't they? I can't help it, i just love my feather footed Brahmas.. Thanks for the welcome Speckledhen...I'm in Colbert Ga near Athens...
Ps...one day I want some Blue Laced Red Brahmas!!!

 

[speckledhen]

Thanks for all the info y'all...I like the Orps ok but I guess like anyone, I have my favs as well...they do come in some great colors though don't they? I can't help it, i just love my feather footed Brahmas.. Thanks for the welcome Speckledhen...I'm in Colbert Ga near Athens...
Ps...one day I want some Blue Laced Red Brahmas!!!

Glad to see another Georgian here. We're in Fannin now, almost in NC, though I grew up in DeKalb Co and we lived in Gwinnett as well after DH retired from the Air Force.

I have one Brahma left now, my last hatchery hen other than one 3 week old (coincidentally, Buff Orp, chick). She is a Buff Brahma, over 7 years old, named Caroline. Great old gal. I think the BLRs are gorgeous as well.

I used to raise the Blue, Black, Splash Orps but after my sweet old blue rooster, Suede, died, I just didn't have it in me to start again with them. He broke the mold for me, though I still have several of his hens.