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Orpington Chicken Breed Info + Where to Buy

Modified: Feb 28, 2023 by Phil · This post may contain affiliate links ·

This dual-purpose beauty is often considered the quintessential English barnyard bird. They have gained popularity in recent years because of their sweet, friendly personality and ease of care. Besides their bright demeanor, they are high-producing when it comes to eggs and meat.

A black Orpington chicken on a green pasture.

They are a wonderful choice for urban or backyard chicken owners, as they are comfortable in a smaller coop and run. In fact, they tend to be on the lazier side, so it’s best to encourage as much exercise as possible!

Jump to:
  • How to Buy Online Orpington Chickens
  • Orpington Chicken Breed Quick Info
  • Origins of the Orpington Chicken
  • Some Things to Know About the Orpington Chicken
  • How Easy is it to Keep Orpington Chickens?
  • Special Care and Considerations for Orpington Chickens

How to Buy Online Orpington Chickens

Cackle hatchery
The Best Hatchery to order from: Read reviews here.

Buff Orpington Chicks As low as: $2.55 - Read reviews

Silver Laced English Orpington Chicks As low as: $8.95 - Read reviews

Buff Orpington Bantam Chicks As low as: $4.60 - Read reviews

Jubilee Orpington Chicks As low as: $8.85 - Read reviews

Lavender Orpington Chicks As low as: $5.95 - Read reviews

Buff Orpington Exhibition Type Chicks As low as: $19.95 - Read reviews

Buff Orpington Hatching Eggs As low as: $3.84 - Read reviews

Lavender Orpington Hatching Eggs As low as: $3.84 - Read reviews

Buff Orpington Started Pullets As low as: $125.00 - Read reviews

Orpington Chicken Breed Quick Info

Orpington Chicken Description

Orpington Type/Size:Standard
Feather Color:Buff, blue, white, black
Leg Type:Non-Feathered
Leg Color:Buff, blue, white, black
Skin Color:White
Orpington Ease of Raising/Keeping:Easy
Orpington Special Care Needs:No
Is the Wyandotte breed a common, rare, or protected breed of chicken?Protected

Orpington Use

MeatYes
EggsYes
Dual PurposeYes
Orpington Temperament:Gentle, docile, active
Orpington Ability/Likelihood to Free Range:Yes

Orpington Egg Production

Egg ColorBrown
Egg SizeLarge
Estimated Number of Eggs Per YearGentle, docile, active
Likeliness to Brood Eggs/Raise ChicksHigh

Orpington Meat Production

Dressed Weight Male7 lbs.
Dressed Weight Female5 ½ lbs.

Orpington Climate Tolerance

HeatModerate
ColdGood

Orpington Age to Maturity

Number of Months to Reach Full Size5 Months
Number of Months to Start Egg Laying5 Months
Number of Weeks/Months to Reach Meat Harvest Size22 Weeks

Orpington Size at Maturity

Male10 lbs.
Female8 lbs.

Origins of the Orpington Chicken

An Orpington rooster and Orpington  hens in a backyard.

This heritage breed was developed in Great Britain during the 19th century by William Cook, a coachman who lived in Orpington, Kent. They originated by cross-breeding a Minorca and a Black Plymouth Rock. Cook also bred in the Langshan and eventually developed the Orpington we know today - a solid, dual-purpose breed.

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The Orpington gained great popularity throughout the rest of the 19th and early 20th centuries. But up until 2016, it was actually considered endangered by the American Breed Livestock Conservancy. Fortunately, it was removed from the endangered list because of renewed interest by backyard chicken owners and homesteaders.

Some Things to Know About the Orpington Chicken

A cute buff Orpington hen in a backyard.

Orpington chickens are characterized by their deep breast, curved back, and short legs. They are large, heavily-feathered birds and can have either a rose comb or a single comb.

You can find them in four official colors: buff (the most common), black, white, and blue. There is also a lavender variety sold by some hatcheries, but this color is not yet approved by the American Poultry Association.

How Easy is it to Keep Orpington Chickens?

An Orpington rooster and three Orpington hens in a backyard.

Orpingtons are wonderful birds for beginner homesteaders and backyard chicken owners, especially those who live in cold climates. Their heavy plumage means they continue laying eggs throughout the winter. And alongside those beautiful brown eggs, they also provide juicy, high-quality meat.

When it comes to their disposition, these beautiful golden chickens are known to be calm and friendly - some will even let you pick them up! They are a great option for families with children because of their gentle and tolerant nature.

Special Care and Considerations for Orpington Chickens

Orpington hens are considered broody, which means they are excellent mothers. If you are planning on breeding your flock, this is an ideal breed for you. If not, be aware of any sitting hens, and be sure to remove eggs on a daily basis.

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Another thing to be aware of is heat. Although they thrive in colder climates, the summer heat can be a strain on them. Be sure to provide plenty of fresh, cool water and shade when temperatures rise.

Orpington Chicken Breed Info pinterest image.

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