Complete History and Care Guide for Buff Orpingtons
In many ways, the Buff Orpington is one of the most recognizable and beloved chicken breeds in the world. With their golden coloration, fluffy plumage, and easygoing nature, they’ve become synonymous with the image of a friendly backyard chicken.These chickens are named after the town of Orpington, a tranquil area located in Greater London, England. In the late 19th century, chicken keepers favored breeds that could provide eggs as well as a source of meat. Especially in the harsh winters, families needed reliable layers that could provide eggs throughout the season.
Noticing the need for a practical all-in-one breed, a coachman by the name of William Cook began developing what would come to be known as the "Orpington" chicken. Although he began his career as a coachman, William Cook quickly became passionate about poultry breeding and dedicated himself to developing new breeds.
In his efforts to create the ideal utilitarian bird, he began crossing several different breeds to achieve the desired attributes of the time: cold-hardy, fast-growing, and dual-purpose. To create early versions of his Orpingtons, Mr. Cook crossed Plymouth Rocks, Langshans, and Minorcas. It took a few years of trial and error to perfect his breeder lines.
In 1886, Mr. Cook exhibited his Orpingtons at the London Dairy Show. After a successful debut, they boomed in popularity throughout the UK, and made their way to the United States in the early 1900s. From there, ownership of the breed continued to grow, with Mr. Cook setting out to breed more color varieties to meet customer demand.
Although the Buff variety is the most popular today, it was not the first color that Mr. Cook created. The original Orpington was all black, partially to disguise the soot and dirt that was ever present on the streets of England at the time.
With early success and the mindset of a salesman, Mr. Cook decided to create the perfect buff bird for his Orpington line. With buff being a very popular and desirable color at the time, he knew this variety would be successful if he could get the coloration right. He crossed Cochins, Hamburgs, and Dorkings to create the ideal bird.
In 1894 he officially introduced his Buff Orpingtons, which were an immediate success. Within a decade, his chickens were all over the United Kingdom, and being exported to other countries, including the United States, Australia, and South Africa.
Though the breed was developed purely for dual-purpose needs, over time it became more popular in the show and exhibition circuit. Eventually, the breed fell out of favor for meat production, as more specialized breeds like the Cornish Cross were developed in the mid-20th century, providing a far more cost-effective means for meat.
Buff Orpingtons were admitted to the American Poultry Association in 1902, with the black variety and white variety following soon after in 1905. Today, there are seven accepted colors, including Black, White, Buff, and Blue.
In addition to recognized colors, there are several other Orpington varieties not formally recognized by the American Poultry Association, including Splash, Jubilee, Lavender, and Chocolate. However, they are still highly sought-after among backyard keepers and poultry enthusiasts.
One of the newest variations to hit the market in recent years is the Lavender Orpington chicken. Like the Buff variety, Lavender Orpingtons are prized for their beautiful plumage and gentle personalities. This variety was first developed in the 1990s by UK breeder Priscilla Middleton. Her goal was to create a lavender-colored Orpington that retained the breed’s signature size and personality.
Lavender Orpingtons were bred by crossing a Black Orpington hen with a lavender-colored rooster, possibly a Leghorn-type breed. Through several generations of selective breeding and refinement, Priscilla eventually ended up with a result she was happy with. Their plumage is a soft slate gray with a subtle sheen, giving the impression of a lavender or bluish tint.
Unlike many "blue" chickens, Lavender Orpingtons breed true. This means that if you breed a lavender male and female together, they will have lavender chicks. This is because of the presence of two copies of the recessive lavender gene; the color is often referred to as "self-blue" in genetic terms.
In contrast, Blue Orpingtons do not breed true. Their coloration is produced by a single copy of the blue dilution gene, which results in a mix of Blue, Black, and Splash offspring when bred together.
Another non-standard but popular variety is the Splash Orpington, which carries two copies of the blue dilution gene. These birds are typically very pale or white with irregular blue or black splashes throughout their feathers. When two Splash Orpingtons are bred together, they will reliably produce Splash offspring.
Chocolate Orpingtons are also gaining popularity for their rich chocolate-brown plumage. Despite the "chocolate" moniker, they lay pale brown eggs, just like other Orpingtons. In some breed names, chocolate refers to egg color, but in this case, it refers solely to the feather coloration.
A true Buff Orpington has several qualities that are hallmark features of the breed. Growers admire them for their distinct fluffy feathers, which add to their friendly and cuddly appearance. Orpingtons are also recognized for their round frame, short tail feathers, and curved back, which gives them a classic chicken silhouette.
Plumage: Their most notable attribute is their golden buff plumage. Their feathers are dense and fluffy, which are great for keeping them warm in the winter.
Feet and shanks: Their feet and shanks are a pale off-white with pink undertones. Their beaks are also pale in color, usually pinkish or ivory.
Combs and wattles: They should have bright red combs and wattles, with five sharply defined points on the comb.
Hen vs rooster: Buff Orpingtons are hen-feathered, meaning that males and females have the same coloration. However, males are larger with distinct sickle shaped tail feathers.
Weight: They are a heavy-bodied breed, typically one or two pounds larger than other standard layers. Roosters can reach ten pounds, while females can reach eight pounds. However, their dense plumage does contribute to the illusion of their already large size.
In optimal conditions, Buff Orpingtons will lay between 200 and 280 eggs per year, or about four to six eggs per week. They are brown egg layers, but with this breed in particular, you are more likely to see an egg on the pale side of brown rather than dark brown.
Buff Orpington eggs with a heavy bloom often appear to be pink or apricot in color, although the underlying shell color is typically a pale brown. Their signature egg color makes them a desirable addition for keepers that want a well-rounded egg basket with a variety of shades.
Orpingtons have a strong broody instinct, which can be an asset or a drawback depending on your needs. If you prefer hens that are unlikely to go broody, then Orpingtons may not be the ideal fit for you. However, it can be an asset for self-sufficient homesteads that want to hatch and raise baby chicks of their own.
While incubators are a go-to method for hatching eggs, Buff Orpingtons are excellent mothers, and may be a more favorable option for homesteads that prefer to take a natural approach. Orpingtons are known for hatching and raising chicks of their own, chicks from other hens, or even other poultry species.
In general, Orpingtons are a fairly low-maintenance breed that are easy to raise and care for, making them a solid choice for beginners. To give them the best possible care, there are a few areas where keepers can pay extra attention.
Cold tolerance: This breed does great in cold or all-season climates. This breed will thrive in the winter, and will likely still enjoy free-ranging time even in dipping temperatures.
However, they can be vulnerable in persistently wet conditions. Their fluffy feathers do not repel moisture as well as some other breeds. Keep them dry in cold weather by providing clean bedding in a well-ventilated, well-insulated coop.
Heat tolerance: An area where Buff Orpingtons need more management is hot, humid climates. They can quickly overheat due to their insulated plumage. When temperatures reach above 85 degrees, provide your Buffs with access to shady areas, cool water, and hydrating treats. Watermelon and cucumber are great healthy snacks for hot weather.
Coop setup: Since they are a bit heavier than other laying breeds, ensure your nest boxes are big enough to accommodate them. They are not the strongest fliers either, so placing a few perches or roosts a bit lower can provide them with easier access.
Behavior and social dynamics: This gentle breed fits in well with mixed flocks. However, their submissive nature can lead to bullying by more dominant breeds. Always provide your flock with adequate space (at least four square feet per bird), and make sure there are areas where they can hide if bullying is persistent.
Nutrition and Feed: Like all egg-laying hens, Buff Orpingtons need balanced layer feed. Feed your chickens a complete layer feed with 16% protein, and ensure they get enough calcium for strong eggs, at least four to five grams per day.
Free-ranging is a good way to add beneficial greens, insects, and grubs to their diet. However, their main source of nutrition should always be their complete layer feed. Additional supplements like grit and oyster shell can help with digestion and eggshell quality.
Health Checks and Maintenance: Chickens with dense feathers can hide problems like mites or skin issues, so it's important to check your flock regularly. Pests tend to congregate near the vent or under the wings, so be sure to check those areas.
Buff Orpington Life Expectancy: These birds can live a long and healthy life if they have the right conditions. If you follow all the suggestions above, it's likely that your Buff Oprington hens could live eight to ten years.
Buff Orpingtons remain one of the most popular additions to backyard flocks. Here are our top four reasons why you should consider raising them at home.
Kid and Flock Friendly
For a kid-friendly backyard pet, you can't go wrong with raising Orpington hens. They are known for being friendly, curious, and they tend to get along well with other chickens.
If you need to add a male to your flock for predator protection, Buff Orpington roosters can be a great option. They have those protective instincts of a great rooster, but they will remain friendly and docile towards their keepers if handled from a young age.
Good Egg Layers
While they may not be top egg producers like Sex Links or Leghorns, Orpingtons still produce plenty of eggs for homesteaders and small farms. With optimal conditions, you can expect up to 280 eggs per year. In the winter, they will continue to lay with a proper diet and appropriate care.
Cold-hardy
This breed will thrive in cold weather, and unlike other breeds, they are typically unphased by cold or harsh conditions. So long as your coop is dry, well-ventilated, and well-insulated, your chickens should thrive no matter the season. Be sure to read our winter chicken coop blog for more information on the best coop setup.
Great Beginner Breed
For new keepers, we always recommend starting with friendly, low-maintenance, and hardy breeds that will thrive in most conditions. If given access high-quality feed and adequate shelter, your Orpingtons should do great in a backyard setup with little maintenance.
Known as the golden retrievers of the chicken world, Buff Orpingtons have earned their place as one of the most cherished and dependable breeds. Whether you're after consistent egg production, a cold-hardy homestead bird, or a friendly companion for your flock, this breed delivers on every front.
At Myers Poultry, we offer high-quality Buff Orpingtons for sale, perfect for first-time keepers and seasoned flock owners. If you have any questions or need help getting started, our team is always happy to help you find the right fit for your backyard.