The Buff Orpington - A breed 92% Of Chicken Keeping Enthusiasts Would Own Again! 😍

If you dream of owning hens that not only lay eggs prolifically but appreciate a cuddle from even the wildest child in your family, then sick around, because have I got the hen for you; the Buff Orpington!😍 Whether you’re brand new to keeping chickens or a seasoned expert looking for a new breed of hen, we’re here to help you with eggsactly what to eggspect! 

What you can expert to learn by the end of this article:

• Survey results from real life Buff Orpington owners 
• Key breed characteristics
• Egg-laying abilities
• Temperament 
• The history of the breed

In a recent survey conducted with Orpington chicken keepers, it showed that at the time of writing this article 35% of keepers received 5 eggs per week and 41% received 4 eggs per week from their Buff Orpingtons. 

The results also showed 92% of owners said they would choose to own a buff Orpington again and a further 73% agreed the Orpington hens are calm and affectionate compared with other breeds.

The results also showed 92% of owners said they would choose to own a buff orpington again and a further 73% agreed the Orpington hens are calm and affectionate compared with other breeds. 

With all this in mind, it's easy to see why they have received a four out of five stars in theChicken People's Choice Awards. Are you an Orpington owner? Do you agree? VOTE NOW!

Now you know the facts, stick around and let me tell you more about what to expect with their temperament and egg laying and why they are so loved! 

Key Characteristics Of The Buff Orpington 

As you can see in the table above, she has good stats! She is worth considering as a hen in your flock, here is why she is a top choice:  

Size - Orpington hens weigh an average of 8lbs while a rooster is slightly heavier at 10lbs, this makes them a sturdy, resilient breed. The smaller bantam variety ranges from 3 to 3 1/2 pounds. You can see this in the below comparion chart with the Silkie and Isa Brown hens. 

Average life span - 5-10 years, which ranges largely due to the quality of their coop, as it is predators that shorten their life, not the breed itself. 

Age of maturity - 20-22 weeks, this means when they will start to lay eggs.

Available colors - Within the US you can choose from Buff (brown), black, white, and blue. 🙌🏼

Climate Suitability - As a larger, thick feathered breed Orpingtons thrive in cooler climates, but can manage warmer temperatures so long as ample shade and water are provided. 

Egg type🥚 - Large, light brown (and delicious!). 

Laying Abilities

Orpingtons are the ideal choice for anyone looking to enjoy a great supply of large, fresh eggs. Most full-size Orpington hens will produce an incredible 200-260 large, light brown eggs per year!

We wanted to know if this was true so we asked over 450 Buff Orpington owners for the gossip. 41% of our poultry-loving pals told us their girls laid at least 4 eggs a week, and 35% said it was more likely to be 5. That will do nicely!

Laying begins once the hens have reached maturity which is between 20-22 weeks of age. Having a rooster is not necessary for the production of eggs. 

If you like the idea of having a rooster but have always been put off by stories of their aggression, then an Orpington rooster is ideal. Just like the ladies, male Orpingtons are unusually gentle. 

Is The Buff Orpington Right For Your Flock? 

So what makes the Orpington such a great choice for chicken keepers? They’re an exceedingly easy breed to care for that is perfect for beginners and experts alike. However, one of the best aspects of selecting Orpingtons to make up your flock is their temperament.

Temperament

Orpingtons are known to be docile with a sweet temperament which means you can enjoy an easy collection of eggs without pecked fingers or being viewed as a threat. 

Thanks to their easy-going, quiet and kind nature, Orpingtons are perfect for families, small backyards, and schools. They enjoy being handled, are comparatively low maintenance to other breeds, and make for great mothers should you elect to have them sit on eggs.

Hoping To Create a Mixed Flock?

Due to their passive nature, Orpingtons are not as well suited to mixed flocks as they can become targets for aggression. We recommend caution if adding Orpingtons to any flock that has more confident breeds such as Rhode Island Reds within its numbers. 

Stick to a group of girls around the same size and temperament such as Cochins, Silkies, Barred Plymouth Rocks, or Faverolles. You may also like to refer to our extensive guide regarding theTop 20 Chicken Breeds for Your Backyard to help you select the perfect flock.

Marveling at how amazing the Buff Orpington is? One of the reasons the Buff Orpington is such a great all-rounder is that it was specifically bred to capture the very best qualities from three other types of hens.

History Of The Buff Orpington 

Originating from ​​Orpington, Kent in England, the Buff Orpington, or simply the Orpington, is a dual-purpose chicken breed that offers superior egg production and high-quality meat. Bred by crossing the Minorca, Lanshan, and Plymouth Rock breeds, these chickens have become increasingly popular since their first appearance in 1866. 

So popular in fact that you’re more likely to see the Orpington winning prizes at shows than as large-scale laying hens. As such, there is a heavy emphasis on appearance rather than egg production abilities for some breeders, so keep this in mind when buying your hens.  

Feeling Clucky?

There are so many breeds to consider when starting your flock. Deciding to become a chicken parent is the easy part, deciding which breed is most suitable for you is much more challenging. 

So if you have fallen for the Buff Orpington and they’ve made it to your shortlist, great choice!If you're ready to experience the joy that is raising Buff Orpingtons but you’re still not entirely sure where to start, cluckily, our friends over at Chickenpedia have created an amazing Chicken Breeds Course. This extensive online course shares useful advice on choosing the right chickens for you as well as size & frequency of eggs laid. You’ll even learn about breed personalities, and be able to use their family-friendly compatibility scale through this well-structured program. It really is a great way to find your perfect backyard buddies which is why I highly recommend them to all of my readers! The courses are beginner-friendly and filled with vital information to help you raise a happy, healthy flock.

Their online courses cover everything youdidn’tknow you need to know and then some more! From healthcare to raising baby chicks to feeding and behavior, that’ll give you the knowledge andconfidenceto successfully look after your chickens.

As a member, you will get access toALLtheir fantastic courses. So, no need to wing it, become a confident chicken keeper. Click here to check out Chickenpedia today!