ORPINGTON

Hatching eggs are available for sale

An exhibition dual purpose bird originally created in the 1880’s by William Cook and named after his home town of Orpington, Kent. First to arrive on the scene were the black variety, developed by crossing the Croad Langshan, Minorca and Plymouth Rock varieties. The white and buff followed with the blue variety making its first appearance in the 1920s. Today because of further crossing, the Orpington as we know it, are a much bigger showy bird with an undermined utility and laying performance. At Over the stile we have black, buff, splash and blue Orpingtons.

Eggs

160 eggs produced in a season.

Appearance & Temperament

Orpingtons have a big heavy, broad appearance, the tail appears short and the wings are small. With a small head on a short neck, a strong beak, single serrated comb and bright eyes; the wattles are elongated and the red earlobes small; the legs are short and disappear amidst a huge profusion of feathers. The buff, which should be even in colour, have reddish-orange eyes, whilst our black Orpingtons (“Top Quality” graded under the British Poultry Club Standards), are black all over with bright black eyes. A cuddly, docile and placid breed resembling a large feather duster – they have a wonderful temperament and are recommended for children. They enjoy being handled and easily adjust to any environment. They don’t fly, and the buff plumage can fade in the sun, so it is wise to provide them with a large clean, dry shelter or roofed run. This breed can be bullied in a mixed flock.

If you are interested in keeping Orpington chickens as garden poultry, hatching eggs for this breed are available for sale – find out more

Orpington hatching eggs for sale from Over the Stile, East Sussex