Orpington Breed Guide

Finding a chicken breed that meets virtually any keeper’s needs can be difficult, but the Orpington is a strong contender. Whether you want a chicken that’s a productive egg layer, provides delicious meat or is simply great to keep as a pet, we highly recommend checking out the Orpington breed. Offering live chickens, Tractor Supply details what you need to know about this breed and its varieties. 

Quick Facts:

• Breed type: Dual-purpose (egg and meat)

• Egg color: Light brown 

• Pen or free-range: Pen 

• Temperament: Mostly calm and friendly, sometimes broody

Orpington quick facts:

• Lifespan: 5-8 years

• Weight: Females (hens): 7-8 lbs.; Males (roosters): 10-11 lbs.

• Appearance: Buff: rich golden-yellow throughout; Blue English: soft slate-blue with subtle lacing; Silver English: crisp silver-white feathers accented by black lacing; Chocolate: deep warm brown with a glossy sheen; Lavender: pale, dove-gray with a smooth, even tone  

• Egg production: 200-280 eggs/year (4 eggs/week)

• Good for beginners: Yes 

Key Takeaways from This Article

• Orpingtons are known for their calm, docile personalities, making them ideal for mixed flocks.  

• They are considered dual-purpose chickens, meaning they are useful for both meat and egg production.  

• Popular variations include Buff, Blue English, Silver English, Chocolate and Lavender.  

• When given a clean coop, balanced diet and proper care, these chickens are generally hardy and easy to manage.  

History of Orpington Chickens

The story of the Orpington chicken begins with William Cook, a well-known poultry breeder and coachman during the 1880s. He developed this breed by crossing several other breeds, including Buff Cochins, Dark Dorkings and Golden Spangled Hamburgs. His goal was to create a practical, dual-purpose bird that could produce both quality meat and a steady supply of eggs, all while thriving in England’s damp, cool climate. The breed quickly gained popularity for its hardiness, productivity and calm disposition.  

The original Orpingtons were black. Their dark plumage was especially desirable back in the day, as it helped hide soot and dirt from the industrial environment of the era. As the breed grew in fame, additional varieties were developed, including Buff, Blue English, Silver English, English Variety, Chocolate and Lavender. Buff Orpingtons, particularly, captured international attention after being introduced in the United States in 1903, becoming one of the most popular poultry breeds worldwide.  

The popularity of Orpingtons declined in the 20th century amid the emphasis on factory-farm chickens. Today, there is renewed interest in Orpingtons, celebrated not only for their historical significance but also for their friendly nature, adaptability and enduring role in backyard flocks. 

Orpington Chicken Variations

In addition to being widely considered one of the top dual-purpose chicken breeds, Orpingtons remain popular in backyard coops because of the wide range of beautiful color variations. While all Orpington chickens share the same general body type, temperament and productivity, each variety has its own visual characteristics, making it unique. 

Buff Orpington

The Buff Orpington is by far the most popular and recognizable of the bunch. These birds flaunt a rich golden-buff plumage. Their striking appearance, combined with their easy-to-get-along-with personality, makes these chickens a common choice for newcomers to the world of poultry and seasoned keepers alike. 

Blue English Orpington

This variation of Orpington is prized for its soft, bluish-gray feathers, often edged with darker lacing. Many experts describe the Blue English Orpington as refined and elegant, which is why it's more commonly seen in exhibition settings. Blue English Orpingtons still maintain the breed’s signature docile personality and solid productivity. 

Silver English Orpington 

Strikingly beautiful, Silver English Orpingtons feature silver and black coloration. Bright silver feathers, contrasted with dark markings, give these birds a bold, eye-catching look. Primarily bred for show, Silver English Orpingtons are admired for their looks while still retaining the breed's hardiness. 

English Variety Orpingtons

English Orpingtons differ slightly from American strains, most notably having a heavier, fluffier build and lower stance. These birds can sport a wide range of feather colors, including black, blue and silver. 

Chocolate Orpington 

A newer and rarer variety, Chocolate Orpingtons are easily distinguishable by their deep, rich brown plumage. This distinguishable coloring gives these birds a luxurious appearance, allowing them to stand out amongst other chickens. This variety has gained popularity as more poultry keepers seek birds with distinctive, visually striking characteristics. 

Lavender Orpington 

Lavender Orpingtons get their name from their soft, grayish to lavender-toned feathers, giving them a delicate, pastel look. With its unusual coloration, this bird is highly sought after by poultry enthusiasts. 

Expert tip: No matter which type of variation you prefer, always source birds from reputable breeders to ensure strong genetics, accurate coloring and healthy temperaments. Tractor Supply is proud to offer live birds, including Orpington varieties, all carefully sourced from trusted breeders, giving you confidence and peace of mind.  

Temperament and Good-to-Knows

From experienced farmers and homesteaders to novice backyard chicken keepers, many find Orpington chickens a great breed for different applications. A docile and friendly personality means Orpingtons also make good pets and are suitable for families with young children. Here’s more about the temperament of Orpington chickens: 

Broodiness

Orpington hens are typically very broody. They will often raise chicks of any breed, sometimes the young of other poultry breeds. However, this trait isn’t present in all Orpington variations. If broodiness matters to you – or if you’d rather hens not be broody – ask the breeder or hatchery about the strain before buying. Another important consideration is that when Orpington hens become broody, they focus solely on hatching eggs and won’t lay new ones.   

Interaction with Other Breeds

The friendliness of Orpington chickens doesn’t just extend to their human keepers but also to other chicken breeds. They’re great for mixed flocks, especially among other docile breeds. Understand that Orpingtons might not be able to defend themselves against dominant breeds, so monitor initial interactions when introducing new chickens to your flock. 

Cold-Hardiness

Thick feathers mean Orpingtons are often more resilient in colder climates than other breeds. These chickens can thrive in many environments, provided they have adequate housing and proper care. Of course, you’ll need to implement the same precautions as with other breeds, ensuring their well-being in different climates and at various times of the year.  

Expert tip: If you pair Orpingtons with other breeds as a part of a mixed flock, choose breeds that are equally docile and calm. This helps to prevent bullying and ensure a harmonious coop.  

Physical and Egg Characteristics

Whether you want an Orpington for eggs, meat or to show, these chickens have the physical characteristics and egg-laying capabilities to do all three.  

Physical Characteristics

An Orpington’s coloring is determined by its variation. All types feature heavy feathering, making them appear fluffy. Weather conditions can affect a chicken’s plumage. For instance, colors may fade from exposure to the sun or rain. However, these chickens molt annually, and their feathers often grow back with an even richer color.  

These medium to large-sized chickens have stocky bodies and full, round breasts, making them ideal for meat production. On average, a hen weighs seven to eight pounds, while roosters weigh 10-11 pounds. They have short, curved backs and short legs. It’s typical to see only a little bit of leg from underneath their heavy feathering. Orpingtons have single combs and bright red wattles and earlobes.  

Egg Production

Orpington hens begin laying at around three to six months and can produce between 200-280 eggs a year. Their light brown eggs range from large to extra-large. While Orpingtons are considered dependable egg layers, since they are dual-purpose, they may not lay as many eggs as breeds created specifically for laying.  

Expert tip: Because Orpingtons are heavily feathered and fast-growing, it’s important to monitor their diet carefully to prevent obesity. Remember, a healthy body condition supports consistent egg production.  

Health and Care

Proper care is essential to maintain the health and wellness of your Orpington chickens. Additionally, it can maximize their egg or meat production. Consider these care tips:  

Housing

Similar to most chickens, Orpingtons require proper housing to protect them from predators and inclement weather. The coop should have 4-5 sq. ft. of space per chicken, and the pen should be at least 10 sq. ft.   

Although Orpingtons are more suitable than other breeds in cold climates, they’re still susceptible to frostbite, so consider coop heaters during the winter. Conversely, heavy bodies and feathering can put stress on these chickens during the summer. Ensure that coops are ventilated well and pens have shade to avoid heat-related concerns.   

Diet 

A well-balanced diet is crucial for chickens with big appetites. Orpingtons require high-protein poultry feed and fresh water. Grit also helps with digestion. Supplementing their diet with fruits and vegetables, or occasional treats, helps to ensure these birds remain content. A healthy diet is important for egg and meat production.   

Health

Any chicken breed is vulnerable to illnesses such as respiratory issues or parasites. Regular health checks are vital for detecting signs and symptoms of illness or injury before they become more serious. Contact a veterinarian if you’re unsure about the health of your chickens.  

Monitoring weight gain is key, especially if raising Orpingtons for meat. You want these chickens to grow steadily and healthily. Significant weight changes may indicate illness or an unbalanced diet.  

<H4>Environment </H4> 

Ensure your Orpingtons’ comfort by regularly cleaning the coop. A dry coop is especially important for preventing frostbite and other adverse effects during the winter. Proper ventilation can prevent respiratory concerns, and dust baths promote cleanliness and calmness. To keep Orpingtons entertained in their pens, consider swings, perches and toys so they can stay entertained and mentally stimulated.  

Expert tip: If you notice droppings sticking to feathers during warm months, trim plumage around the vent area (the single opening located under the tail). Doing so helps prevent flystrike (a condition where flies lay eggs on a chicken), improves cleanliness and makes it easier for you to spot potential health issues early.  

<H3>Support Your Flock with Must-Have Poultry Supplies from Tractor Supply </H3>

Whether you’re just beginning your flock or an experienced keeper looking to add a new breed to your flock, consider the docile and dual-purpose Orpington. To learn more about this and other poultry breeds, trust America’s largest rural lifestyle retailer, Tractor Supply. In addition to offering live chickens, we also deliver tips on raising birds in The Coop. Shop online or visit your local Tractor Supply store.  

<H3>Frequently Asked Questions About Orpington Chickens </H3>

Are Orpington chickens a good breed for beginners? 

Yes, Orpingtons are considered beginner-friendly chickens. Their calm personality, hardiness and forgiving nature make them easy to care for, even for first-time keepers.  

Can Orpingtons live in hot climates? 

They can, but extra care is needed to ensure they remain healthy. Their dense feathering makes them more prone to heat stress, so shade, ventilation and constant access to fresh water are essential in warm climates.  

Do Orpingtons do well in confinement? 

The calm nature of Orpington chickens allows them to adapt nicely to confinement, provided they have enough space and enrichment opportunities to prevent boredom and stress.