The Hoover's Hatchery Live Lavender Orpington One Day Old Chickens are truly a beauty and a rarity, and one of the best breeds for newcomers to chickens. Lavender Orpington chickens may not be recognized by the APA, but they are a rare variety that will add interest to your flock. The lavender gene, also known as 'self-blue,' produces a consistent lavender color in all offspring. Named for the English town where they were developed, Orpingtons come in several feather colors, but all are big, quiet birds with fluffy feathers that keep them toasty warm during frigid weather. One of the gentlest of breeds, these live chickens are easy to manage and great for families with young children. Hens begin to lay between 6-8 months of age, produce around 220 eggs per year and tend to be broody. If allowed to sit, they make excellent mothers.