The Orpington chicken was first developed in England. Today, it can be found in backyards and farms all over the globe. This laidback chicken is known for its ability to lay eggs and is a friendly animal that is easy to raise.
Blue Orpingtons are large, fluffy chickens with chubby feathers. If handled early enough, these chickens can be fun to observe and are easy to handle. This is all you need to know about Blue Orpington chickens.
Here are some quick facts about Blue Orpington chickens
| Species Name: | Gallus gallus domesticus |
| Family: | Phasianidae |
| Care Level | Moderate |
| Temperature: | Many options |
| Temperament: | Friendly, friendly, protective |
| Color Form: | Splash! |
| Lifespan: | 8-10 Years |
| Size: | 7-8 pounds |
| Diet: | Grains, fruit, veggies, table scraps, scratch |
| Minimum Coop Size: | 8 square feet |
| Coop Set-up: | Coop, run, and feed area |
| Compatibility: | Moderate |
Blue Orpington Chicken Overview
These chickens love to be around people and are more friendly than farm animals. They are happy to be held and handled and will often greet visitors. If they have to eat all day, the Blue Orpington can become obese.
They are warm and comfortable in cold weather due to their thick feathers. However, they need shade and water in the summer. A chicken can lay up to 200 eggs per year. These eggs are light brown. These robust birds are cost-effective food producers because they don’t succumb to diseases easily.
What is the cost of Blue Orpington chickens?
Blue Orpington chickens can be purchased for between $10 and $25 depending on where they are bought. You may be eligible for a discount if you buy more than one chicken. It is important to include a chicken coop, feed, and initial veterinarian fees when calculating the total cost of purchasing a chicken.
Appearance and Varieties
Orpington chickens can be found in many colors. However, a Blue Orpington chicken will only produce bluish-grey plumage, which gives them an incredibly rich appearance. They have thick feathers that provide them with all the protection they need to keep warm and safe during winter months.
These chickens are strong and short with a strong stride that makes them appear like they’re on a mission every time they move around. Their tail feathers look like they are stuffed with dusters and their tail feathers are full. Their heads are small and compact, which makes them comical.
The Typical Behavior and Temperament
Blue Orpington chickens can be outgoing, social, curious, and interactive. They are gentle and docile, making them easy to handle. They are best if they live with other chickens as they are not able to be left alone. Although they are generally as friendly as hens, Roosters can be more territorial.
How to Care for Blue Orpington Chickens
These chickens require the same level of care as any other chicken. If they are safe from predators, they can be free-range. The chickens can be kept in a cage coop if they are frightened by predators. For optimal health and high-quality life, a healthy diet and regular exercise are essential.
Habitat, Coop Conditions & Setup
Blue Orpington chickens are free-changeable or can be kept in coops. If they are free-range, the chickens should be kept in a fenced area that is strong enough to keep wild predators and stray dogs away. Each chicken that lives in a coo should have at minimum 6 feet of living space and movement space. A separate enclosed run should be available for chicken exercise.
Bedding
Mulch or wood chips can be used in the chicken coop. However, it is not recommended. Chickens will scratch at the ground and eat any bedding you have put in their coop. The dirt and grass that the chickens find on the ground will be their bedding.
Lighting
Blue Orpington chickens usually fall asleep at dusk. They are usually awake at dawn and may start to croak even earlier. They are dependent on sunlight for their survival, so they don’t need any additional lighting after the sun sets.
How to feed your Blue Orpington Chickens
Good health requires daily feeding of cereals, commercial scratches, vegetable scraps, and fruit pieces. Your Orpington chickens shouldn’t be given unlimited food. Otherwise, they will spend their days eating. Each bird should be fed 1/4 cup of food each day.
How to keep your Blue Orpington chickens healthy
Your chickens need to be dewormed every other day. You can find worming medication at your local veterinarian’s office or pet shop. Depending on the type of illness or disease that is common in your area, vaccinations may not be necessary.
Blue Orpington Chickens and Other Pets:
These chickens are tolerant of other chicken breeds but can be shy around dogs and cats. Friendly dogs who spend time with your chickens while they are young can help them to become more comfortable around them and allow them to interact with them.
Are Blue Orpington Chickens suitable for you?
The Blue Orpington is an easy-care-for breed of chicken that is friendly and productive. They are friendly and interactive, and will always lay delicious eggs. Are you convinced that this breed is the right choice for your farm? Why or why not? We would love to hear your thoughts! Please leave a comment in the section below.
Is there a difference between blue and lavender Orpingtons?
The Lavender Orpington, sometimes known as the Self-Blue Orpington, is a regal breed that complements most farmhouse flocks. They have a laid-back personality and lay about 200 eggs every year.
Are Blue Orpington chickens uncommon?
These stunning birds are extremely rare, and they are now in high demand
How many eggs do Orpingtons lay on a daily basis?
Orpington Buff, The color of the chicken is buff. 3-5 eggs per week are produced. The color of the egg is light brown. They’re Known For Broodiness: They have a tendency to brood.
Which Orpington chickens are the best?
The Buffs were by far the most popular large fowl Orpingtons throughout the last few decades, with the Blacks being the most popular bantams. This is because, according to breeders, these variants possessed the finest overall type – a distinct back-line and under-line that distinguishes the breed.
What age do blue Orpington hens begin laying?
Because Orpingtons are poor foragers, they do well in backyard flocks where they do not have access to free-range. Their peaceful and gentle nature keeps them close to their coop and guardians. These brown egg layers begin laying eggs at 20-24 weeks, but the wait is well worth it!
What is the most expensive Orpington chicken?
Spangled: Spangled Orpingtons were introduced in 1900 and remain an exceptionally rare variety to this day.
What exactly is a blue Orpington?
Orpington Blue The chickens are slate blue with black lacing. Hens have a tendency to get broody and make wonderful moms. They can withstand frigid temperatures and lay 4-6 huge brown eggs every week! Blue does not produce real offspring. Blue parents can produce blue, black, or splash chicks.
What are the benefits of Orpington chickens?
The Orpington is a chicken breed that is produced for both eggs and meat. It was developed in Orpington, Kent, England, primarily to produce exceptional eggs while retaining high meat quality.
Is lavender a kind of Orpington?
Lavender Orpingtons are a solid violet or blue color. ‘Lavender’ is sometimes referred to as self-blue.’ Orpingtons are amiable and have a pet-like personality; they lay Medium-Large brown eggs and are a productive layer. Lavender Orpingtons, like all other colors, are huge, curvaceous birds that are frequently broody.
How many eggs do Orpington chickens lay?
Buff Orpingtons are great egg layers, laying 200 to 280 big brown eggs every year. Young pullets will begin laying between the ages of 5 and 7 months. In about 8 to 10 weeks, a young broiler may weigh 2 to 2.5 pounds.