Lavender English Orpington Chicken

Description

The Orpington breed originated in 1800s England, although the Lavender English Orpington chicken is a relatively recent development. Lavender plumage is an even shade of light slate blue. It is sometimes called self blue, because the feathers are entirely one color. And also because, unlike blue chickens, self blue chickens breed true. Mating two lavenders will yield offspring that are 100% lavender.

The English Orpington is not yet recognized by the American Poultry Association. It is similar to the American Orpington, which is in the APA Standard, but with a few key differences.

English Orpingtons have a shorter back and shorter legs. They also have looser plumage, resulting in an extremely round appearance. Thanks to their soft, loose feathers they are winter hardy, but they also do well in warm weather.

The English Orpington is a dual-purpose egg and meat breed. As a slow growing breed, they produce especially tasty meat. The hens are good winter layers of medium size eggs with cream-colored shells. Occasionally a hen will set and raise chicks.

The Lavender English Orpington chickens bred by Cackle Hatchery® are 100% English stock. English Orpingtons like to forage, but with their docile temperament they also do well close confinement. They are extremely people friendly, making them perfect for any backyard flock, especially for young folks and novice chicken keepers.