I keep a strain of Belgian orpingtons bred by Robert Boyd. I have just purchased some Danish cross Belgians
from David Pownall, these are exhibition strains.
Some characteristics of the Orpington are:
- Heavy (7 to 10 pounds), cockerels can grow bigger
- Soft, abundant feathering, which nearly hides the legs of the bird,
- Curvy shape with a short back and U-shaped underline,
- A small head with a small tidy, uniform comb.
- Large and easily tamed
- Not known for their broody skills
- Easily shown in kept in right conditions
- Slow to mature
Orpingtons lay between 110 and 160 eggs a year. The eggs are tinted and range from small to large depending on the breeding
.
It is best to hatch Orpingtons for show early in the season if possible (Jan to March) in order that they make an optimum
size for Winter showing of the same year. This is only necessary for show birds, Orpingtons can be bred all year round.
Easy to keep, but have a large appetite. Ideal for garden spaces as they are not known for their foraging skills.
To be honest, most Orpingtons are quite happy lazing around waiting for their food to be brought to them!! They are
however, a real joy to own and make any garden look complete. Will certainly impress the neighbours!
Due to their abundance of feathers, an extra special eye needs to be kept on them for mites and lice as these are easily
hidden amongst the feathers.
Can be awkward to breed due to the heaviness of feathers, trimming the feathers of the vent area in both cockerel and hen
is recommended to ensure fertility of eggs.
It is recommended that hens wear poultry saddles due to the weight of the cockerel. These 'big boys' can inflict
some unintentional damage on the ladies!
Hatching eggs are available on a waiting list basis
