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!
NO EGGS AVAILABLE 2010 DUE TO FOX ATTACK.
