Orpington

Named after the Kent village, where its original breeder, William Cook, farmed, the Orpington was first introduced in 1886. Originally bred for utility as a dual-purpose bird, its looks soon caught the attention of exhibitioners, who began selectively breeding it to accentuate it s flamboyant feathers and pleasing shape. The hen pictured here exhibits the black plumage type.

PRIMARY USE: eggs and meat

TEMPERAMENT: docile, friendly

RECOGNIZED VARIETIES: Blue, Buff, Black, White

EGG PRODUCTION: good

EGG SIZE: large

EGG COLOR: light-brown

HEN WEIGHT: 8 lbs.

COCK WEIGHT: 10 lbs.

BROODY: yes

COLD HARDY: yes