Buff Orpington
Buff Orpington
There are many different kinds of
Orpingtons, but what we mostly sell here at Woodville Ace are the Buff. With
the beautiful buff plumage and feathering gives the breed a sturdy appearance.
In the 1880's William Cook was a successful poultry man in the village of
Orpington, in Kent County, England. Mr. Cook was the publisher of The Poultry
Journal and the book, The Poultry Keeper's Account Book, as well as sold
poultry supplies. In 1886 he introduced the Black Orpington, a new breed he
developed, and at the Crystal Palace Poultry Show his pullet took the first
place cup.
The first Orpingtons were crossed
with breeding Black Minorcas with Black Plymouth Rocks. An excellent production
bird that produced brown eggs through the winter months. Breeders selected
birds for their looks and over time the birds became lethargic and poor
producers. So the Cook family continued to breed these birds to produce a
better bird with many different colors. The modern day Orpingtons come in
colors including blue, buff, cuckoo, ermine, jubilee, partridge, red, and
white. Only the black, blue, buff and white are recognized by the American
Poultry Association.
The Buff was developed when breeding
a Golden Spangle Hamburg, Buff Cochin and Dark Dorking, which became the best
in show and in hardiness and egg production. And is still the most popular of
the Orpingtons. They are raised as a general purpose bird; they have a heavy
carcass and lay plenty of brown eggs. They do well in confined spaces as well
as good free rangers. They are very docile and have been known to bond with
humans, making them pets as well. They mature early, and winter well. Hens are
good brooders and mothers.
Average weight for a rooster is 10
pounds and 8 for a hen. Medium size red combs with five well defined points,
medium size bright red waddles and earlobes. They are very well known for their
nice disposition.
