The Orpington is a dual-purpose chicken breed developed in England in the late 19th century. The breed is known for its large, soft-feathered body, cold hardiness, and docile temperament. Orpingtons are popular in backyard flocks and are one of the best breeds for cold climates.
The Orpington was developed by William Cook of Orpington, Kent, England in the 1880s. Cook's goal was to create a dual-purpose breed that laid well in winter and produced a good meat carcass. The original Orpingtons were black, with buff and white varieties developed later. The breed was imported to the United States in the 1890s and became an instant success for its utility and appearance.
Orpingtons are large, heavy birds with hens weighing 3 to 4 kilograms and roosters weighing 4 to 5 kilograms. The breed has a broad, deep body with a low stance and abundant, soft feathers. Orpingtons appear in several colors including black, buff, white, and blue. They are exceptionally cold-hardy due to their dense feathering. Orpingtons are calm, friendly, and go broody frequently, making them excellent mothers.
Orpingtons serve dual purposes on homesteads, providing a good number of eggs and a sizeable meat carcass. Their broody nature makes them reliable setters for hatching eggs of any breed. Their cold hardiness makes them ideal for northern climates, and their docile temperament makes them suitable for families.