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Named for the town of their origin, the Orpington chicken breed was created during the 1880s by William Cook of Orpington, England. Mr. Cook was well known for his periodical, "The Poultry Journal" and the book in which he authored, "The Poultry Keeper's Account Book". At the 1886 Chrystal Palace Poultry Show, Mr. Cook won grand prize for his pullet, the Black Orpington.

The Black Orpington was developed from crossbreeding Black Minorcas and Black Plymouth Rocks. The birds that were created from this crossing were then crossbred with clean-legged Langshan chickens. The end result was a poultry breed with excellent meat and prolific winter production of eggs. Breeders then overlooked this productivity and began selecting Orpingtons by looks. By 1900, the birds were said to be indolent and many times infertile.

William Cook along with his children continued breeding Orpingtons which led to other color variations including blue, buff, jubilee, red, white, partridge, and cuckoo. The buff was developed from the Golden Spangled Hamburg, Buff Cochin, and Dark Dorking breeds. These soon became the most popular especially for show and buff is still the most common color today.

The Orpington is a cold-hardy breed and thrives well with both confined spaces and as free-range birds. Hens mature at a young age, go broody easily, and are attentive mothers. These birds average from 8 to 10 pounds with cocks weighing more than hens. Bantams average 34 to 38 ounces. The comb, wattles, and earlobes are all bright red. The comb is of medium size and has five distinct points that stand erect.

The beak, eyes, and shank colors will vary depending upon the plumage color. The Black Orpington will have a black beak, dark brown eyes, and the shanks and toes are dark slate when adults (young birds will have black shanks and toes). Blue Orpingtons have dark brown eyes, horn beak, and shanks and toes that are leaden blue. The bottoms of the feet have a pink tone. The Buff and White Orpingtons have a pinkish-white beak, bay-red eyes, and the shanks and toes are also pinkish-white.

The American Poultry Association (APA) first recognized the Orpington breed in 1902. The only recognized colors by the APA are black, blue, buff, and white. The plumage on the body is broad which gives this breed a stocky appearance. Considered a multi-purpose bird, the Orpington is still bred and raised for meat and egg production and for show purposes. This amazing breed is on the "Recovering" list of the conservation status. This chicken breed is known for its docile temperament and is quite popular by both breeders and backyard hobbyists.

References:

STOREY'S ILLUSTRATED GUIDE TO POULTRY BREEDS, by Carol Ekarius, copyright 2007.

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