The Lavender Orpington is a stunning breed that quickly became one of my favorites. When I first did some research on various breeds I was excited to add a unique variety to our backyard flock. Rosie my first Lavender Orpington had the most beautiful purple plumage and I couldn’t wait to see her interact with the other chickens. This breed is known for its docile nature and hearty temperament making it an ideal choice for both beginner and experienced chicken keepers. They are not only gorgeous but also great egg layers producing between 200-280 large brown eggs a year which makes them both a visual and productive asset to any flock.
One of the main reasons the Lavender Orpington stands out is its rarity and beauty. As a designer chicken it’s hard to get and replicate. Their fluffy light plumage adds a touch of elegance making them a favorite for poultry lovers. Despite being rare they are easy to care for and have a fun dynamic that makes them perfect for anyone looking for a unique loveable addition to their yard. The Lavender Orpington is known for its cuddle-worthy, loose-knit feathers and it’s no surprise that they are quickly becoming a sought-after breed for backyard chicken keepers. Whether you’re a poultry pet enthusiast or looking for a productive layer this breed has it all.
History of the Lavender Orpington
The Orpington chickens were first bred in the 1800s by William Cook in a small town in England. He created them as a dual-purpose bird perfect for both egg layers and meat birds for the dinner table. Over time, the breed gained popularity especially in the U.S. poultry shows where the black-colored Orpingtons were joined by other variations like white, red and buff. However, by the mid-20th century with the rise of large-scale poultry farms the breed became less common and was even placed on the threatened breed list.
In the late 1990s, the Lavender Orpington was introduced as a recent addition to the Orpington family. Its color is a diluted black that resulted from careful breeding in the U.K.. This color is unique because it breeds true meaning that two Lavender Orpington chickens will always produce Lavender babies. The Lavender Orpington has quickly become a popular and desirable breed appreciated for its beauty and temperament. It is now a family breed and a show breed, making a strong comeback after its decline.
What do Lavender Orpingtons Look Like?
Lavender Orpingtons are large, sturdy chickens with a unique and beautiful appearance. They have a light purple tinge to their feathers giving them a soft silvery-lilac tint that isn’t too bold but looks like they’ve used a purple toner shampoo. Their feathering resembles the popular Buff variety but with this stunning color. With an arched back and broad body, they sit close to the ground and have a stubby tail. Their dense plumage of loose-knit feathers adds to their broad and solid look.
These chickens have dark grey or slate-colored legs that are usually clean. Their bright red comb, wattles, and earlobes stand out against their lavender feathers and they also have bay-red eyes that give them an inviting look. Their dark horn-colored beaks and overall appearance make them even more striking. Lavender Orpingtons are not only pretty but also one of the most captivating breeds you can have in your flock.
What Size Do Lavender Orpingtons Grow To?
Lavender Orpington hens typically weigh around 8 lbs as adults and 7 lbs as pullets. Roosters grow to about 10 lbs as adults and 8.5 lbs as cockerels. These chickens are large with a plumped-up look due to their purple plumage making them seem heavier than they actually are, but they are still quite large for both ladies and gents.
What Makes Lavender Orpingtons So Rare?
Lavender Orpingtons are a rare and unique breed, prized for their lavender color and lilac feathers. The gene responsible for this stunning color is recessive meaning both the Momma hen and Papa roo must carry it for their chicks to inherit the lavender rinse. However, breeding these gorgeous chickens is challenging because this gene is also linked to issues with feather development. To maintain healthy, beautiful birds breeders must dilute the gene and breed back carefully to ensure the feathers are functioning properly.
The Lavender Orpington is the newest addition to the Orpington breed and remains a rare sight partly due to its complex breeding requirements. It was once on the American Livestock Breed Conservatory’s endangered species list but thanks to reputable hatcheries and the convenience of the internet they are becoming more accessible. However, due to the complexity of the breeding process it’s still important to find breeders who can produce a healthy clutch of these beautiful birds.
What Is It Like to Keep Lavender Orpington Chickens?
Lavender Orpingtons are a joy to keep because they are hardy easy to care for and incredibly affectionate. Often compared to the Labradors of chicken keeping these chickens are very loyal and love spending time with their humans always eager for attention and treats. They are friendly and enjoy the company of their owners and the feeling is mutual. These lovely chickens truly make for wonderful pets and are perfect for those looking for a companionable bird in their flock.
Are Lavender Orpingtons Easy to Care for Beginners?
Lavender Orpingtons are a great choice for beginner chicken keepers. Despite being rare and unique they are low maintenance and have a gentle temperament making them perfect as a beginners’ breed. These big softies are easy to handle especially if you get them from a reputable breeder. However, it’s important to ensure that the chicks come from healthy bloodlines as feathering issues related to poor bloodlines can make them harder to care for, even for more experienced keepers.
Understanding the Lavender Orpington Breed Standard
The Lavender Orpington is a unique and lovely breed known for its distinctive lilac color. However, this color is still not officially recognized in the US or the UK as a standard for the breed. Despite this the Orpington breed standards still apply when showing these beautiful chickens. The lavender variety is gaining popularity and it may not be long before this charming lilac color is officially acknowledged. The lilac lades continue to win hearts and show ribbons!
Varieties of Orpingtons
There are 12 known varieties of Orpington chickens, with the Buff variety being the most common due to its popularity. However, if you’re looking for something rarer the lavender and Spangled Orpingtons stand out. These varieties add a unique touch to any poultry family. Some other stunning varieties include White, Birchen, Chocolate, Cuckoo, Gold Laced, Jubilee, Lemon Cuckoo, Partridge and Red. These chickens can also cohabit beautifully making them a perfect addition for a pick-n-mix poultry collection.
What Are Lavender Orpington Bantams?
Lavender Orpington bantams are rare gems, perfect for chicken keepers with smaller backyards. These bantams are a smaller size of the standard-sized Orpington weighing between 34-38 ounces. Known for their lavender color and friendly personality they are often referred to as powder puff chickens because of their fluffy and cute appearance. While they do have a lower egg yield of around 200 smaller eggs per year their charm and affectionate nature make them a perfect fit for those who enjoy a more manageable friendly breed of chicken.
My Experience With Orpingtons in My Flock
I’ve had Lavender Orpingtons in my flock for some time and I can’t help but admire their gentleness towards their flock mates. They aren’t dominant at the top of the pecking order, nor are they submissive at the bottom. They tend to stick together but are always willing to accept new members into their little group.
In terms of egg production, they lay a medium, light brown egg and can produce anywhere between 170-200 eggs/year. While broody, I haven’t faced any serious issues with breaking their broodiness, and so far, they’ve been quite easygoing in that department. Their big, poofy feathers give them a somewhat heavier look, but they’re surprisingly not vocal or noisy, making them a delight to have around!
Do Lavender Orpingtons Lay Uniquely Colored Eggs?
Lavender Orpington hens do not lay purple or lavender eggs as some might expect. Instead their eggs are a large size and have a pale brown color. Though their beautiful lavender plumage might make you think they lay uniquely colored eggs their egg color is fairly standard for many chicken breeds.
How Many Eggs Do Lavender Orpington’s Lay?
Lavender Orpington hens are great layers, producing 3-4 eggs per week which adds up to about 200-280 eggs a year. They typically start laying around 5-7 months of age. Once they start they rarely stop consistently laying throughout the year even in cold weather. However, be mindful of their broodiness as they can become quite broody despite their egg-laying abilities.
Do Lavender Orpington Hens Go Broody?
Lavender Orpingtons are known to go broody at least twice a year. With their strong maternal instinct, they can become very protective of eggs and may try to battle for eggs. Their hormones can make them act like Silkies, as they’re very willing to become adoptive mommas.
Even if you’re not breeding they may happily sit on eggs from other hens and offer help with watching kids. Despite the complexity of breeding their nurturing behavior makes them a great option for those seeking dedicated broody hens.
How Well Do Lavender Orpingtons Adapt as Backyard Chickens?
Lavender Orpingtons are great for backyard flocks due to their easygoing, laid back and fun nature. These friendly and amenable chickens are very healthy and cold hardy making them perfect for a variety of climates. They thrive whether kept free range or in a chicken run. These birds are also quiet which is a bonus for keeping both your neighbors and family happy and sane. They are not demanding which makes them an excellent choice for new or experienced chicken keepers alike.
What Space Do Lavender Orpington
For Lavender Orpingtons, providing enough space is key to their well-being. In a run they need 8 to 10 square feet per bird to ensure they can get enough exercise and not become too lazy. They don’t fly, so smaller fences are sufficient but they won’t keep predators out. In the coop each hen should have 4-5 square feet to avoid feeling cramped especially in warmer conditions, as their fluffy jackets can make them feel hot. To prevent injury roost heights should be kept low and since they’re a broad breed, each chicken needs at least 1.5 feet to avoid injuring themselves while hoping down.
Are Lavender Orpingtons Cold Hardy?
Lavender Orpingtons thrive in colder weather, making them perfect for cooler climates. They are built to handle lower temperatures, but they can still manage warmer days if given enough space, shade and water to avoid overheating. Their thick feathers help them stay warm but like any chicken they need proper care to stay comfortable during the heat.
Are Lavender Orpington Chickens Noisy?
Lavender Orpington chickens are one of the quietest breeds around. They rarely crow but you may hear them chatter softly. While they can make some noise they’re never really loud making them great for quieter spaces.
How Long Do Lavender Orpingtons Live For?
Lavender Orpingtons with proper care can live by your side for anywhere between 5 and 10 years. If you treat them well and maintain a healthy environment they’ll stay with you for many years. Ensuring their health and happiness is the key to a long life.
Common Health Problems in Lavender Orpingtons
Lavender Orpingtons are known for being heavy chickens and while they are typically hardy hens they can face certain health issues. One of the main concerns is obesity which can arise if their waistlines aren’t carefully monitored. Due to their weight, lazy nature and less activity they may struggle to maintain a healthy size leading to other health complications.
Another problem is that these chickens are prone to leg injuries. Their weight can cause stress on their legs especially when they are trying to navigate high perches or coop entrances. To prevent this make sure the perches are low enough and the coop entrances are easily accessible, so their legs don’t suffer from the strain. Regular monitoring and care can help avoid these common health issues.
How to Breed Lavender Orpingtons
Breeding Lavender Orpingtons can be tricky and is best left to experienced breeders or even experts. To successfully breed them both parents must carry the lavender gene, as it is recessive. You will need to find unrelated carriers and keep in mind that the fertility rate is only about 65-80% according to Cackle Hatchery.
Be aware that there is a mutation associated with the lavender gene which can cause abnormal feather development, sometimes referred to as the shredder gene or tail shredder gene. This mutation results in feathers that don’t interlock properly which can affect insulation and function for the chicken. Many breeders cross back to black Orpingtons and their offspring carry the lavender gene but have the improved characteristics of the black birds.
How to Purchase Lavender Orpingtons
If you’re looking to add a Lavender Orpington to your flock you’re making a great choice. These birds are sweet, friendly and hearty making them perfect as a starter chicken. When purchasing Lavender Orpingtons it’s essential to find a reliable source like Hoover’s Hatchery.
Many chicken keepers including myself have had success receiving chicks through the mail. While this process is simple and safe you should be prepared to care for them when they arrive since they may be a bit fragile and dehydrated. Having a Baby Chick Care Kit on hand will help you get them rehydrated and off to a strong start.
Purchasing these birds will not only give you a beautiful addition to your flock but their ability to handle extreme weather conditions makes them a solid choice for most climates.
FAQs About Lavender Orpington
1. Are Lavender Orpingtons good for beginners?
Yes, Lavender Orpingtons are a great starter chicken. They are friendly, gentle and easy to care for.
2. Do Lavender Orpingtons lay eggs year-round?
Yes, they lay consistently and can produce 170-200 eggs per year. Their eggs are medium-sized and light brown.
3. What is the lifespan of a Lavender Orpington?
Lavender Orpingtons can live between 5 to 10 years with proper care. They are a hearty breed making them long-lasting.
4. Are Lavender Orpingtons cold-hardy?
Yes, they handle colder weather well and are perfect for cooler climates. However, they still need shade and plenty of water in warmer months.
5. Do Lavender Orpingtons go broody?
Yes, Lavender Orpingtons can become broody about twice a year. They are known for their strong maternal instinct and make great adoptive moms.
Conclusion
Lavender Orpingtons are an excellent addition to any backyard flock. Their gentle nature, friendly demeanor and ability to adapt to various climates make them a great starter chicken for new chicken keepers. Whether you’re looking for a hardy breed that handles extreme weather or one that provides consistent egg production Lavender Orpingtons fit the bill perfectly. They are not only beautiful with their unique lavender feathers but also reliable when it comes to laying medium-sized eggs and being easy to care for.
If you’re considering adding Lavender Orpingtons to your flock rest assured that they are a low-maintenance, quiet, and hearty choice. Their calm temperament especially in small backyards allows them to thrive without much hassle. With a lifespan of 5 to 10 years they provide a long-term companion for your family and other chickens. Overall, Lavender Orpingtons are a fantastic breed to raise for both new and seasoned poultry keepers alike.
