The Orpington in one of the large, heavy,  soft feathered breeds that are just beautiful in both temperament and appearance. I just adore them.  They are just so endearing that anyone that comes into contact with them,  feels that they just have to keep some.

They are exceptionally quite for a large breed & love to wander far & wide each day.  These are a breed that do well & are happiest when they have lots of room to move.

Originating in the village of Orpington in Kent (England), they were developed in 1886 by William Cook who crossed Minorca's, Langshan & Plymouth Rocks to produce the Blacks.  His aim was to produce a handsome large utility bird which would lay well, even throughout the winter as well as produce white meat.

The original Orpington was not the profusely feathered bird it is today.  This excessive feathering is due to some show enthusiasts who crossed the black orpington with the cochin, purely for showing purposes.  The Buff variety was developed by Cook by using the Lincolnshire Buff to remove the cochin influence in his orpington, which is why the Buff Orpington tends to be tighter in its feathering than the other colours.

The orpington was used in Australia to develop the Australorp.

The Orpington are good layers of large brown eggs, they make excellent broodies & the best of mothers.  They are available in the large & bantam size here in Australia, in colours such as Black, Buff, Blue, & White with Jubilee, Spangle & Cuckoo now considered extinct here. Although I know of breeders here who are now working to redevelop the Jubilee.

They should weigh between 4-6kg for males & 3-4kg for females. When first viewing this breed one should have the impression of graceful, upright, bold & just pure size. The overall shape from the side view should be that of a 'U', with a short back and the tail compact, short & rising high with a sweeping over effect.