English Lavender Orpington

Orpingtons were originally developed in England during the 1880s. They were brought to America in the 1890s and gained popularity very rapidly, based on their excellence as a meat bird. As the commercial broiler and roaster market developed, the Orpingtons began looking less like their English forefathers. Now, there are significant differences between "American" Orpingtons and true English Orpingtons, most notably the comparison of their head to body sizes.

A dual purpose fowl, Orpingtons are heavily but loosely feathered, appearing massive. Their feathering allows them to endure cold temperatures better than some other breeds. They are at home on free range or in relatively confined situations and are docile. Hens lay brown eggs, exhibit broodiness and generally make good mothers. Chicks are not very aggressive. They are a good general use fowl.

All birds are offspring from Greenfire Farm's original English Lavender Orpingtons, directly imported from England. It is a closed flock. Unlike blue, lavender is a color that does breed true.