Varieties:
Black
Blue
Buff
White
Standard
Weights: Cock-10 pounds; hen-8 pounds; cockerel8-1/2 pounds; pullet-7 pounds.
Skin Color:
White.
Egg Shell Color:
Brown.
Use: A heavy
dual purpose fowl for the production of both meat and eggs.
Origin:
Orpingtons were developed in England at the town of Orpington in County Kent
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 Orpington lost out partly
because of its white skin.
Characteristics:
Orpingtons are heavily but loosely feathered, appearing massive. Their
feathering allows them to endure cold temperatures better than some other
breeds. They exist only in solid colors; are at home on free range or in
relatively confined situations; and are docile. Hens exhibit broodiness and
generally make good mothers. Chicks are not very aggressive and are often the
underdogs when several breeds are brooded together. They are a good general use
fowl.
Content:
Chicken Breeds
and Varieties (A2880), John L. Skinner, University of Wisconsin-Madison
0 comments:
Post a Comment