Orpington Chickens

Orpington Hens are perfect for first time chicken keepers that want a friendly, family suitable, larger bird. They can be kept in smaller enclosures and are happy in a back garden coop. They can also be left free roaming and are equally suited to foraging. They are a hardy bird and will do well through our British winters. As they cannot fly very well, a 3ft fence will be sufficient to keep them in, although this will not keep predators out, so they will need a fully enclosed run for when you are not around. They will enjoy being with you when you are in the garden and will potter about with you. They don’t have feathered feet which is great in the winter months and due to the fact they cannot fly they would need a house near or on the ground.

The Orpington is a British breed of chicken. It was bred in the late nineteenth century by William Cook of Orpington, at that time in Kent in south-east England. It was intended to be a dual-purpose breed, to be reared both for eggs and for meat, but soon became exclusively a show bird. Due to their docile natures and calm temperament the are now mostly kept as garden pets or fancy laying hens. They produce up to 200 medium sized light brown eggs a year, hardy winter hens they are ideal for our British climate, known for being broody at times. They have life expectancy of 8-10 years.