Orpington
Gallus gallus domesticus
✨ Fait Amusant
Queen Victoria kept a flock of Buff Orpingtons at Windsor Castle. Their popularity was so immense that William Cook's daughter Lily toured America with exhibition birds and sold them for extraordinary sums — one cock reportedly sold for 500 guineas, equivalent to a labourer's annual wage.
A large, fluffy, gentle British breed created by William Cook of Orpington, Kent in 1886, by crossing Minorcas, Langshans, and Plymouth Rocks to produce a handsome black bird that would impress at shows while remaining productive on the farm. The later Buff Orpington — golden and plush-feathered — became Victoria's favourite hen and sparked the 'hen fever' craze in Britain. Orpingtons are calm, heavy-feathered birds that bear cold winters well and make exceptional family pets.
🏷️ Race
Orpington
💭 Tempérament
Calm, gentle, docile, friendly, excellent with children
📏 Taille
Large (3.6-4.5 kg)
⏳ Espérance de vie
5-8 years
🎨 Couleurs
Buff (most famous), black, white, blue, lavender, chocolate
🌍 Origine
England — Orpington, Kent; created by William Cook, 1886
🏠 Habitat
Free-range or enclosed run; cold-hardy due to dense plumage
🍽️ Alimentation
Layer pellets; moderate forager — watch weight as breed prone to obesity
🎯 Usage
Dual Purpose
🥚 Couleur des œufs
Brown
👑 Type de crête
Single
🏅 Classe EE
Large Fowl