Buff Orpington chicken

Buff Orpington’s possess a remarkably calm, friendly, and gentle nature, making them an excellent choice for first-time chicken keepers and families with children. They are considered an ideal “pet” chicken due to their docile temperament and tolerance for handling.

While they are generally hardy, Buff Orpington’s require protection during wet weather as their dense, soft feathers have a tendency to become waterlogged.

These chickens are not fond of excessively hot weather and will actively seek out shade to keep cool. They are not known for agility or flightiness, so a three-foot fence is often sufficient to contain them within an area.

History of the Buff Orpington

The breed’s name, Buff Orpington, originates from the town of Kent where its creator, William Cook, owned his farm. Cook developed the Buff Orpington in 1894.

Initially, Cook intended for them to be a dual-purpose breed, as they remained in Australia. However, in the United Kingdom, poultry breeding was heavily focused on the show scene, which offered greater profitability.

The Buff Orpington’s abundant plumage hindered its productivity in terms of meat and egg production. Nevertheless, during that era, the value of a show champion equalled a year’s wages for a working-class individual, rendering the breed’s show qualities more significant than its utility.