Lavender Orpington

The Lavender Orpington is a beautiful and unique variety of the Orpington breed, known for its striking lavender-colored feathers, calm temperament, and excellent egg-laying abilities. Here’s a closer look at this elegant breed:

1. Appearance:

• Feather Color: The Lavender Orpington’s most distinctive feature is its soft, lavender-colored plumage. The color is a pale, silvery-lavender shade that gives the bird a refined, stunning look. It’s different from the traditional black, blue, and other Orpington colors.
• Size: Lavender Orpingtons are large, heavy birds. Hens typically weigh around 7-8 pounds, while roosters can reach 8-10 pounds. They have a broad, deep body, with a smooth, rounded shape that gives them a very imposing yet elegant appearance.
• Build: Like other Orpingtons, they have a solid, muscular build with a deep chest and wide-set legs. Their feathers are thick and plush, contributing to their beautiful, full appearance.

2. Egg Production:

• Egg Color: Lavender Orpingtons are excellent layers of medium to large brown eggs.
• Egg Laying Frequency: They are reliable egg layers, producing around 200-250 eggs per year, though they are not as prolific as some other breeds, they are steady layers. Their eggs are known for their quality and size.

3. Temperament:

• Gentle and Friendly: Lavender Orpingtons are known for their sweet, calm, and friendly temperament. They are social birds and enjoy interaction with humans, making them excellent pets for families.
• Docile: They are also quite docile and get along well with other chickens, which makes them a peaceful addition to mixed flocks. Their gentle nature means they are easy to handle and enjoy being around people.

4. Hardiness:

• Cold Hardy: Like other Orpingtons, the Lavender variety is quite hardy and can tolerate cooler temperatures well due to their dense, thick feathers. This makes them ideal for colder climates.
• Heat Sensitivity: While they are hardy in colder weather, they may struggle a bit in hot weather. They should have access to shade, fresh water, and proper ventilation during the hotter months to stay comfortable.

5. Purpose:

• Dual-Purpose: Lavender Orpingtons are a dual-purpose breed, valued for both their egg production and their quality meat. Their large size makes them a good choice for meat production, while their steady egg production provides reliable eggs for your household.
• Ornamental and Show Quality: Due to their unique lavender color and gentle personality, they are often kept for ornamental purposes and are popular in poultry shows.

6. History:

• The Lavender Orpington was developed from the original Orpington breed, which was created in England in the 19th century. The Lavender variety was introduced in the early 20th century and has since become a favorite due to its striking appearance and excellent qualities.

In summary, the Lavender Orpington is a beautiful, hardy, and friendly breed, perfect for anyone looking for a dual-purpose bird with stunning lavender plumage. Their calm temperament, excellent egg production, and versatility make them a great choice for backyard flocks, ornamental purposes, and homesteads.

Lavender Orpington