Lavender Orpington Chickens Full Guide

Lavender Orpington chickens are quickly becoming a favorite among backyard chicken enthusiasts.

 

With their stunning lavender-colored feathers, gentle personalities, and dependable egg-laying skills, these chickens are not only beautiful but also practical for any coop.

 

Their increasing popularity is no surprise, as more and more chicken keepers discover their charm and ease of care.

 

In this guide, you’ll learn everything there is to know about Lavender Orpingtons, including what makes them special, how many eggs they lay, and the best ways to take care of them.

 

Let’s get started.

 

 

Lavender Orpington Quick Guide

Origin England
APA No
Class ​English
Purpose Dual purpose
Color Beautiful lavender-colored plumage
Comb Type Single, five-point
Temperament Gentle and friendly, ideal for families
Egg Production Lay 3-4 light brown medium eggs weekly
Broodiness  Go Broody
Hardiness Very cold hardy but not tolerate heat well
Size Medium to large-sized breed
Mature Weight Rosster is around 10 lbs and the hen is around 8 lbs
Lifespan Typically lives 7-8 years with proper care
Care Needs Easy to care for, requires regular feeding, and 4-10 square feet per bird space
Best For Beginner chicken keepers and those looking for attractive and docile birds

Brief History of the Orpington

The Orpington chicken originated in England in the late 1800s. It was first bred in the town of Orpington by a man named William Cook.

 

William Cook wanted to create a hen that was both good at laying eggs and also nice and plump for meat. The first Orpington chickens were black, but as time passed, different colors like white, blue, and beautiful lavender were developed.

 

These chickens became famous because they are hardy and can adapt to different environments. 

 

People admired their calm nature and their ability to lay a good number of eggs, which is why Orpington chickens, including the Lavender variety, are now popular around the world.

Lavender Orpington Chickens

How Lavender Orpington Look Like?

Lavender Orpington chickens are very pretty birds that stand out because of their unique color. They have soft feathers that look lavender, which is a light purple shade.

 

This makes them quite special and adds a bit of beauty to any flock. The purple color is not very common in chickens, and it comes from a mix of genes passed down from their parents.

 

Aside from their lovely color, they have sturdy bodies, with rounded shapes, and fluffy feathers that make them look even bigger than they are.

 

They also have a small comb on top of their head, which is usually bright red, giving them a distinctive appearance.

 

Their friendly eyes and full, soft tail feathers complete their gentle and welcoming look.

Lavender Orpington Chickens

Is Lavender Orpington’s Friendly?

Lavender Orpington chickens are known to be very friendly. They have a calm and gentle nature, which makes them a great choice for families and people who are new to keeping chickens.

 

Unlike some other chicken breeds, Lavender Orpingtons usually do not mind being picked up or petted, and they enjoy spending time with their owners.

 

This makes them excellent pets, and they often get along well with other chickens in the flock.

 

Because they are so easygoing, they are less likely to peck or be aggressive, which can be very reassuring if you have young children or other pets.

 

Their friendliness and gentleness are one of the reasons why they are loved by many chicken keepers.

Lavender Orpington Chicken Eggs

Lavender Orpington chicken eggs are very special. Most of the time, these chickens lay eggs that are light brown in color.

 

Lavender Orpington chickens typically lay around 3 to 4 eggs each week, which means you can expect to see a good number of these lovely eggs over time. Read this piece to improve the egg production of your hen.

 

They start laying eggs when they are around 6 months old and continue for many years if they are cared for properly.

 

By feeding them well and giving them a nice place to live, you can enjoy fresh Lavender Orpington eggs regularly.

 

These chickens not only have beautiful lavender-colored feathers but also provide delicious eggs that are perfect for breakfast or baking.

Lavender Orpington Hens vs Roosters

When trying to tell the difference between Lavender Orpington hens and roosters, there are a few things to notice.

 

First, the roosters are generally bigger and have more colorful feathers than the hens. Their feathers can be shinier and more striking.

 

Roosters also have a larger comb and wattles—the red parts on top of their heads and under their beaks—which help them look more dominant and impressive.

 

Additionally, roosters might walk around more boldly and can be a bit noisy with their crowing. Hens, on the other hand, usually have smaller combs and wattles, and they tend to be quieter, clucking softly as they go about their day.

 

The hens are the ones that lay eggs, and they often have a rounder and fuller body shape, which helps them sit on the nest comfortably.

 

Both hens and roosters have those beautiful lavender feathers, but by paying attention to their size, behavior, and combs, you can easily tell them apart.

Lavender Orpington

Benefits of Raising Lavender Orpington Chickens

Raising Lavender Orpington chickens can be a great experience for people who love animals and want fresh eggs. These chickens are special because they are both beautiful and easy to care for.

 

They have a gentle, calm personality, which makes them great pets for families, even those with children.

 

Lavender Orpingtons are not just pretty with their light purple feathers, but they are also good at laying eggs, providing about 3 to 4 light brown eggs each week.

 

Taking care of them is simple because they don’t need much—just regular feeding, a clean living space, and room to roam around.

 

The lifespan is typically 7 to 8 years if you look after them well. If you’re starting to keep chickens, this breed is ideal because they are friendly and get along well with other chickens.

 

Plus, you’ll love having such pretty birds in your yard. So, not only do you get fresh eggs, but you also have delightful friends clucking around the garden!

chicks

Caring for Lavender Orpington Chickens 

Taking care of Lavender Orpington chickens is easy and fun. Here’s how you can make sure they are healthy and happy:

 

Feeding Needs

Lavender Orpingtons need a balanced diet to grow strong and lay eggs. They eat chicken feed that you can buy from the store, which has all the nutrients they need.

 

You can also give them kitchen scraps, like fruit and vegetable peelings, but avoid anything spicy or salty. Also ensure the access of clean and fresh water.

 

Coop Requirements

Your chickens need a safe and cozy coop to live in. The coop should be big enough for them to move around and have a nesting box where hens can lay eggs.

 

The floor can have straw or wood shavings to keep it clean and dry. Make sure the coop is well-ventilated and protected from predators, like foxes or raccoons.

 

Health and Common Issues

Healthy chickens are active and have bright eyes. Watch for signs of any health issues like coughing, sneezing, or unusual droppings.

 

Regular checks and a clean living area can prevent illnesses. If a chicken looks unwell, get help from a vet.

 

Seasonal Care

In the winter, keep the coop warm and make sure it stays dry. If chickens are dry and out of the wind then they tolerate heat well but still provide a heater in harsh cold weather.

 

In the summer, make sure they have shade and lots of water to stay cool. Keep an eye out for any changes in behavior during different seasons.

 

Extra Tips

Chickens love to peck and explore, so let them roam safely when possible. This also helps them find bugs and plants to eat.

 

Keeping a variety of different-sized perches in the coop gives them a place to rest and keeps them happy. Remember to talk and spend time with your chickens—they enjoy friendly company!

Chickens

Where to Buy the Lavender Orpington?

If you’re wondering where you can get Lavender Orpington chickens, there are a few places to look. You can start by checking out local farms or poultry auctions where they might sell different chicken breeds.

 

Another smart way is to look online for hatcheries or breeders that specialize in this particular breed like hoovers hatchery. Many hatcheries have websites where you can order chickens and have them delivered right to your door.

 

When buying from a breeder, make sure they have a good reputation by reading reviews or asking other chicken keepers for recommendations.

 

It’s important to make sure the chickens you get are healthy, so ask about vaccinations and any care they’ve received.

 

By finding a trusted source, you can ensure that you’ll start with strong and healthy birds, ready to become a part of your family and provide you with wonderful eggs.

Summary

Raising Lavender Orpington chickens can be a fun and rewarding thing to do. These chickens are known for their friendly nature and pretty lavender feathers.

 

They’re also good egg layers, giving about 180 light brown eggs each year. Taking care of them is easy because they don’t need much—just some chicken feed, a cozy coop, and a bit of space.

 

They live around 7 to 8 years. If you’re just starting with chickens, Lavender Orpingtons are a great choice because they get along well with other chickens and are very gentle with people.

 

Have you ever raised a lavender chicken?

 


 

FAQs

What color eggs do Lavender Orpington chickens lay? 

Lavender Orpington chickens lay eggs that are usually light brown to creamy in color. These eggs are medium to large in size, similar to those laid by other Orpington breeds. 

 

Can Lavender Orpington chickens cohabitate with other breeds?

Lavender Orpington chickens can live peacefully with other chicken breeds. They are known for being calm and friendly, making them good companions in a mixed flock.  

 

Are Lavender Orpington chickens noisy? 

Lavender Orpington chickens are known for being quite gentle and calm. They usually aren’t very noisy compared to other chicken breeds. These chickens make soft clucking sounds, which many people find pleasant.

 

Why Are Lavender Orpingtons Rare?

Lavender Orpingtons are rare because they have a unique lavender color, which is not common in chickens. They were specifically bred for this color from a small gene pool, meaning only a few chickens had the right traits to start with. Additionally, breeding them is a slow process that requires careful selection to maintain their beautiful color. These factors make Lavender Orpingtons less common and more special compared to other breeds.

 

How friendly are Orpington chickens?

Orpington chickens are known for being very friendly and gentle. These birds love human interaction and are easy to handle, making them great pets for families and children. 

 

Why are lavender Orpingtons so expensive?

Lavender Orpingtons are expensive because they are a rare breed of chicken with a unique, beautiful color. They are not as common as other chickens, which makes them special and harder to find. 

 

At what age do lavender Orpingtons lay eggs?

Lavender Orpington chickens usually start laying eggs when they are about 5 to 7 months old. They tend to lay between 150 to 200 light-brown eggs each year.

backyard clucks

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