Buff Orpington Chicken

Quick Take

• The original Buff Orpington looked nothing like the breed you recognize today, a difference that has everything to do with where it was first bred. Explore the breed's origins →
• Their famously gentle nature is a selling point, though it can quietly become a serious problem in a mixed flock. See the flock competition issue →
• Not all Buff Orpingtons are raised for the same purpose, and choosing the wrong type could undermine your goals as a keeper. Utility vs. show distinction →
• These chickens thrive in conditions that would stress most backyard breeds, though one common climate assumption about them turns out to be completely backwards. See their climate tolerance →

If you imagine a chicken in a backyard coop, there’s a good chance you’re picturing the popular Buff Orpington breed. These chickens make great additions to a backyard flock because they are docile and get along with other chickens while still producing plenty of eggs. They also make great mother hens and are notably large and fluffy.

Buff Orpington Chicken Facts

• Buff Orpingtons were only introduced in the late 1800s.
• These chickens are incredibly docile and like to sit on your lap.
• They lay brown eggs.
• Buff refers to the tan-orange color of their feathers, although they also come in other colors.

Where to Find Buff Orpington Chickens

These chickens are very popular in England, where they were first bred. But you can find them all around the world. They are cold-tolerant and can be pretty comfortable in colder climates. If you keep them in hot climates, ensure they have plenty of water and shade.

Classification and Scientific Name

These chickens are named for their original breeding location — Orpington, England. They are associated with the English countryside and are frequently found there. They belong to the species Gallus gallus domesticus, which includes all chickens. Buff Orpingtons are a specific breed within the species. Chickens are part of the Phasianidae family. Birds in this family are generally heavy and ground-living, and include chickens, pheasants, grouse, partridges, quail, and peafowl, as well as turkeys, which some classifications place in a separate family.

They are part of the Galliformes order, Aves class, Chordata phylum, and Animalia kingdom. While it is helpful to understand how chickens fit into the larger animal kingdom, many breeds can be very different in temperament and appearance.

Size, Appearance, and Behavior

Orpingtons were initially bred to be black, which helped camouflage the soot and dirt common during the late 1800s. Buff refers to the lighter tan color now popular with the breed. However, they can come in various colors, including white and blue-grey. These chickens are renowned for their fluffy, rounded appearance and considerable size. Hens typically weigh between 7.5 and 10 pounds, while roosters can reach 10 to 12 pounds. A bantam breed is around half the size of a full Buff Orpington.

They are very docile, happy chickens. While they need adequate shade and water, especially in hotter climates, they happily share their space with other chickens and integrate well into a flock. They like cold weather because they get plenty of warmth and insulation from their numerous feathers. These chickens can be kept in colder climates and be happy outdoors even into winter.

Buff Orpingtons make great pets. They will even sit on your lap and follow you around the yard, waiting for food or affection. They are exceptionally calm — one of the calmest breeds out there.

Diet

If you keep Buff Orpingtons, it is best to get feed that is designed for domestic chickens. They can forage for some insects and plants, but are not known as great foragers. They are content with regular meals and plenty of care from their owners.

Buff Orpingtons do not require any specialized diet unless they have health issues. Remember that due to their calm nature, they will not be as assertive as some other breeds. If you keep Buff Orpingtons, limit your flock to other calm breeds. This prevents fights as well as competition for food. If they have to compete for food with more dominant breeds, Buff Orpingtons are not likely to fight much, which can become a problem over time.

Predators and Threats

Like most chickens, Buff Orpingtons are vulnerable to predators trying to get into the coop. This is more common at night when the chickens are asleep, and their guard is down, although some bolder predators will also go after them during the day. Common predators vary by location. Some of the more common ones include foxes, raccoons, and coyotes. Snakes and other birds will go after their eggs if they can.

One of the best things you can do to prevent predators from getting your chickens is to construct or purchase a coop to protect them. Look for a coop with fencing that makes it difficult for predators to get through. The door or opening to the coop should be large enough for your chickens to pass through, but small enough to prevent larger predators from entering. Some can be pretty determined, so multiple layers of protection are ideal.

Reproduction, Babies, and Lifespan

They like to brood, which refers to the chicken’s tendency to sit on nests to incubate eggs. Buff Orpingtons are good mothers who take special care of their eggs. They are also very gentle and friendly with young kids, making them ideal chickens for younger families who want to introduce chickens to their children.

The eggs of Buff Orpingtons are brown. If you want to keep chickens for eggs, look for a utility Buff Orpington. These hens are bred to produce many eggs, typically between 180 and 250 eggs per year, with some high-producing hens laying even more. These contrast with show Buff Orpingtons, which are kept for breeding and for being great mothers. They are also popular at livestock shows.

Population

The Buff Orpington is one of the most popular choices among chicken breeders and keepers. Because they are docile and can thrive in various climates, these chickens are easy to keep. They make a great addition to a backyard flock because they will not pick fights with other chickens, are quiet, and lay plenty of eggs. Their larger size also makes them good birds to raise for meat. As mothers, they are attentive to their nests and eggs.