Orpington Bantams
Orpington Bantams make great pets as they are easily tamed and very docile. I keep this breed in Chocolate, Lavender, Black, Buff Columbian, Blue Buff Columbian, Mottled, Blue Mottled, Jubilee and Silver Laced. New colours for 2011 are Blue Silver Laced, White, Cuckoo, Partridge, Chocolate Partridge and Chocolate Cuckoo. I also have a couple of other Project Colours on the go which I look forward to sharing when I feel happy with the colours. Even though they are bantams they are still fairly large so the more space you have to keep them in the better. Orpington bantams are very good layers, laying between 110-160 eggs every year and also making great mothers. This breed is a fun and enjoyable breed to keep they all have their own personalities and all so friendly! Orpington Bantams were created in Germany by Herman Kuhn who crossed large Orpingtons with Pekins and Java bantams and later used Wyandotte bantams to add new colours.
Orpingtons in large and bantam come in many colours. Recognised colours in Orpingtons are Blue, Black, White and Buff, with Mottled (Spangled), Cuckoo and Jubilee being standarised soon. Many non standardised colours are available such as Gold Laced, Lavender, Crele, Blue Mottled, Red, Partridge, Columbian, Birchen, Buff Columbian, Silver Laced... plus many more.
Jubilee Cockerel Blue Mottled Hen Silver Laced Cockerel White Hen
The Orpington Club
If you are a fan of the breed in either Large fowl and Bantam, or both then I would highly recommend becoming a member. It costs just £7 per annum and this subscription you will receive an annual year book, newsletter including Orpington articles and other current members details. This is a great way to slot into the Orpington community and a chance to talk to some interesting Orpington fans. This is also a way to help source top Orpingtons from all over the country. You can also compete for the club trophies at the club shows plus a chance to purchase club memorabilia. So do your bit for the breed and become a member!