If you live in an area with cold winters, you need a breed that can handle the cold. One of the breeds that are often recommended for cold climates is the Buff Orpington. But are Orpingtons really a cold-hardy breed?
In total, Buff Orpingtons are a cold-hardy breed that is well-suited to cold climates. Their dense, fluffy feathers help to keep them warm during cold weather, and they are known to be more tolerant of cold temperatures than many other breeds.
In this article, we will go through the origin of the Buff Orpington, why they are a great choice for a cold environment, and how to assist your Buff Orpingtons in staying warm throughout winter. After that, we will discuss a breed that might not be so suitable for cold weather!
Where did Buff Orpingtons Come From?
The Buff Orpington chicken is a breed that originated in Orpington, a small town in Kent, England in the late 1800s. The breed was developed by William Cook, who was interested in creating a dual-purpose chicken that would be good for both meat and egg production. To do this, he crossed Minorcas, Langshans, and Plymouth Rocks.
The Buff Orpington was first exhibited at the Crystal Palace show in London in 1895 and quickly became popular among poultry keepers. The breed’s gentle temperament, good looks, and egg-laying ability made it a favorite among backyard chicken enthusiasts. In fact, the breed became so popular that it was exported to the United States, where it was recognized by the American Poultry Association in 1902.
In addition to their practical qualities, Buff Orpingtons also became popular as show birds. Their fluffy, golden feathers and docile nature made them a hit in the show ring. Today, Buff Orpingtons remain a popular breed for both meat and egg production, as well as for showing. They are known for their calm and friendly personalities, which make them a favorite among backyard chicken keepers.
Are Buff Orpingtons Good for Cold Environments?
Buff Orpingtons are one of the best chickens for cold environments. Their dense, fluffy feathers help to keep them warm during cold weather, and they are known to be more tolerant of cold temperatures than many other breeds.
In fact, the Buff Orpington was originally developed in England, where it was bred to withstand the cold, damp climate of the region. This breed is also known for being a good forager, which means that they are able to find their own food during the winter months when other sources may be scarce. Also, Buff Orpingtons are known to continue laying eggs even in the winter months, when many other breeds slow down or stop laying altogether.
I’ve raised Buff Orpingtons for about 20 years and have seen them do just fine in temperatures well below zero degrees Fahrenheit. Of the chicken breeds, while they may not be the absolute best choice, I’d say they are definitely in the top 10! If you would like to see who else made the list, check out the article I wrote about which breeds of chickens are best for cold environments!
How to Keep Buff Opringtons Warm in Winter
There are quite a few ways you can keep your Buff Orpingtons warm in winter. I will not go into great detail here but instead will keep it a short list. If you’d like to see the full article on how to keep your chickens warm in winter, I’ve got you covered!
- Provide a Draft-Free Coop
- Use Deep Bedding
- Provide Roosts
- Use a Heat Lamp
- Prevent Frostbite (This is important for Orpingtons since their combs can be quite large)
- Provide Plenty of Food and Water (Provide Suitable Feed for Winter, and break your water)
- Consider a Chicken Sweater (Yes Really!!)
Are Buff Orpingtons Good Layers?
Yes, Buff Orpingtons are known for being good layers. They are a dual-purpose breed, which means they were originally developed for both meat and egg production.
Buff Orpingtons are known to be consistent and reliable layers, with hens laying an average of 200 brown eggs per year. They typically begin laying eggs at around 5-6 months of age and continue laying throughout their lives, with peak egg production occurring in their first year. Seeing as some hens lay nearly 300 eggs per year, the Buff Orpington isn’t quite the best layer out there, but they definitely make a nice addition to your backyard foragers!
The wrong chicken breed for cold environments
Another one of my favorite chickens to raise, primarily due to the fact my grandpa raised these for many years is the White Leghorn. He considered them to be the best egg-laying chicken breed in existence. I have a whole article based on white leghorns and their ability to thrive in cold weather. Spoiler alert, they aren’t the ideal chicken for cold environments! However, my grandpa was correct about the egg-laying capabilities, check out the complete white leghorn guide article if you have time!
Buff Orpingtons – Final Verdict
While no chicken breed is completely immune to the effects of cold weather Buff Orpingtons are an excellent cold hardy breed that can thrive in colder climates and keep laying all the while! With a little extra care and attention, you can help ensure that your Buff Orpingtons stay healthy and happy all winter long.