Buff Orpington Chicken Guide

History of the Buff Orpington breed

The Buff Orpington’s tale begins in Victorian England. In the 1880s, a poultry breeder named William Cook in Orpington, Kent crossed several hardy breeds (Plymouth Rocks, Minorcas and Langshans) to create a dual-purpose bird: the original Black Orpington. It was big, gentle and lay good eggs – perfect for farmers. Soon other colors were developed, and by the mid-1890s the golden-buff version appeared. By 1902 Buff Orpingtons were an American Poultry Association standard variety. In other words, this was no fly-by-night chicken breed – it quickly became a showhouse favorite and a cherished farmyard bird on both sides of the Atlantic.

Over time the Buff Orpington earned a reputation for table quality and steady laying. American farmers in the early 1900s especially liked its plump bodies and pretty eggs. World Wars and industrial farming briefly made heritage breeds rare, but Buff Orpingtons hung on. In fact, their numbers stayed strong enough that by 2016 the breed was removed from the conservation watch list. Today they’re a beloved heritage breed for backyard keepers.

Physical appearance and distinguishing traits

Buff Orpingtons are instantly recognizable by their warm golden feathers and heavy, rounded bodies. Picture a plump hen with a short, broad back, generous breast and a low stance – almost as if she’s proudly puffing out her chest. The overall effect is a smooth, rounded silhouette with soft edges (the downy underfluff hides the angles of the body). Their plumage ranges from pale buff to a rich golden-copper, all one uniform color that often shines in sunlight. White skin shows under the feathers, with a creamy pink beak and legs.

Every Buff Orpington sports a bright red single comb (usually five points on top), plus medium red wattles and earlobes. These vivid red accents pop against the golden body. (Roosters’ combs and wattles will grow even larger and brighter than hens’.) The eyes are typically a warm brown or chestnut. One charming detail: their legs and toes are clean (no feathers on the shanks) and usually a pale pinkish-white. All together they look neat and well-proportioned despite their heft.

Buff Orpington chicks (baby chickens) are adorable fuzzy yellow balls of down. In the first weeks of life they look like tiny golden cotton balls that grow surprisingly fast. As they mature, their buff plumage comes in and they lose the chicks’ pin-feathers. These babies are often described as “puffballs” – easy to raise and easy on the eyes as they fluff out.

In short, Buff Orpingtons wear their golden color and fluff proudly. They have soft, profuse feathers that cover a deep, broad body. From the side they carry a gently sloping back and a full tail. They’re noticeably heavy for a laying breed (hens around 6–7+ pounds is common), which shows in their solid gait. Yet for all that size, their soft frills and fuzzy feathering give them a cuddly, plush appearance that sets them apart from sleeker breeds.

Egg production: frequency, egg color, and reliability

Buff Orpingtons are respectable layers for a large heritage breed. A well-fed Buff hen typically lays about 3–5 eggs per week, roughly 200–250 eggs per year under ideal conditions. (Some sources even say 280 eggs in a great first year.) The eggs are medium to large and most often a warm light brown or creamy brown. Some owners note a slight pinkish tint to the shells, but they’re never white.

These girls usually begin laying around 5 to 6 months old, though first eggs might start appearing a bit later than with high-production light breeds. Once into laying mode, Buff hens are fairly consistent – they don’t have a savage moult or sudden laying drop like some fancy show birds. However, they can slow down in cold weather or during short winter days. On the bright side, Buffs tend to keep laying better in winter than many breeds, thanks to their good size and hardiness.

One thing to be aware of: Buff Orpington hens are fond of broodiness. In plain speak, when a Buff hen decides to sit on a clutch of eggs, she may stop laying new ones for a few weeks or even months. This broody urge means at times your Buff flock might skip laying as a hen tries to hatch eggs. (If you want constant egg production, you might have to break her of broodiness by removing her from the nest.) But if you do want chicks, Buff mothers make excellent sitters and mothers.

In summary, expect steady brown eggs at a moderate pace. A small flock of Buff Orpingtons can easily supply several eggs a day for the family, and they’ll keep going through most seasons. They’re not going to match a Leghorn’s daily output, but they will give you a reliable supply of tasty eggs and bonus virtue of being very hardy layers overall.

Temperament and behavior with other chickens and people

Buff Orpingtons are famous for being gentle giants of the chicken world. By temperament they’re among the sweetest, calmest breeds you can keep. Many owners joke that their Buffs think they’re lapdogs – these chickens are often happy to be petted or carried and will follow people around the yard. They love attention and are known to greet their keepers for treats or even come when called. It’s common for a Buff Orp to voluntarily hop onto a lap or into a feeding bowl for a free petting session. In short, they are extremely friendly and curious about humans. Young children and beginner keepers especially appreciate this mellow nature: Buff Orpingtons typically tolerate (or even enjoy!) the usual chaos of kids – barking dogs, loud noises, bouncy toddlers – with little protest.

With their flockmates, Buffs are laid-back and easygoing. They are neither bullies nor shy wallflowers. Their large size means other breeds often think twice before picking a fight, and Buffs in turn tend not to pick on smaller birds. In a mixed flock they usually sit contentedly in the middle of the pecking order. Of course, if you pair them with very aggressive breeds (think game birds or rambunctious autosexers), a Buff might get bossed a bit; so it’s wise to keep Buffs with other calm breeds or their own kind.

One more quirk: Buff roosters can be just as kind as the hens. A Buff rooster’s job is to protect his flock, but he’ll do it with a calm confidence rather than constant crowing or fighting. He’ll go after predators if needed, yet at home he can be docile enough to be handled by kids (with due caution, of course).

In summary, Buff Orpingtons are excellent “backyard ambassadors”: gentle with people, mellow in the coop, and quick to trust. They nearly earn a reputation as the lap-chicken of the henhouse, and it’s easy to see why once you spend a day with these golden fluffballs.

Climate tolerance (especially in various U.S. regions)

Buff Orpingtons are cold-hardy chickens. Their thick plumage acts like a built-in parka: in most parts of the U.S., winters are not a big worry for them. The medium-sized single comb and wattles are not so large as to be frostbite-prone (and some Buff varieties even have rose combs, which do even better in extreme cold). In northern states or snowy climates, Buffs will usually continue to forage and lay (with plenty of coop warmth and a dry roost). As with any chicken, they still need a draft-free, insulated coop, especially if temperatures dip far below freezing. But in general, a Buff Orp can handle an icy winter day with ease, as long as she stays dry and has a bit of supplemental light or good nutrition. Many owners report Buff pullets laying through winter – a bonus for egg production in cold climates.

Hot weather is another story: Buff Orpingtons do not love extreme heat. That same fluffy coat that keeps them warm in winter can make them prone to overheating in sweltering summer. If you live in a very hot U.S. region (deep south, desert Southwest, etc.), you’ll need to take precautions. Always offer plenty of shade, cool water, and good airflow in the coop. Shade trees, misters or even a small fan can help keep Buffs comfortable. They will pant and slow down (and lay fewer eggs) when the mercury soars. In humid or consistently hot climates, consider trimming long grass in their run, giving them frozen treats (like frozen grapes), or creating cool dirt “dust bath” spots. Still, most Buffs manage fine as long as you watch for signs of heat stress (open-mouthed panting, wing-drooping) and intervene.

In summary, Buff Orpingtons thrive in cooler climates (we often hear they’re perfect for Northern and Midwestern yards). In the South or Southwest, they can do OK with help: shade, ventilation, and plenty of water are must-haves. Avoid keeping them sun-baked on a tin roof in July, and they’ll generally reward you. Versatility-wise, Buffs are more tolerant of cold than many flighty breeds – think Yankee winters or Rocky Mountain chills – but they need a bit of TLC for Death Valley summers. As with any chicken, moderation in extremes keeps them happy.

Pros and Cons of raising Buff Orpingtons

Gentle and friendly: Buffs are famous for their calm, docile personalities. They’re great with kids and will often seek out human attention. Even roosters tend to be laid-back watchdogs.
Good dual-purpose bird: With hearty bodies and plump breasts, Buff Orpingtons make excellent meat birds. At the same time, they are solid layers (about 200+ eggs/year). You get dinner and eggs from the same bird.
Hardy in winter: Their dense, full feathers and moderate comb size let them withstand cold temperatures better than many lighter breeds. In most of the U.S., they keep on laying into chilly weather.
Beautiful appearance: Let’s be honest – those golden buff feathers are show-stoppers. Many people enjoy keeping Buff Orpingtons just for their attractive plumage.
Excellent brooders and mothers: If you need to hatch eggs, a Buff hen is almost guaranteed to go broody and care for her chicks. They’re one of the best “mama” chickens around.
Quiet and calm: While not totally silent, Buff Orpingtons are generally quieter than flightier breeds. They like to stroll and cluck softly rather than race around squawking.

Cons:

Prone to broodiness: The flip side of good motherhood: buff hens often decide to sit. This means a stop in egg-laying whenever they get that urge. (It’s great if you want chicks, but a bummer if you want continual eggs.)
Moderate egg production: They lay well for a heavy breed, but not as prolifically as Leghorns or Rhode Island Reds. If your main goal is maximum eggs, a specialized layer might out-produce them. Expect a good supply, but not an egg factory.
Heat sensitivity: Buffs can overheat in high summer. In very hot climates, they need extra care (shade, airflow, frozen treats). They’ll tolerate heat if managed, but it’s more of a hassle.
Eat more & get lazy: These chickens are big eaters (more body to fuel) and they enjoy lounging. They can easily get chunky if overfed. A heavy Buff that never gets some exercise (or scraps swapped for feed) can become obese.
Size and space requirements: Their weight means they need sturdy roosts and slightly larger nesting boxes. A flimsy coop may not be ideal. Also, they take up more run space when free-ranging because of their bulk.
Possible pecking-order issues: While generally peaceful, their slowness makes them an easy target for the odd bully chicken. It’s wise to keep Buffs with other calm, friendly breeds rather than aggressive ones.

Where to buy Buff Orpingtons in the U.S.

If you’re convinced and ready to welcome Buff Orpingtons to your flock, here are some places to look:

Mail-order hatcheries: Many large hatcheries ship Buff Orpington chicks or pullets nationwide (usually in early spring). Examples include Murray McMurray Hatchery, Cackle Hatchery, Meyer Hatchery, Ideal Hatchery, Greenfire Farms, and similar suppliers. These companies often list Buff Orpingtons in their seasonal chick catalogs.
Tractor Supply Co.: This nationwide farm store often sells Buff Orpington chicks (typically in spring) for in-store pickup. Check their hatchery schedule; Buffs frequently appear on the lineup.
Local feed stores or hatcheries: Independent farm supply stores sometimes carry Buff Orp chicks or started pullets from spring to summer. It doesn’t hurt to ask your local feed shop or look at bulletin boards.
Specialty breeders: The American Poultry Association Orpington Club and various poultry associations keep breeder directories. You can find small-scale breeders who raise show-quality or family-line Buff Orpingtons (sometimes at county fairs or via clubs).
Online classifieds and forums: Websites like Craigslist, Facebook groups (e.g., backyard chickens/small flock groups), and livestock forums often have listings for Buff Orpington chicks or laying hens. This can be hit-or-miss but worth checking if you prefer local pickup or older birds.

When ordering chicks, remember to plan for USPS shipping if needed, and quarantine any new birds. Buff Orpingtons are popular, so reputable sources are plenty – just be sure they are vaccinated (or not, if you prefer no vaccines) and avoid crossbreeds (look for “pure breed Buff Orpington”). With a bit of searching, you’ll find these golden ladies ready to join your backyard flock!

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: How many eggs do Buff Orpingtons lay each year, and what color are they?
A: A healthy Buff Orpington hen will typically lay about 180–250 eggs per year, depending on conditions. She tends to lay around 4 eggs per week on average. The eggs are a light to medium brown color (some folks notice a faint pinkish tint in certain bloodlines). They are large and have firm shells.

Q: Are Buff Orpingtons good with people and children?
A: Absolutely! Buff Orpingtons are known as one of the most friendly and docile chicken breeds. They usually enjoy being around humans and tolerate being gently handled. Many kids enjoy these birds because they rarely freak out if petted or picked up. Just remember to always be gentle and let the chicken come to you – Buffs will often hop onto a lap on their own if they trust you.

Q: Do Buff Orpington hens often go broody?
A: Yes, that’s a common trait. Buff hens have a strong tendency to go broody (sit on nests to hatch eggs). This means after about 20–30 eggs, one hen might decide it’s time to raise chicks and stop laying for a while. If you don’t want chicks, you’ll need to discourage broodiness by taking the eggs away and moving her off the nest regularly. If you do want chicks, on the other hand, a broody Buff is excellent at hatch and rearing chicks.

Q: Can Buff Orpingtons handle cold winter weather or hot summers?
A: Buff Orpingtons are very cold-hardy. Their fluffy feathers and moderate comb make them well-suited to frost and snow – with a dry, draft-free coop, they’ll stay comfortable in freezing temperatures. In hot weather, however, they can struggle. Because of their heavy plumage, they can overheat. In warm U.S. regions you should provide extra shade, cool water, and good ventilation to keep them comfortable in summer.

Q: How large do Buff Orpingtons get, and do they eat a lot?
A: Buff Orpingtons are a large breed. Mature hens often weigh around 6–8 pounds, and roosters can be 8–10 pounds or more. They do eat more than petite breeds simply because of their size. Expect to give them a bit extra feed (and maybe a different sized perch) than a bantam or flighty layer. They will happily overeatscratch, so portion control (and exercise) helps prevent obesity. But their hearty appetite also helps them grow and lay well.