What English Lavender Orpingtons are
The Orpington is a large, soft-feathered, dual-purpose breed developed in England in the late 1800s. The lavender color is an even, pale gray-blue (sometimes called self-blue) where every feather is roughly the same shade. “English” refers to the type of bird: a fuller, rounder, looser-feathered body than the more upright, tighter American strain. People sometimes call lavender chickens purple, but the color is a soft silvery gray-lavender rather than truly purple.
For more on the color itself and how it compares to blue and splash, see our guide to Lavender Orpington chicken colors.
English type vs American type
Breeders and keepers often describe the difference this way:
- English type: very large, broad, and round with loose, abundant feathering; a low, rounded profile and a tail that sits fairly low.
- American type: often taller and more upright with tighter feathering and a higher tail set.
A popular Backyard Chickens discussion about English lavender hatching eggs makes a useful point: English-type birds tend to cost more, and sellers sometimes label birds as English when they are not. Cheap hatching eggs or chicks sold as “English” are a flag to look closer. Photos of the parent birds, and how the chicks develop, are better evidence than the listing title.
Size, appearance and the lavender color
Orpingtons are heavy birds. Commonly cited weights are roughly 6.5 to 8 lb for hens and 8 to 10 lb for roosters, though the English type may run larger and individual birds vary. Their thick feathering makes them look even bigger than they are. They have a single comb and a broad, low-set body.
Lavender is a recessive color, which means two lavender parents produce lavender chicks. Chicks may start out pale, with the final shade developing as they feather out.
Temperament
Orpingtons are widely described as calm, gentle, and friendly, and they are often recommended for families and first-time keepers. They are not guaranteed to be the “calmest breed” of every flock, since temperament varies by line, handling, and the individual bird, and any rooster can become aggressive. Introduce birds gradually and supervise young children around all poultry.
Eggs and broodiness
Typical estimates are around 150 to 200 light brown to cream eggs a year, usually medium to large. Orpingtons commonly go broody, which can be wonderful if you want a hen to hatch chicks and frustrating if you want steady eggs. Broody hens may need to be separated or “broken” if you do not want chicks, and a hen that sits for long periods should still be checked for eating and drinking.
Care: heat, cold and feathers
- Cold: the dense feathering generally makes them cold-hardy, as long as the coop is dry and draft-free.
- Heat: the same feathering can make hot summers hard. Provide shade, ventilation, and clean, cool water.
- Parasites: thick, fluffy feathering can hide lice and mites. Check around the vent and under the wings regularly.
- Space: these are big birds, so give them more room than small breeds. A common rule of thumb is about 4 square feet each inside and 10 or more in the run.
- Weight: a calm, heavy breed can gain too much if overfed with treats.
If a bird shows labored breathing, lethargy, a drop in appetite, abnormal droppings, or swollen feet, consult a poultry-experienced vet. Do not rely on guessing at medications.
Sourcing and avoiding mislabeled birds
- Ask the seller to show the parent birds, not just chicks.
- Ask what they mean by “English” and what lines they started from.
- Compare the seller’s birds against other English-type photos to judge body shape and feathering.
- Be cautious about eggs sold at very low prices and described as English type.
- Keep in mind that cockerels are often sold as pullets by mistake or misrepresentation, so ask about the seller’s sexing policy.
Hatcheries and breeders vary in price, and prices change over time, so compare several sources rather than relying on any one figure.
Sexing chicks
Telling male from female in Orpington chicks is not reliable by color alone. Professional vent-sexing at hatch is one option, and many keepers wait for comb and wattle development and body shape at several weeks of age. Even then, early guesses can be wrong, so plan for the possibility that some of your “pullets” are roosters.
FAQ
Is there such a thing as a purple chicken? Not literally. Lavender chickens are a pale gray-blue color, which looks purple-ish in some light.
Are Orpington chickens friendly? Generally, yes, and they are often recommended for families. Individual birds vary.
What is the calmest breed of chicken? There is no official ranking. Orpingtons are among the breeds most often described as calm.
How can you tell if an Orpington chick is male or female? Color is not a dependable guide. Vent-sexing by an expert or waiting for physical development are the usual options, and neither is perfect.