What color is a Lavender Orpington?
A Lavender Orpington is a large, fluffy chicken with an even pale gray-blue plumage, often with a silvery or pinkish-lilac cast in certain light. Genetically it is a diluted form of black. The lavender color is recessive, so two lavender parents produce lavender chicks, a trait often described as “breeding true.” The lavender Orpington was developed over years of breeding work in the UK, and sources differ on exact dates, so treat any date as approximate.
Lavender is usually described as a color variety rather than a separate breed, and it may not be recognized in every country’s official breed standard. If showing is a goal, check the current standard for your region.
Lavender vs blue vs splash
These three are often confused:
- Lavender: an even pale gray-blue that breeds true.
- Blue: a deeper slate-blue, often with darker lacing. Blue does not breed true.
- Splash: white or pale birds with irregular blue-black splashes.
Breeding blue to blue is generally expected to produce a mix of blue, black, and splash chicks. Lavender is a different gene, which is why lavender-to-lavender gives lavender. Some hatcheries sell mixed groups such as “Blue/Black/Splash,” and “Black/Lavender split” listings, which can produce a mix of colors. Read listing wording carefully so you know what you are buying.
Other Orpington colors
Orpingtons come in many varieties. Colors commonly mentioned include:
- Buff: the classic golden-tan variety and probably the best known.
- Black: the original variety, with a green sheen in sun.
- White: all white.
- Blue: slate-blue.
- Jubilee: a speckled or spangled pattern.
- Chocolate: a deep brown variety.
- Lavender, splash, and others that vary by breeder.
The American Poultry Association recognized Buff in 1902, Black and White in 1905, and Blue in 1923, according to published breed overviews; for current standards, check the APA directly.
Breeding outcomes in plain terms
If you plan to hatch your own, keep expectations simple:
- Lavender x lavender: lavender chicks.
- Lavender x black: usually black-looking chicks that carry the lavender gene, and you may see lavender again in the next generation. Breeders sometimes cross lavender with black for better feathering and type.
- Blue x blue: a mix of blue, black, and splash.
Genetics in real flocks can be messier than this, so ask the breeder to explain what their pairings produce. Some Orpington lines also have type problems if bred only for color, so choose healthy, vigorous parents.
How rare are lavender and other colors?
Lavender Orpingtons have become widely available through hatcheries, so they are not especially rare today. Rarity depends on what you are after: English-type lavender, specific patterns like jubilee or chocolate, and show-quality birds are generally harder to find than standard hatchery lavender. Availability changes by year and region, so there is no firm answer.
What do they cost?
Prices vary by seller, season, and whether the bird is a chick, started pullet, or breeding stock. Hatchery chicks are usually the cheapest option, while breeders offering selected, English-type, or show-quality birds charge more. Treat any price you see quoted as a rough snapshot. Compare current prices from several reputable sellers, and factor in feed, housing, and shipping.
Pros and cons
Pros
- Gentle, calm temperament in most birds
- Soft, striking plumage in a unique color
- Reasonably good layers of light brown eggs, commonly 150 to 200 a year
- Good cold tolerance thanks to dense feathering
- Often broody and good mothers
Cons
- Heavy feathering makes summer heat harder, so provide shade and airflow
- Broodiness can interrupt egg laying
- Fluffy feathers can hide lice and mites
- Quality, type, and “English” claims vary between sellers
- Larger birds need more space and feed
For the version of the breed with fuller, looser type, see our guide to English Lavender Orpington chickens.
FAQ
How rare is a lavender Orpington? Standard hatchery lavender is widely sold. Specific bloodlines or English-type birds are harder to find.
What are the rare colors of Orpington chickens? Colors such as jubilee and chocolate are often described as less common than buff or black, but availability varies.
Are Orpingtons good for families? They are generally gentle and often recommended, but individual birds vary and children should always be supervised around poultry.
Do Orpington hens lay dark eggs? No. Orpington eggs are usually light brown. If you want dark brown eggs, see our Copper Maran chickens guide.