The Lavender Orpington is an incredible addition to any backyard flock, offering a mix of beauty, productivity, and charm. Known for its docile temperament and hearty nature, this breed stands out with its fluffy plumage and soft lavender hue.
Whether you are looking for a dual-purpose chicken or a productive layer, this variety ticks all the boxes. With hens laying around 200-280 brown eggs annually, their egg production is impressive.
Their friendly disposition also makes them great for families, especially if children are involved in their care. As a top pick for many chicken keepers, the Lavender Orpington’s quirky personality and gorgeous appearance add both functionality and flair to your flock.
Having learned from resources like the Happy Chicken Coop, I can confirm that these chickens are not only visually stunning but also incredibly productive. They’re perfect for free-ranging or adapting to a coop and run setup.
Their loose-knit feathers, combined with their calm temperament, make them easy to care for and enjoyable to raise. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced breeder, the Lavender Orpington offers a lifetime of joy, proving its worth as a designer chicken that’s hard to replicate. Investing in this rare and beautiful breed is a decision you won’t regret.
History of the Lavender Orpington
The story of the Lavender Orpington begins in England, where William Cook created the first Orpington chickens in the 1800s. These birds were bred to be dual-purpose, excelling in both meat and egg production.
Originally designed for practicality on the dinner table, the breed quickly gained popularity for its prized qualities. Over the decades, the Orpington family expanded to include various varieties, such as the buff, black-colored, and red.
However, the lavender coloration didn’t appear until the late 1990s in the UK. This recent addition emerged after years of careful breeding, resulting in a stunning diluted black hue that breeds true, ensuring every chick inherits the lavender color.
Despite its beauty and versatility, the Lavender Orpington is still not recognized by the APA. This has not stopped its resurgence in small-scale homesteads and among poultry enthusiasts.
Its popularity has soared over the past 30 years, particularly for family flocks and poultry shows. Breeders like Priscilla Middleton in the UK devoted years of fine-tuning to perfect its pretty plumage. Even with its growing fame, the Lavender Orpington remains a labor of love for many, standing out as a truly unique breed in the world of chickens.
Lavender Orpington Roosters
Lavender Orpington roosters are among the friendliest roosters you can keep. If you’re curious about the original golden variety of the breed, the Buff Orpington Chicken shares many of the same traits with a classic, vibrant appearance. They are naturally protective of their hens and will defend their chicks when needed, making them a great choice for protection in a free-range hens setup.
While breeding Lavender Orpingtons is not for the faint-hearted, regular handling from a young age helps keep them docile and easy to manage. Most backyard keepers avoid keeping roosters unless absolutely necessary, as hens are more predictable and easier to house. Thankfully, these roosters prefer to avoid drama and blend well into the flock with proper care.
Appearance & Hardiness
The Lavender Orpington is a stunning bird that brings a unique variety to any backyard flock. With their light gray feathers shimmering with a violet or light purple hue, these chickens are a sight to behold, resembling a soft, silvery-lilac tint, much like the effect of a toner shampoo.
Their broad back, stubby tail, and arched stature make them appear sturdy, though their dense plumage and loose-knit feathers give them a larger look than their actual size. Their dark grey, slate-colored legs are usually clean, although some strains might have a few stray feathers, which is not ideal for showing.
These birds thrive in cooler climates and can handle colder weather comfortably, though warmer days require extra care with plenty of shade, space, and water to avoid overheating. If you’re looking to add more visual variety and color to your egg basket, the Sapphire Olive Egger Chicken brings both hardiness and uniquely tinted green eggs to the flock.
Their bright red comb, red wattles, and earlobes contrast beautifully with their lavender feathers, complemented by their bay-red eyes and dark horn-colored beaks. The single, five-pointed comb adds a regal touch to their already striking appearance, making them a favorite for both beauty and hardiness.
How Big are Lavender Orpingtons?
Lavender Orpingtons are known for their impressive size and plumped-up plumage, which often makes them appear heavier than they actually are. Hens generally weigh around 8 lbs as adults and 7 lbs as pullets, while cockerels weigh about 8.5 lbs and fully grown roosters reach 10 lbs.
These large ladies and gents showcase their beautiful purple plumage, adding to their striking appearance and making them a standout breed in any flock.
Why Are Lavender Orpingtons Rare?
Lavender Orpingtons are considered rare because of the challenging process of breeding healthy chicks. The lavender gene is recessive, meaning both Momma hen and Papa roo must carry it for their chick to have the signature lavender color or purple rinse.
This gene also causes weak feather development, requiring breeders to carefully dilute and reintroduce the gene to maintain the stunning lilac feathers while ensuring proper functioning.
As the newest addition to the Orpington variety, these birds were recently removed from the endangered species list by the American Livestock Breed Conservatory, but their rarity persists. To ensure a healthy clutch, it’s best to source them from a reputable hatchery, as relying on the internet alone can be risky.
Are Lavender Orpingtons Beginner-Friendly?
Lavender Orpingtons are a perfect choice for beginner chicken keepers, combining their unique and fancy appearance with a reputation for being low maintenance and gentle softies. If you’re exploring other beginner-friendly breeds with similar calm temperaments and reliability, the Plymouth Barred Rock Chicken is another excellent option to consider.
Their friendly nature and adaptability make them a brilliant beginner’s breed, suitable even for those just starting out. However, sourcing healthy chicks is crucial, as feathering issues caused by poor bloodlines can be distressing, even for experienced keepers. Another excellent choice, especially for keepers prioritizing high egg yield and ease of care, is the ISA Brown Chicken, known for its outstanding productivity.
Always purchase from a reputable breeder to ensure the quality of your birds and a smooth experience as you start your poultry journey.
Do Lavender Orpington Hens Go Broody?
Lavender Orpingtons are known to go broody at least twice a year, driven by their strong maternal instinct. When their hormones kick in, they become fiercely protective, and you might have to battle them for your hen’s eggs.
Despite the challenges of breeding this complex bird, their nurturing nature makes them magnificent adoptive Mommas. Like Silkies, they are happy to sit on another hen’s eggs and even help care for the kids when needed. This natural motherly behavior is a standout trait of the Lavender Orpingtons.
How Many Eggs Do Lavender Orpingtons Lay?
Lavender Orpingtons are a fair egg layer, producing around 200-280 eggs annually, with each egg being medium-sized and light brown in color. For those who love dark, richly colored eggs, the Cuckoo Maran Chicken is another breed worth considering for its signature chocolate-brown eggs.
They typically start laying eggs at 5-7 months of age, although some may begin later, around 24 weeks, compared to other breeds that start as early as 16-18 weeks.
These hens lay 3-4 eggs a week and rarely stop, continuing even through the cold seasons. However, be cautious of their broodiness, as it may occasionally affect their laying patterns.
Breeding Lavender Orpingtons
Breeding Lavender Orpingtons is tricky and often requires experienced breeders or even experts to handle the process. The lavender gene is recessive, meaning both parents must carry it to produce a baby Lavender Orpington. Even then, the fertility rate is only around 65-80%, according to Cackle Hatchery.
Complications such as the shredder gene or tail shredder gene can cause abnormal feather development, where feathers have weak barbs that fail to interlock, making them look like they’ve been through a paper shredder.
This issue not only affects their appearance but also reduces insulation and function. Some breeders recommend crossing back to black birds to improve the characteristics of the offspring, ensuring healthier pure lavender birds in the future.
How Much Do Lavender Orpingtons Cost?
Lavender Orpingtons are considered rare, and their cost reflects this. Prices can range from $10 to $45 for a chick, while a dozen hatching eggs might cost $21.00 to $45.00. Males tend to be cheaper since breeding at home isn’t often a priority.
The prices also vary depending on the hatchery, with some selling chicks for as little as $5 and others charging up to $30. Ordering a larger quantity often reduces the price per bird, and whether you choose specific sex or unsexed birds can also affect the total. For instance, at a small farm, we purchased week-old chicks for around $15 each.
Lavender Orpington Health Issues
Lavender Orpingtons are heavy chickens and can be a bit lazy, making them prone to obesity, which is the main health issue to watch out for in these otherwise hardy hens.
Their weight also makes them prone to leg injuries, so it’s important to ensure their perches and coop entrances aren’t too high. Keeping an eye on their waistlines and providing appropriate living conditions can help maintain their overall health.
Life Span of Lavender Orpingtons
With proper care, Lavender Orpingtons can remain a cherished part of your flock for 5 years to as long as 10 years. Ensuring they are well-fed, housed in a clean environment, and protected from predators will keep them healthy and by your side for many years.
What is the Temperament of Lavender Orpingtons?
Lavender Orpingtons are a wonderful breed known for their friendly temperament, making them a highly selected choice for families with children. These hens thrive in free range settings, allowing kids to safely collect eggs and tend to the flock without feeling fearful.
While roosters can become more aggressive after reaching sexual maturity, the guardian rooster of a Lavender Orpington works to keep the flock safe and running smoothly as they enjoy the yard together.
Are Lavender Orpington Chickens Noisy?
Lavender Orpington chickens are among the quietest breeds you can raise. They may chatter, and you’ll occasionally hear them, but they rarely crow and are definitely not loud. Their calm nature makes them an excellent choice for backyard flocks, especially in areas where noise could be a concern.
How Much Space Do Lavender Orpington Chickens Need?
Lavender Orpingtons require proper space to stay healthy and active. For a run, they need about 8 to 10 square feet per bird to ensure they get enough exercise and have the motivation to forage, especially since they can be a bit lazy.
In the coop, allocate 4-5 square feet per hen to prevent them from feeling cramped, especially in warmer conditions when their fluffy jackets might make them feel hot. Since this is a broad breed, ensure roost heights are kept low, and provide at least 1.5 feet per chicken to avoid injuries as they hop down.
While smaller fences can keep them in because they don’t fly, these won’t necessarily stop predators from entering, so extra care is needed.
Where to Buy the Lavender Orpington
Lavender Orpingtons can be purchased from various hatcheries, small local farms, or even individuals through platforms like Facebook Marketplace. For reliable sources, consider Hoover’s Hatchery or Meyer Hatchery.
These chickens are known for being sweet, friendly, and a great breed for your flock, especially as a starter chicken. If ordering through mail, ensure you have a Baby Chick Care Kit ready to help rehydrate your chicks, as they may arrive slightly dehydrated and fragile.
With the proper care, your Lavender Orpingtons will have a strong start and thrive in any environment, even in extreme weather conditions.
Final Thoughts on Lavender Orpingtons
Lavender Orpingtons are a fancy chicken breed with their luscious lavender locks and calm temperament, making them a perfect addition to any backyard flock. Whether you’re looking for a fluffy chicken, a friendly chicken, or one that lays plenty of eggs, they offer a unique charm.
With so many stunning types of chicken breeds to choose from, it’s important to understand a breed’s needs and make a thoughtful final decision. These birds require a long-term commitment, but they are absolutely wonderful to raise for many years. If you’re interested, find a trustworthy breeder to ensure you’re bringing home a healthy and happy bird.
