Frequently Asked Questions About Lavender Orpington Chickens

A Lavender Orpington is a rare color variety of the Orpington chicken breed, known for its beautiful lavender-gray plumage and gentle temperament. These heritage chickens are dual-purpose birds valued for both egg production and meat. The lavender coloration results from a recessive gene that dilutes black pigmentation, creating a soft blue-gray appearance throughout the feathers. Originally developed in England during the 1880s by William Cook, the Orpington breed has since expanded to include multiple color varieties, with lavender being one of the most recent and sought-after. The breed carries the classic Orpington traits: heavy body type, docile personality, cold-hardiness, and moderate egg production. Unlike some color varieties that don't breed true, lavender genetics are straightforward—two lavender parents produce 100% lavender offspring.

Lavender Orpingtons are moderate egg layers, typically producing 200-280 light brown to pinkish eggs per year. They are known for being broody and make excellent mothers for hatching chicks. While they won't match production breeds like Rhode Island Reds (280-300 eggs) or Leghorns (300+ eggs), they provide consistent output for household needs. Their eggs weigh 55-65 grams, qualifying as large to extra-large. Production peaks during spring and summer, with significant drops during winter unless supplemental lighting is provided. Most hens begin laying at 5-7 months old and maintain good production for 2-3 years before gradual decline. Their tendency toward broodiness means you'll experience 3-4 week breaks when hens decide to hatch eggs, but this trait makes them valuable for natural incubation if you're interested in breeding.

Lavender Orpington chickens typically cost $25-50 for chicks and $75-150 for adult birds due to their rarity. Prices vary based on quality, breeder reputation, and availability in your area. Day-old chicks from hatcheries usually run $25-35 each, while show-quality or breeding stock from established breeders can reach $50-75 per chick. Started pullets (8-16 weeks old) command $60-100, and point-of-lay hens (18-22 weeks) range from $75-150. Hatching eggs sell for $3-8 each, with minimum orders typically requiring 6-12 eggs. Exhibition-quality birds with superior type and color can exceed $200 per bird. Roosters generally cost less than hens since most buyers want layers. Bantam varieties typically cost 20-30% less than standard-sized birds. Shipping adds $25-75 depending on distance and whether you're receiving chicks, eggs, or adult birds.

Lavender Orpington chickens are large birds, with hens weighing 6-8 pounds and roosters weighing 8-10 pounds. They have a broad, rounded body shape with fluffy feathering that makes them appear even larger. The American Poultry Association standard calls for hens at 8 pounds and roosters at 10 pounds for show birds, though backyard specimens often run slightly smaller. Bantam versions exist at roughly one-quarter the size: bantam hens weigh 3-4 pounds and roosters 4-5 pounds. Their substantial size classifies them as heavy breeds, which affects their growth rate—chicks take 6-8 months to reach full size compared to 4-5 months for lighter breeds. This large frame contributes to their excellent meat qualities, with dressed weights of 5-7 pounds for hens and 7-9 pounds for roosters. Their size also influences their gentle temperament, lower activity level, and limited flying ability.

Breeding Lavender Orpingtons requires selecting quality stock that exhibits proper type, color, and temperament while maintaining genetic diversity. Start with unrelated breeding pairs or trios (one rooster to 2-3 hens) from reputable breeders who track lineage. The lavender gene is recessive and breeds true, so lavender-to-lavender pairings produce 100% lavender offspring. Maintain a breeding pen ratio of 1 rooster per 8-10 hens for optimal fertility, which typically runs 85-95% in healthy flocks. Collect eggs daily, store them pointed-end down at 50-60°F for no more than 7-10 days before incubation. Incubation takes 21 days at 99.5°F with 50-55% humidity, increasing to 65-70% for the final three days. Lavender Orpington hens make excellent natural mothers if you prefer broody incubation. Select breeding stock based on standard characteristics: broad body, low stance, small single comb, proper lavender coloration without brassiness, and calm temperament. Cull birds with serious defects like crooked toes, wry tail, or aggressive behavior.

Lavender Orpington roosters display notably calm and gentle temperaments compared to most other breeds, making them suitable for family flocks and urban settings. While individual personalities vary, most Lavender Orpington males rarely show aggression toward humans and tolerate handling well. They remain attentive flock protectors, alerting hens to danger and defending against predators like hawks and foxes, but they accomplish this through vigilance rather than aggression. Rooster-to-rooster conflict tends to be less violent than in game breeds or Mediterranean types, though keeping multiple males still requires adequate space and hen numbers. Young roosters (cockerels) may test boundaries between 4-8 months of age, but consistent handling usually maintains their docility. Their lower activity level means less fence-pacing and crowing frequency compared to high-strung breeds, though all roosters crow daily starting around 4-5 months old. This temperament makes Lavender Orpington roosters excellent choices for beginners or those keeping chickens in closer proximity to neighbors.

Feed Lavender Orpingtons a balanced diet consisting of 16-18% protein layer feed for adults, 20-22% protein grower feed for juveniles, and 18-20% protein starter feed for chicks. Quality commercial feeds formulated for their life stage provide essential nutrients, vitamins, and minerals. Adults consume approximately 1/4 to 1/3 pound of feed daily (110-150 grams), with intake varying by season, activity level, and production status. Supplement with calcium through crushed oyster shell offered free-choice to support strong eggshells—laying hens need 4-5 grams of calcium daily. Provide insoluble grit (small stones) to aid digestion if birds don't have access to natural sources through free-ranging. Healthy treats can comprise up to 10% of diet: vegetables, fruits, mealworms, and scratch grains offer variety and enrichment. Avoid feeding chocolate, avocado, raw beans, moldy food, or excessive salt. Fresh, clean water is critical—each hen drinks 1-2 cups daily, doubling during hot weather. Their heavy body type makes them prone to obesity, so monitor body condition and adjust portions if birds become overly fat, which reduces laying and causes health problems.

Lavender Orpingtons are exceptionally cold-hardy due to their dense feathering, small combs, and heavy body mass, but they struggle more with heat than lighter breeds. They thrive in temperatures down to -20°F with proper housing, requiring only draft-free shelter with adequate ventilation. Their thick plumage insulates effectively, and their small single combs resist frostbite better than large combed breeds. However, this same heavy feathering creates heat stress risks when temperatures exceed 85-90°F. During summer, provide shade, multiple water stations, frozen treats, and excellent ventilation to prevent heat exhaustion. Some keepers in southern states avoid Orpingtons entirely, opting for heat-tolerant breeds like Leghorns or Fayoumis. Signs of heat stress include panting, wing-spreading, reduced activity, and decreased egg production. In extreme heat, mortality can occur within hours. Northern climates (USDA zones 3-6) suit Lavender Orpingtons perfectly, while southern regions (zones 8-10) require extra management. Transitional zones (7-8) work well with appropriate summer precautions like misters, fans, or air-conditioned coops during heat waves.

Finding Lavender Orpington chicks locally requires checking multiple sources since their rarity limits availability. Start with the American Poultry Association breeder directory and the Livestock Conservancy's breeder list to locate reputable breeders within driving distance. Local feed stores occasionally stock Lavender Orpington chicks during spring (March-May), though availability varies significantly by region. Poultry shows and swap meets offer opportunities to meet breeders and purchase birds directly—check your state's poultry association for event schedules. Online hatcheries like Meyer Hatchery, Cackle Hatchery, and Murray McMurray ship day-old chicks nationwide, typically offering them seasonally from February through September. Facebook groups dedicated to Orpingtons or regional poultry keeping help connect buyers with local sellers. Craigslist and similar classified sites sometimes list Lavender Orpingtons, though verify seller reputation and bird quality before purchasing. Hatching eggs ship more easily than live birds and cost less, making them viable if you have incubation equipment or broody hens. Expect to join waiting lists with quality breeders, as demand often exceeds supply, particularly in spring when most people start or expand flocks.