Hen-Gen
Well-known member
I seem to remember reading years ago that due to their fluffy ‘bums’ Orpington’s should have their feathers and fluff trimmed to ensure fertile eggs are laid. Anyone have any knowledge or experience of this?
Mating Orpingtons
- Thread starter Hen-Gen
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MrsBiscuit
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It is what the serious breeders do, but I never did it. As you know orps aren't the most prolific layers anyway, although some strains are not bad. Some of the males are absolutely huge as well, which doesn't help the poor hens and I understand some of them are not particularly fertile because of (?) their size. I can't say I ever regretted not trimming.
rick
Active member
It makes sense! Trying to find an Orpingtons vent with a thermometer is quite a challenge!
Hen-Gen
Well-known member
Thanks for your insights. Just a whim thinking about some possible hatchlings in 2022. Was thinking of Black Silkie x Black Orpington chicks in 2023 but makes more sense to go Black Silkie x Black Australorp.
A few years back visited a breeder who had a few Gold Silkie x Buff Orpington wandering about and I thought they were very attractive hens. And by the end of this year, hopefully, all my birds will be Barred Splash so a few black hens would be a nice contrast.
A few years back visited a breeder who had a few Gold Silkie x Buff Orpington wandering about and I thought they were very attractive hens. And by the end of this year, hopefully, all my birds will be Barred Splash so a few black hens would be a nice contrast.
