Orpington egg laying

[rick]

Bonnie the black orp is really surprising me with the amount of eggs she lays. I cant remember a day in the last three weeks when she hasn't laid one. She is probably about 10 months old. Does that seem a lot? My CLB Betty seems to be in competition mode as she hes almost matched Bonnie but my Blacktail Aerial hasn't laid an egg for 2 weeks (seems fine though.)

... Linden the little bantam cock and Bonnie have been getting it together for the past week which is hilarious to watch as Bonnie is like a huge feather sofa!

... And this morning Aerial has laid a whopper! Not worried about Bonnie just didn't think she would be so industrious.

 

[dinosaw]

It really depends on the strain Rick. Orpington's used to be one of the go to layers in England until they became a darling of the exhibition scene and people bred them for feathers rather than eggs. In the past, 160 eggs per year was normal for the breed but recently I've seen 70-80 eggs quoted for exhibitions birds. She's not one of the fluffiest Orps I've seen (no offence) so that probably explains her laying.

 

[MrsBiscuit]

Most people will tell you that orps are distinctly average when it comes to egg laying, and in most cases they are right. It takes an awful lot of energy to grow all those feathers so orps do not tend to naturally come into lay early or stay in lay very late. However, in my experience bantams are much better than the LF, and in fact I had a bantam who who my best layer ever (I used to keep records), even better than utility strain Sussex, although she was also a very good broody Enjoy your girl, black orpingtons are quite special I think

I see I have cross posted with Dinosaw, he is right about exhibition birds, although in my experience there are very few truly exhibition standard birds for sale out there, in the LF in particular they are massive beyond belief, even allowing for the 'normal' large size of an orp.

 

[LadyA]

Most people will tell you that orps are distinctly average when it comes to egg laying, and in most cases they are right. It takes an awful lot of energy to grow all those feathers so orps do not tend to naturally come into lay early or stay in lay very late.

But they are soooo beautiful and comfy looking! And cochins, (cushions! ) which I also admire from afar as I only keep laying hybrids. They just look like plump Victorian matrons, going about their business in their best clothes!

 

[rick]

...She's not one of the fluffiest Orps I've seen (no offence) so that probably explains her laying.

Personally, not offended Dino but Bonnie is sending 'the boys' round

Maybe she is just having a summer peak and will quit for the year at 100 eggs.

This matron could do with a few more feathers for modesty round the rear LadyA! She had a trim because of getting messy before I got her and lost a few more during introduction to the others - just a few but she could do with a moult this autumn.

She is great Mrs B. Don't know if she is properly black or a blue/black mix - petrol sheen green/black on top but with grey fluffy bits. Surprisingly good at flying up to the roost rather than taking the ladder too.

 

[MrsBiscuit]

Most people will tell you that orps are distinctly average when it comes to egg laying, and in most cases they are right. It takes an awful lot of energy to grow all those feathers so orps do not tend to naturally come into lay early or stay in lay very late.

But they are soooo beautiful and comfy looking! And cochins, (cushions! ) which I also admire from afar as I only keep laying hybrids. They just look like plump Victorian matrons, going about their business in their best clothes!

Ah yes, I totally agree, LF orps are my totally favourite birds ever

 

[rick]

Well after her marathon laying spree Bonnie was looking uncomfortable yesterday evening and I found a soft shelled Bonnie egg behind the perch this morning. Made a scramble for them all as a treat.