ISCA Posted February 19, 2010 Share Posted February 19, 2010 In my new 12 x 3.5 foot run and coop (3.5 x 3 foot) I was thinking of getting a Dorking, a Maran, a Legbar, a Sussex and an Orpington, These will be my first ever chooks. I thought this was would offer a nice range of egg colours and a good cross-section of different bird breeds for my first hens. As an alternative to getting a full-size Orpington hen I have also been considering getting 2 Bantam Orpingtons, but I have reservations about the egg size...how do their eggs compare in size to a standard "medium" egg? I do not think the space I have will offer scope for any additional birds but I am in a dilema as I can not choose between a Buff and a Black Orpington, I love both colours and was going to get one of each, but I also want one of each of the other breeds (greedy I know). Any thoughts appreciated. Thanks. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Daphne Posted February 19, 2010 Share Posted February 19, 2010 I wouldn't get bantam orps if the rest of your stock are large fowl. They may get picked on as orps are docile. Bantam orp eggs are obviously smaller than LF eggs - but there isn't a massive difference because LF orp eggs aren't very big either! I'd call them a small large egg shading to medium. If the birds won't be out of the run much/at all I'd prefer to have 5 birds rather than 6 in that set up. My personal favourites out of all birds are large black orpingtons but whichever you go for I'm sure you'll have lots of fun! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Redwing Posted February 19, 2010 Share Posted February 19, 2010 The eggs arent a lot different Orp bantie left, standard hen right Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Cranfield Kate Posted February 20, 2010 Share Posted February 20, 2010 I met an orp at Pets At Home this week and it was the biggest bird i had ever seen. it was enORmous! can't get over it! so i guess what i am saying is, do make sure you have room for them if you get them. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ISCA Posted February 20, 2010 Author Share Posted February 20, 2010 Are they not all feathers though?! Their average weight is 8 ib. A Sussex or a Maran is 7 lb. I have now decided to get a bigger run (12 x 6 foot) so I can get a couple and they will have room. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Daphne Posted February 21, 2010 Share Posted February 21, 2010 There is a lot of feather on an orp - nice and toasty in the winter if you put your hands in under the fluff Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ISCA Posted February 21, 2010 Author Share Posted February 21, 2010 Orpington gloves- a novel idea Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Falkor Posted February 21, 2010 Share Posted February 21, 2010 There is a lot of feather on an orp - nice and toasty in the winter if you put your hands in under the fluff Have you been spying on me this morning!!!??? I told Gin, my splash Orp it was time for her weekly health check but actually it was just am excuse to thaw out my fingers after bashing the ice in the drinkers!! Put there is NO WAY i could hold a Gin in each hand!! Pekins and Silkies make nice gloves! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
