If you’re in the market for a beautiful and friendly chicken breed, the Silver Laced Orpington may be just what you’re looking for. These birds are known for their striking appearance and docile nature, making them a popular choice for backyard chicken keepers.
In this blog, we’ll take a closer look at the Silver Laced Orpington, including their history, characteristics, and why they’re a great choice for backyard chicken keepers.
You may also want to read about the best chicken feed. Make sure to keep your chickens healthy.
History of Silver Laced Orpingtons
The Silver Laced Orpington is a relatively new chicken breed, having been developed in the early 20th century in England by a breeder named William Cook. Cook was already well-known for his work in developing the Black Orpington, and he set out to create a new color variation by crossing Black Orpingtons with other breeds, including the Buff Orpington and the White Leghorn. The result was the Silver Laced Orpington, a bird with striking black and white laced feathers.
Characteristics of Silver Laced Orpingtons
The Silver Laced Orpington is a large breed of chicken, typically weighing between 7 and 10 pounds. They have a rounded body and a broad, full breast. Their most distinctive feature is their feather coloring, which is black with white lacing around the edges. The lacing gives the feathers a scalloped appearance and creates a striking contrast with the black base color. The hens are also known for their large, brown eggs.
In addition to their striking appearance, Silver Laced Orpingtons are known for their calm and friendly nature. They are docile birds that are easy to handle, making them a great choice for families with children or backyard chicken keepers who are new to raising chickens. They also do well in confinement, making them a good choice for urban or suburban areas where space is limited.
Why Silver Laced Orpingtons are a Great Choice for Backyard Chicken Keepers
There are several reasons why Silver Laced Orpingtons are a great choice for backyard chicken keepers:
- Beauty: Silver Laced Orpingtons are undeniably beautiful birds, with their striking black and white laced feathers. They make a great addition to any backyard flock and are sure to be a conversation starter.
- Docile Nature: Silver Laced Orpingtons are known for their calm and friendly nature. They are easy to handle and are less likely to peck or attack their owners than other breeds. This makes them a great choice for families with children or backyard chicken keepers who are new to raising chickens.
- Cold Tolerance: Silver Laced Orpingtons are a hardy breed that can tolerate cold temperatures well. This makes them a great choice for backyard chicken keepers who live in areas with harsh winters. Make sure to provide them with a great chicken coop.
- Broodiness: Silver Laced Orpington hens are known for their broody nature, which means they are more likely to sit on their eggs and hatch them out. This can be a great benefit for backyard chicken keepers who want to hatch their own chicks without the use of an incubator.
- Good Egg Layers: While they are not the most prolific egg layers, Silver Laced Orpington hens still lay a respectable number of large brown eggs. They are also known for their egg quality, with their eggs having a rich, creamy flavor that is prized by many people.
Conclusion
Overall, the Silver Laced Orpington is a beautiful and friendly breed of chicken that is well-suited for backyard chicken keeping. Their striking appearance, docile nature, and good egg-laying abilities make them a great choice for families with children or backyard chicken keepers who are new to raising chickens
