heavy breed · United Kingdom
Buff Orpington
Big, fluffy, and famously docile — the golden retriever of the chicken world. Excellent with children, tolerates handling well, and goes broody often, which makes it a popular choice for keepers who want chicks.
| Size class | heavy |
|---|---|
| Weight (hen) | 8 lb (3.63 kg) |
| Weight (rooster) | 10 lb (4.54 kg) |
| Eggs per year | 190 |
| Egg color | brown |
| Egg size | large |
| Climate tolerance | cold |
| Temperament | gentle |
| Goes broody | often |
| Noise level | quiet |
| Beginner-friendly | Yes |
| Origin | United Kingdom |
Is the Buff Orpington right for your flock?
The Buff Orpington is a heavy breed that's well-suited to first-time keepers. Hens lay around 190 brown eggs per year and tolerate cold climates well.
Temperament: gentle. Broodiness: often. Noise level: quiet. A reasonable choice for suburban yards.
What this breed needs
- Coop space: about 5 sq ft per bird inside the coop. Run the numbers for your specific flock size in the coop size calculator.
- Climate fit: particularly comfortable in cold climates with good winter laying.
- Eggs: a steady, reliable producer — a good general-purpose layer.