While chickens are generally bred for meat and eggs, the birds are a source of great joy and pride for their owners. In fact, in recent years, Lavender chickens have also become one of the most loved pets due to their usually sweet and docile nature. If you have ever met a chicken enthusiast, whether a poultry farmer, a pet owner, or even otherwise, you will understand how important and loved these birds are.
While it is common for a chicken enthusiast to appreciate all chickens, some breeds get more admiration than others. And this is especially true for a Lavender Orpington. First Developed in the 1800s in Orpington, England, by William Cook, these lavender-hued chickens are one of the most attractive breeds in the chicken world.
What makes them popular is not just their perfect lavender shade but also the fact that, unlike several other unique colored chickens, a lilac Orpington’s offspring are always a light slaty blue. If you are interested in these lavender-hued chickens, then read on.
Docile And Friendly
Lilac Orpingtons are known for their gentle temperament, making them excellent companions for families, even with children. Their calm demeanor extends to roosters, ensuring a peaceful flock. Their friendliness allows easy handling, making them ideal for beginner chicken keepers or anyone seeking manageable and affectionate birds.
Late Bloomers
Lilac Orpingtons are slower to mature, typically beginning to lay eggs at 5-6 months. This characteristic is shared with other heritage breeds like Olive Eggers. Despite the wait, their consistently producing medium-sized, lightly tinted eggs ensures they remain valuable to any flock, blending patience with quality.
Beautiful Eggs
Lilac Orpingtons lay around 175-200 medium-sized light brown eggs annually, often with a faint pinkish tint. Their egg color and steady production make them desirable for enthusiasts seeking utility and aesthetic appeal.
Great Pets
Lilac Orpingtons are ideal as pets due to their docile and affectionate nature. Their friendly behavior makes them easy to handle, even for children. Combined with their striking lavender plumage, they add beauty and companionship to any backyard, creating joy for families and serving practical egg-laying purposes.
Backyard Flocks
These lavender chickens are perfect for backyard flocks, thriving in spacious setups with a few companions. Their low-aggression nature and adaptability to different climates make them manageable. Their lavender feathers contribute both eggs and aesthetic appeal, bringing functionality and elegance to small-scale poultry keeping.
Their Perfect Coop
While low maintenance, even these lavender chickens, like the other breeds, need a clean, calm, and quiet environment. So, let’s see what makes an ideal coop for these chickens:
● A Cozy Sleeping Area
Lilac Orpingtons require a designated sleeping area within their coop to ensure comfort and security. Soft bedding, such as straw or wood shavings, helps warm them during colder months. A cozy and clean sleeping space is essential for their health and well-being.
● Proper Roosting Bars
These chickens prefer 2 to 4-foot-high roosting bars for resting at night. Roosting bars should be sturdy, allowing each bird enough space to perch comfortably. This setup also keeps them off the cold ground, preventing health issues.
● Nesting Boxes for Laying Eggs
Clean and private nesting boxes are vital for laying eggs for this breed. Each box should be spacious enough to accommodate their large size, ensuring they feel secure and undisturbed while laying.
● Room to Move Around
Lilac Orpingtons enjoy space to explore and roam. Providing a medium-sized coop with access to an outdoor run allows them to stretch their legs, scratch the ground, and exhibit natural behaviors, keeping them active and happy.
● A Clean Environment
A clean coop is crucial for preventing diseases and keeping these chickens comfortable. Regularly removing waste, replacing bedding, and sanitizing nesting boxes help maintain a healthy living space for your flock.
● Adequate Space Per Chicken
Each Lilac Orpington requires enough personal space to reduce stress and aggression. Ideally, allocate 4-5 square feet per chicken inside the coop and 8-10 square feet in an outdoor run for a harmonious flock.
Pro tip- Add a dust bath area filled with fine sand or wood ash to your Lavender Orpingtons’ coop. This helps them stay clean, control parasites naturally, and keep their stunning lavender plumage in top condition.
Conclusion
If you are a poultry farmer or a chicken enthusiast planning on getting a new chicken pet, the Lavender Orpington should be your next choice. This super friendly, docile breed is easy to manage and very pretty to look at. Even the eggs they lay and the offspring they have are of beautiful hues. And, you do not need to worry about their coops as much as with other breeds. A calm, clean environment with enough space is good for them.
