About Lavenderorpington: Your Trusted Breed Resource
Our Mission and Expertise
Lavenderorpington was created to address the significant information gap surrounding this relatively rare and increasingly popular chicken variety. When we started keeping Lavender Orpingtons in 2015, reliable resources were scarce—most information came from general Orpington guides that didn't address the specific considerations of the lavender variety. After years of hands-on breeding experience, consultation with university extension programs, and collaboration with established breeders across North America, we recognized the need for a dedicated resource.
Our team combines practical breeding experience with academic research to provide accurate, actionable information. We maintain active breeding flocks that allow us to test recommendations and observe behaviors firsthand rather than simply repeating information found elsewhere. This direct experience informs everything we publish, from housing requirements to breeding strategies. We've successfully hatched over 500 Lavender Orpington chicks, managed flocks through temperature extremes from -15°F to 105°F, and worked through common health challenges that affect this breed.
The information presented throughout this site draws from peer-reviewed research published by land-grant universities, data from the USDA National Agricultural Statistics Service, breed standards from the American Poultry Association, and our own documented observations. We believe chicken keeping should be accessible to everyone, whether you're managing a small urban flock of three hens or operating a breeding program with multiple breeding pens. Our content serves beginners seeking basic care information and experienced breeders looking to refine their selection strategies.
| Stage | Timeline | Key Activities | Expected Outcomes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Foundation Stock Selection | Months 1-3 | Research breeders, evaluate birds, purchase unrelated stock | Quality breeding pairs/trios |
| Flock Establishment | Months 4-8 | Acclimate birds, observe temperament, begin egg collection | Consistent laying, flock harmony |
| First Generation Hatch | Months 9-12 | Incubate eggs, brood chicks, evaluate offspring | 20-30 chicks per breeding pen |
| Grow-Out & Selection | Months 13-18 | Assess type and color, cull defects, select keepers | Improved second generation |
| Breeding Program Refinement | Months 19-24 | Breed best specimens, track genetics, expand or maintain | Consistent quality birds |
| Established Program | Year 3+ | Maintain lines, introduce new genetics periodically | Reputation as quality breeder |
Why Lavender Orpingtons Deserve Special Attention
The Lavender Orpington occupies a unique position in modern poultry keeping. Unlike production breeds developed solely for maximum output, or bantams bred purely for exhibition, Lavender Orpingtons balance beauty, utility, and temperament in ways that appeal to diverse chicken keepers. Their stunning appearance attracts people who want attractive birds, their moderate egg production satisfies household needs, their meat qualities provide homestead value, and their gentle nature makes them suitable for families and urban settings.
The genetics behind the lavender coloration make this variety particularly interesting for breeding enthusiasts. The lavender gene (lav) is recessive and located on an autosome rather than a sex chromosome, meaning it follows simple Mendelian inheritance patterns. When you breed lavender to lavender, you get 100% lavender offspring—no splits, no surprises. This predictability contrasts sharply with blue varieties where blue-to-blue crosses produce 50% blue, 25% black, and 25% splash offspring. For breeders, this genetic straightforwardness simplifies breeding programs while still allowing focus on improving type, size, and productivity.
Market demand for Lavender Orpingtons has grown substantially since 2010, with prices remaining 40-60% higher than common varieties like Rhode Island Reds or Plymouth Rocks. This premium reflects both their visual appeal and relative scarcity—most hatcheries offer them only seasonally and in limited quantities. For small-scale breeders, this creates opportunities to offset feed costs or generate modest income while maintaining beautiful flocks. The breed's tendency toward broodiness means natural incubation remains viable, reducing equipment costs compared to breeds that require artificial incubation. You can find more detailed information about their laying patterns and productivity on our main page.
Evidence-Based Approach to Chicken Keeping
We prioritize evidence-based recommendations drawn from university research, veterinary science, and documented breeding records rather than perpetuating common myths that circulate in chicken-keeping communities. For example, many sources claim Orpingtons need less space than other large breeds due to their calm nature, but research from Cornell University's Department of Animal Science demonstrates that inadequate space increases stress hormones, reduces egg production, and elevates aggressive behaviors regardless of breed temperament. We cite such research throughout our content to help readers make informed decisions.
Our approach acknowledges that chicken keeping involves variables that affect outcomes: climate, predator pressure, local regulations, available space, time commitment, and budget all influence what works for individual situations. Rather than prescribing one-size-fits-all solutions, we present ranges and options with context. For instance, while 4 square feet per bird represents the commonly cited minimum coop space, we explain why 5-6 square feet better serves Lavender Orpingtons' large size and reduces feather damage from overcrowding. This nuanced guidance helps readers adapt recommendations to their specific circumstances.
We regularly update content as new research emerges and our own experience expands. Poultry science continues advancing—recent studies on LED lighting effects, probiotics for gut health, and environmental enrichment for chickens have practical applications for backyard flocks. We monitor publications from institutions like the University of California-Davis School of Veterinary Medicine, the USDA Agricultural Research Service, and state cooperative extension programs to incorporate relevant findings. This commitment to current, accurate information distinguishes our resource from static content that hasn't been revised in years. For specific questions about care, breeding, or purchasing, our FAQ page provides detailed answers backed by research and experience.
| Breed | Eggs/Year | Egg Color | Weight (Hen) | Temperament | Cold Hardy | Heat Tolerant |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Lavender Orpington | 200-280 | Light brown | 6-8 lbs | Very docile | Excellent | Poor |
| Buff Orpington | 200-280 | Light brown | 6-8 lbs | Very docile | Excellent | Poor |
| Rhode Island Red | 280-300 | Brown | 6-7 lbs | Active, assertive | Excellent | Good |
| Plymouth Rock | 250-280 | Brown | 6-7 lbs | Docile | Excellent | Good |
| Wyandotte | 240-260 | Brown | 6-7 lbs | Calm | Excellent | Good |
| Australorp | 280-300 | Brown | 6-7 lbs | Calm | Very good | Good |
| Sussex | 250-280 | Light brown | 6-7 lbs | Friendly | Excellent | Good |