Highlights
The first Orpingtons were black and originated in the town of Orpington in County Kent from Black Langshans, 
Black Minorcas and Black Plymouth Rocks with Cochin blood being introduced later. Today, Buff Orpingtons 
are the most popular variety of Orpingtons, used primarily for production of brown eggs. Buff Orpington chicks 
are light buff or straw colored throughout. They have single combs and clean, white legs and feet. Adults have 
golden buff plumage and pinkish white beaks, shanks and toes. They are a heavy, but loosely feathered, 
appearing to be much heavier than their true weight. 
Buff Orpington
Delaware
Delawares were developed in the state of Delaware from off-colored sports of a Barred Plymouth Rock and 
New Hampshire Red cross. They have a similar genetic makeup to Barred Plymouth Rocks except that they 
lack the E gene that allows for the extension of black; therefore, limiting the black plumage to the hackles, 
primaries, secondaries and the tail feathers. Delaware chicks are primarily light yellow, or cream colored 
with some having a few black specks or spots mostly on top of the head, wings and wing tips. They have 
single combs and clean, yellow legs and feet. Adults have a similar body shape to New Hampshire Reds with a 
Columbian plumage pattern.
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