Buff Orpington

Good with most

This breed will be suited with most other breeds, however, some delicate breeds are not compatible with Hybrids or more aggressive breeds.

Makes great pets

This breed makes fantastic pets for both adults and children. With a docile nature, they become easy to handle once they get familiar with you and will enjoy spending time with humans, seeking out interaction and companionship.

150-180 Medium Cream/Light Brown PA

This breed will lay up to 180 medium cream/light brown coloured eggs per year, they are not known for being overly broody.

Character

Buff chickens are gentle giants with calm and docile temperaments. Their large, fluffy bodies and fully feathered feet make them adorable and perfect pets for children. They love attention and are very cuddly, often following you around the garden. Despite their size, they are quite sturdy and enjoy being handled, making them great for young children. Not overly curious, they’re unlikely to wander off and prefer smaller spaces, although they thrive in free-roaming environments. Show a Buff some love, and they will return it with full affection.

Sutability

Buffs require surprisingly little space and prefer being contained with fencing. Due to their fluffy leg and foot feathers, it’s best to keep them confined on wet days, as mud can cling to their feathers and accumulate under their feet, potentially leading to lameness. They do not fly, and a 2-foot fence is enough to keep them contained, though this won't keep predators out, so a secure enclosure is necessary when you're not around. buffs mix well with other breeds, including bantams, making them a great choice for first-time chicken keepers. Since they can't fly, they won’t be able to climb a ladder, but they can manage a gentle ramp. A house close to the ground is ideal for this breed, as they do not roost or perch.

History

The Buff is a large domestic chicken breed that originated from feather-legged chickens brought from China to Europe and North America in the 1840s and 1850s. Primarily raised for exhibition, it was once known as the Cochin-China.

Both the Buff and Brahma were introduced to the Western world around the same time and quickly became favorites, particularly after the Queen of England became fond of them. They played a key role in the "Hen Fever" craze, a chicken breeding trend in the Western world where exotic breeds were raised for showing and as ornamental additions to wealthy gardens. Buff chickens are decent layers, averaging 180 light brown eggs per year, and have a life expectancy of 8-10 years.