Blue Orpington Question

[wyldehorses]

I recently acquired a pair of standard blue Orpingtons. I have looked in the standard, but didn't see anything regarding toe nail color on this breed. Does anyone know what it should be? And in general from the judges point of view, how big a deal is toe nail color when you are judging?

Yolonda

[Hummer]

You are correct and the APA and ABA standards do not really address the toe nail color of Blue Orpingtons. Having raised Blue Orps they tend to be a light slatey color. In the big scheme of things the toe nail color on Blue Orpingtons is not going to be as much of an issue as the overall type and getting the nice blue color down. Now, if the toe nail color is something like neon yellow or flourescent green then that might be a ...horse of a different color!!!! LOL.

Hummer

[goosedragon]

You are correct and the APA and ABA standards do not really address the toe nail color of Blue Orpingtons. Having raised Blue Orps they tend to be a light slatey color. In the big scheme of things the toe nail color on Blue Orpingtons is not going to be as much of an issue as the overall type and getting the nice blue color down. Now, if the toe nail color is something like neon yellow or flourescent green then that might be a ...horse of a different color!!!! LOL.

Hummer I suppose nail polish is out of the question then?

[wyldehorses]

They have pretty good type, fairly good color, nice white skin, soles of feet are a pretty pink, but the toe nail color is almost white. It just seems out of place. Do you have someplace where I can look at photos of your orps?

Yolonda

[Hummer]

Even Black Orpingtons have toe nails that are a far cry from black or dark slate. White skinned black (and blue) birds tend to have a little lighter toe nails than yellow skinned birds like Black Jersey Giants or Black Cochins. No, I didn't get any good pictures of the Blue Orpingtons and now they (and the Blacks) have gone on to a new home. We also have Buff Orpingtons and Australorps and that was just a little too much English for this little chicken ranch!!!! LOL.

GD, yes nail polish is discouraged!!! LOL.

Hummer

[wyldehorses]

This is my first experience with Orpingtons. Any other tips or pointers?

[Hummer]

Orpingtons are great birds. The exhibition type Orpingtons are calm and docile. I have heard of some commercial type males that were evil to the core. They might not be quite as productive as an Australorp but they still are pretty consistent with productivity and have a nice decent egg. The exhibition type Orpingtons don't lay a huge egg like the commercial type Orpingtons. The females will go broody quite often. Now, because of the extra fluff you do have to make some sacrifices to get the best fertility. Clipping the feathers around the vents helps the fertility greatly during hatching season. Also because of the extra fluff you do to be very vigilant to be on the look out for bugs because they can be bug magnets.

If you intend on showing Orpingtons they are a little higher maintainance than some breeds. Some breeds like Australorps are pretty much wash and go but you do have to do a little more preparation with Orpingtons for them to look their best. A good wash and blow dry preparation can make a big difference. With Buff Orpingtons you have to keep the birds you intend on showing out of the sun for them to retain their best color. Blue Orpingtons will fade a little in the sun as well. Black Orpingtons are actually the easiest Orpingtons to show and there are some good ones out there. The good White Orpingtons are getting rare as hen's teeth and if anyone sees them I would like to know about it because I am on the look out for some for several people.

Hummer

[KKluckers]

Steve, Joe Gilman, Allen Ammarel, and Gayle & Norm Pontious all have whites. Im just building my line up for these this year. If you need their contact info let me know I will get it for you.

[Hummer]

Steve, Joe Gilman, Allen Ammarel, and Gayle & Norm Pontious all have whites. Im just building my line up for these this year. If you need their contact info let me know I will get it for you.

I suspect you have already passed that information along :razz: .

Hummer

[KKluckers]

You and Terry should start breeding whites. I have passed it along to a few people :mrgreen: I hope for more breeders to come along and work on them.

[Hummer]

You and Terry should start breeding whites. I have passed it along to a few people :mrgreen: I hope for more breeders to come along and work on them.

Shhhhh....don't way that too loudly!!! I'm trying to cut back!!!! LOL.

Hummer

[wyldehorses]

Turns out - the orpingtons are nice. Took reserve large fowl at the Kentucky State fair. Thanks for the help and advice. It is much appreciated!

Yolonda

[KKluckers]

Turns out - the orpingtons are nice. Took reserve large fowl at the Kentucky State fair. Thanks for the help and advice. It is much appreciated!

Yolonda

Congrats that is great!!! I would love to see pictures ;)