With her soft golden plumage, gentle waddle, and calm demeanour, the Buff Orpington is the darling of smallholders, gardeners, and poultry keepers alike. She’s not just a pretty face — this heritage breed is hardy, productive, and full of charm, making her a firm favourite across the countryside.

Developed in the late 19th century by William Cook in the village of Orpington, Kent, the Buff Orpington was originally bred to provide a dual-purpose bird: one that would lay a steady supply of eggs while also offering a good-sized carcass for the table. What Cook created was something altogether more enduring — a breed prized not just for its productivity but for its beauty and temperament.

A Vision in Gold

The Buff Orpington’s appearance is undeniably striking. With her full, rounded figure, upright posture, and golden-cream feathers that shimmer in sunlight, she looks like she’s stepped from the pages of a vintage farmyard painting. Her feathers are soft and fluffy, making her appear larger than she really is — an asset in colder months when insulation matters.

She’s also surprisingly tame, this breed is known for being exceptionally friendly and easy to handle, making it ideal for families, schools, and newcomers to poultry keeping. Children are particularly drawn to them — and the hens, in turn, often enjoy the attention.

A Dependable Layer

While she may not match commercial hybrids for egg production, the Buff Orpington is a reliable layer, producing around 150 to 200 pale brown eggs a year. Her laying may dip slightly in winter, but many keepers find that her eggs are particularly large and well-formed.


She’s also famously broody — an ideal mother, often used to hatch out not just her own eggs but those of ducks or rarer breeds. Watching a Buff Orpington with chicks tucked beneath her wings is one of the great pleasures of spring.

A Hen for All Seasons

This is a breed that copes well with the variable weather — her dense feathering gives protection from wind and cold, though in the hottest weeks of summer she’ll need shade and fresh water to stay cool. She's happy to free-range but equally content in a secure run, as long as she has company and stimulation.

Whether you’re running a smallholding or simply dreaming of fresh eggs from your own back garden, the Buff Orpington is a golden asset — calm, beautiful, and quietly capable. In an age of fast results and instant returns, she reminds us of the value of patience, care, and timeless rural charm