Lavender Orpington Chickens | Ultimate Guide

Lavender Orpington chickens are a modern and highly sought-after color variety within the Orpington breed, valued for their soft lavender-gray plumage, calm temperament, and steady brown egg production. While Orpingtons have long been known as dependable, family-friendly birds, the lavender variety adds a unique genetic element that sets it apart from more traditional colors like Buff or Black.

Lavender Orpingtons are especially popular with backyard keepers who want a gentle, visually distinctive bird that still performs reliably as a layer. In this guide, we focus specifically on Lavender Orpington chickens while explaining their genetic background, how they differ from other Orpington varieties, and what keepers should realistically expect when raising them.

Quick Chick(en) Facts

Origin	England (color variety developed later)
Colors	Lavender (self-blue)
Weight	Hens: ~7 lb & Roosters: ~9 lb
Lifespan	6–8 years
Rate of Lay/yr	~180–220 eggs
Egg Size	Large
Egg Color	Brown
Heat Hardy	Moderate
Cold Hardy	Good
Broodiness	Moderate to High
Disease Susceptibility	Generally hardy; feather care in wet climates
Temperament	Very calm, people-friendly
Beginner Friendly	Yes

 

Quick Jump

• Appearance of Lavender Orpington Chickens
• History of Lavender Orpington Chickens
• Lavender Orpington Chickens for Sale
• Lavender Orpington Egg Laying
• Lavender Orpington Health Issues & Care
• Lavender Orpington Temperament
• Feeding Lavender Orpington Chickens
• Coop & Run Size for Lavender Orpingtons
• Pros & Cons of Lavender Orpington Chickens
• Lavender Orpington FAQs

 

Appearance of Lavender Orpington Chickens

Lavender Orpingtons are immediately recognizable by their soft, uniform lavender-gray coloration. This color comes from the recessive lavender gene, also called self-blue, which evenly dilutes black pigment across the feathers rather than producing patchy or uneven tones.

Unlike Blue Orpingtons, which can show splashing or inconsistent shading, properly bred Lavender Orpingtons display consistent color across the entire body. Structurally, they retain the classic Orpington look: a broad, rounded body, deep chest, and abundant feathering that gives them a plush, full appearance.

History of Lavender Orpington Chickens

The Orpington breed was developed in England during the late 1800s by William Cook, who aimed to create a practical chicken suitable for both meat and egg production. Original varieties such as Buff, Black, and White Orpingtons were bred for utility and temperament rather than novelty.

Lavender Orpingtons appeared much later, developed by breeders selectively introducing the lavender gene into established Orpington lines. Because the gene is recessive, consistent lavender offspring require careful breeding, which is one reason this variety remains less common than traditional Orpington colors.

Lavender Orpington Chickens for Sale

Lavender Orpingtons are typically less available than Buff or Black Orpingtons and are often sourced from specialty breeders. Some hatcheries offer them seasonally, but supply can be limited.

Because color quality depends on proper genetic pairing, birds from reputable breeders often show better uniformity than mass-produced chicks. Availability usually peaks during spring chick season.

Lavender Orpington Egg Laying

Lavender Orpington hens lay approximately 180–220 large brown eggs per year. Their laying pattern is steady and sustainable rather than high-output, which supports longer productive lifespans.

They tend to perform best during spring and summer but often continue laying into cooler months. Their eggs are known for consistent size and good shell quality when nutrition is balanced.

Offering oyster shell free-choice helps maintain strong shells, especially during extended laying cycles.

Lavender Orpington Health Issues & Care

Lavender Orpingtons are generally hardy birds, but their heavy feathering requires attention in wet or muddy conditions. Damp feathers can mat or break down if housing is not kept dry.

They tolerate cold well but are less suited to extreme heat. Good airflow, shade, and fresh water are essential during summer months to prevent heat stress.

Lavender Orpington Temperament

Lavender Orpingtons are among the calmest chickens commonly kept in backyard flocks. They are slow-moving, tolerant of handling, and often seek out human interaction.

They typically rank low in the pecking order and do best with other gentle breeds. Their docile nature makes them especially suitable for families, children, and quieter backyard setups.

Feeding Lavender Orpington Chickens

Lavender Orpingtons have a slower metabolism than lighter, more active breeds. This means they convert feed efficiently but can become overweight if overfed, especially once laying slows with age.

A structured feeding approach works best, beginning with starter feed for chicks, transitioning to grower feed, and then to a balanced layer feed once egg production begins. Many keepers prefer USDA-certified Organic, Non-GMO diets that support long-term health rather than rapid production.

Mile Four’s Organic Chicken Feed Kits help match nutrition to each life stage. Organic Layer Feed provides steady nutrition without unnecessary fillers that can contribute to excess weight.

Coop & Run Size for Lavender Orpingtons

Lavender Orpingtons benefit from slightly more space than lighter breeds. Provide at least 4–5 square feet per bird inside the coop and 10–15 square feet per bird in the run.

Roosts should be sturdy and positioned lower to reduce leg strain. Nesting boxes should be well padded to protect eggs laid by heavier hens.

Pros & Cons of Lavender Orpington Chickens

Pros	Cons
Exceptionally calm and friendly	Less heat tolerant
Unique, uniform lavender color	Not a high-output layer
Reliable long-term egg production	Slower maturity
Great for families and beginners	Often harder to source

Lavender Orpington FAQs

Why is the lavender color harder to maintain?
The lavender gene is recessive, meaning both parents must carry it to produce consistent lavender offspring.

Are Lavender Orpingtons good with children?
Yes. Their calm and tolerant nature makes them one of the best breeds for families.

Do Lavender Orpingtons go broody?
Yes. They have a moderate to high tendency toward broodiness.

How do they compare to Buff Orpingtons?
Temperament and productivity are similar, with color and availability being the main differences.

Do Lavender Orpingtons need special care?
No special care, but dry housing and heat management are important.

Sources

American Poultry Association, Standard of Perfection.
Orpington Club of America breed reference materials.
Penn State Extension, backyard poultry management publications.
University of Minnesota Extension, poultry breed and egg production resources.