One of our favorite breeds of chicken here at Little Yardley Farm is the Lavender Orpington. They are one of the most beautiful and kind-hearted breeds you’ll ever meet. They combine gentle temperament, elegant appearance, and reliable egg production. Lavender Orpington might just steal your heart. Known for their soft grayish-purple feathers and gentle personalities, these birds are a favorite among backyard chicken keepers and small farms alike.
The Lavender Orpington is a color variation of the classic English Orpington, first developed in the late 1800s by William Cook. He wanted a beautiful dual-purpose breed to produce both meat and eggs. The lavender color, sometimes called “self-blue,” gives them a shimmery, silvery appearance that stands out in any flock.
The unique color comes from a gene that dilutes black plumage into a soft, silvery-lavender tone. Their fluffy, gorgeous lavender feathers make them look larger than they are, and they’re a stunning sight when the sunlight hits their plumage. Although this color wasn’t part of Cook’s original variety, it quickly gained popularity for its beauty. The contrast between their darkish gray legs and their extremely red combs and waddles also helps bring out their striking color.
Lavender Orpingtons are famous for their sweet, calm, and friendly demeanor. They’re known to follow their caretakers around the yard. We can most definitely confirm this. On our farm, they are usually the first breed to greet us, no matter what.
They are also very curious and gentle enough for families with children. Let’s not forget to mention that they make great pets. They adapt well to both free-range and coop living, and unlike some breeds, they tend to get along well with others in the flock.
• Exceptionally tame and calm
• Easy to handle-great for families with children
• Gentle with other breeds/flocks
• Often curious and affectionate
At our farm, one of the most consistent layers we have is the Lavender Orpington. While they may look like show-quality birds, Lavender Orpingtons are extremely reliable egg layers.
You can expect around 3 to 4 medium to large brown eggs per week from a healthy hen, but don’t be surprised if it is way more than that. Ours lay just about one egg a day. They often continue to lay steadily even during the colder months, making them a practical choice for year-round production. Additionally, when Lavender Orpingtons go broody—meaning they often want to hatch their own eggs —they make excellent mothers if you’re planning to raise chicks naturally.
• Egg Color: Light Brown
• Egg Size: Medium to Large
• Production: ~3-4 eggs per week (150-200 per year)
Ours lay about one egg per day!
Thanks to their dense feathering, Lavender Orpingtons handle cold weather very well. On the flip side, in summer, make sure they have plenty of shade and water, as their heavy feather coat can make them prone to overheating. Our farm is located in East Tennessee, and the Lavender Orpington is perfect for our ever-changing weather. When it comes to maintenance, they are on the low end compared to other animals on our farm.
Breeding these birds requires care and patience. The lavender color gene is recessive, so both parents must carry it to produce true lavender chicks. When done correctly, you’ll hatch stunning baby chicks with soft grayish down that later develops into the iconic lavender tone.
If you’re breeding for color consistency, select birds with even feather coloring and avoid mixing with darker breeds that may produce patchy plumage.
Here at Little Yardley Farm, the Lavender Orpington holds a special place among our flock for many different reasons, one being that it was the first breed we started with. Therefore, our love for chickens grew, and the breed Lavender Orpington helped start our dream.
They add a touch of elegance to our coop with their shimmering lavender feathers and bring calm energy to the farm. Visitors often stop to admire their beauty-and it’s easy to see why. They remind us that farming isn’t just about production-it’s also about appreciating the gentle and graceful side of nature.
• Origins: England
• Size: Large, Dual Purpose
• Egg Color: Light Brown
• Eggs Per Year: 150-200 if not more
• Temperament: Gentle, Friendly, Family-Safe
• Climate: Cold Hardy, but okay in heat with proper care
• Color: Lavender (self-blue)
• Broodiness: High, but make great mothers
Whether you’re a seasoned farmer or just starting your backyard flock, the Lavender Orpington offers the best of both worlds: beauty and utility. They bring a peaceful presence to your yard, lay delicious brown eggs, and are a joy to raise. If you want chickens that are calm, easy to handle, and make reliable layers with good mothering skills, consider this breed. Then the Lavender Orpington is an excellent choice. Whether you’re expanding your existing flock or starting a new one, these birds will quickly become favorites for their charm, reliability, and sheer loveliness.
At Little Yardley Farm, we take pride in raising happy, healthy Lavender Orpingtons. Their beauty reminds us that even in the busiest farm days, there’s always time to stop and admire the simple joys of life, like the shimmer of lavender feathers in the morning sun.
Lavender Orpingtons are surely one of our farm’s favorite breeds.
Whether you’re building a peaceful backyard flock or adding beauty to your homestead, the Lavender Orpington is a breed that brings charm, calmness, and reliability. It’s no wonder they’ve become a favorite here at Little Yardley Farm.
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