Coffee With the Chicken Ladies Spotlight: The English Class

English Class Chickens| Orpington and Australorp

Our next two breeds barely need an introduction. The Orpington and Australorp (Australian Utility Orpington) have been popular from their very beginnings. Bred in the town of Orpington in England, the Orpington chicken is one of the biggest and fluffiest of all chicken breeds. They come in a wide variety of colors, and their sweet personalities make them firm favorites among backyard keepers. Though they’re gentle enough to be kept by children, the Orpington also makes a great well-rounded homestead chicken. 

With their fantastic rate of lay, natural mothering instincts, and laid-back personality, the beautiful black Australorp is another excellent breed for farmers, homesteaders, and families, but the green sheen of their feathers elevates them to fancy status. Hens are excellent layers, among some of the best Heritage breed egg producers in the world. The Orpington was a primary foundation breed for the Australorp, so they share the same gentle personality and both can become much loved pets.

English Class Chickens | Crested Cream Legbar

Our final English class highlight is one of our absolute favorite chickens. They have only been around since they were developed at Cambridge University during the 1950s, and fanciers are still working to have them accepted by the APA. The Crested Cream Legbar is an adorable yet versatile chicken that would make a great addition to a rural, suburban, or even an urban backyard flock. They are auto-sexing– meaning they can be sexed by color at hatch– making them one of the few Heritage breed options for folks who absolutely cannot keep roosters. They’re very good layers, and their eggs are stunning shades of turquoise and blue. They’re friendly little birds with engaging personalities and a quirky appearance, due to their swept-back crests.

The chickens that make up the English class are some of the hardiest and most reliable breeds that you can find. Each of these chicken breeds was developed to fill a practical role. Fortunately, beauty and laid back personalities were among the attributes that resulted from decades of breeding. If you’re trying to decide what your next breeds will be, take a chance on some of the English chickens…they may become your new favorites!