Lavender Orpington Chickens: The Ultimate Guide to This Stunning Heritage Breed

What Is a Lavender Orpington?

If you've ever seen a Lavender Orpington in person, you already know why chicken keepers fall head over heels for this breed. With their soft, silvery-lilac plumage and calm, friendly temperament, Lavender Orpingtons are one of the most sought-after heritage breeds in the backyard poultry world.

Originating from the Orpington family — developed in England in the late 1800s — the Lavender (also called "Self-Blue") variety gets its distinctive color from a dilution gene that softens black pigment into a dreamy, even lavender tone across every feather.

Lavender Orpington Breed Characteristics

Temperament: Why Backyard Keepers Love Them

Lavender Orpingtons are often described as the "golden retrievers" of the chicken world. They are:

• Gentle and calm — rarely aggressive, even roosters tend to be mild-mannered
• People-friendly — they tolerate handling well and often become lap chickens
• Flock-friendly — they integrate well with other breeds and rarely bully lower-ranking birds
• Kid-safe — one of the best breeds for families with young children

If you're building a backyard flock that's as much about enjoyment as egg production, Lavender Orpingtons belong at the top of your list.

Egg Production & What to Expect

Lavender Orpingtons are reliable layers of light brown, tinted eggs. While they won't out-produce a production breed like a Leghorn, you can expect:

• 150–200 eggs per year under good conditions
• Consistent laying through fall and into winter thanks to their cold hardiness
• Hens may go broody, which can temporarily pause laying but makes them excellent natural mothers

Hatching Lavender Orpington Eggs: What You Need to Know

Hatching Lavender Orpington eggs is a rewarding experience, but there are a few things to keep in mind:

The Lavender Gene

The lavender color is caused by a recessive dilution gene. Both parents must carry the gene to produce lavender-colored offspring. When purchasing hatching eggs, always source from a breeder whose flock is true Lavender x Lavender — not Lavender crossed with another color — to ensure consistent lavender chicks.

Incubation Tips

• Temperature: 99.5°F (forced air) / 101.5°F (still air)
• Humidity: 45–55% days 1–18, raise to 65–70% on lockdown (day 18)
• Turning: 3–5 times daily until day 18
• Hatch rate: Expect 70–85% from quality, properly shipped eggs

Shipping & Handling

Shipped hatching eggs should rest pointy-end down for 12–24 hours before setting to allow the air cell to stabilize. Handle gently — Orpington eggs have a good shell but air cells can detach during transit.

Caring for Lavender Orpington Chicks

Once your eggs hatch, Lavender Orpington chicks are relatively easy to raise:

• Brooder temp: Start at 95°F, reduce by 5°F each week
• Feed: 20% chick starter for the first 8 weeks, then grower feed
• Feathering: Orpingtons are slow to feather compared to some breeds — don't rush them out of the brooder
• Socialization: Handle chicks daily from the start to reinforce their naturally friendly temperament

Is the Lavender Orpington Right for Your Flock?

Yes, if you want:

• A beautiful, calm breed that's a joy to keep
• A reliable layer of brown eggs
• A breed that's cold-hardy and family-friendly
• A heritage breed with show potential

Consider other breeds if you need:

• Maximum egg production (200+ eggs/year)
• A breed that rarely goes broody
• A very small or bantam-sized bird

Get Lavender Orpington Hatching Eggs from Broken K Farms

At Broken K Farms, our Lavender Orpingtons are raised in NPIP-certified flocks with strict biosecurity practices. Our breeding pairs are selected for true lavender color, correct type, and calm temperament — so you can hatch with confidence.

👉 Shop Lavender Orpington Hatching Eggs

Have questions about hatching or breed selection? We're happy to help — reach out anytime.