Jubilee Orpington: Eggs, Temperament, Size and Raising Tips

The Jubilee Orpington Chicken is both a rare and regal breed that has captivated the hearts of many poultry enthusiasts. It has taken over the planet, figuratively and somewhat, literally. Since you’re here, we’re assuming that this bird has also caught your heart, or at the very least, your attention.

Maybe you’re just starting, and you are looking for your first chicken. On the other hand, perhaps you have been in the poultry world for some time already, and you’re just looking to add another breed to your flock. For whatever reason, we have your back. In this article, we’ll discuss everything we believe you need to know about the Jubilee Orpingtons.

Let’s see if you’re fit to handle this royal bird!

This article will cover

• Background and History
• Breed Standard and Appearance
• Personality and Temperament of Jubilee Orpington
• Jubilee Orpington Chicken Egg Laying
• Health Issues and Care
• 3 Tips for Raising Jubilee Orpington Chickens

Background and History

The Jubilee Orpington has a long and rich history. This Orpington variety was bred in 1897, meaning these beauties have been around for more than 100 years already! There is no doubt that it is one of the longest-standing fowls out there.

It was first introduced in England and was developed by William Cook. He was also the founder and developer of the standard Orpington breed. From the initial founding of the Orpingtons, Cook has continued to develop and introduce new Orpington varieties until he eventually came to the founding of this royal fowl.

Recently, the Jubilee Orpington has slowly reached other parts of the globe. It is believed that it first arrived in the United States in 2011, meaning that this breed has been present in the U.S. for approximately a decade. While it is scanty in other counties, it is not that scarce in its homeland.

While this variety has the looks to be dignified as a regal bird, that is not the only reason these fowls have been crowned as royalty. They actually have a tie to a monarch!

Aside from its tie to the British, this chicken is also highly associated with Queen Victoria. It was originally named Diamond Jubilee Orpingtons as a homage to the celebration of the Diamond Jubilee of Queen Victoria’s rule. As part of the celebration, the Queen was given a flock of newly found chickens.

A hundred years since its founding, the Jubilee Orpington is still one of the most coveted chickens in the poultry world. Despite the difficulty of obtaining one, there is little doubt that these birds would be forgotten anytime soon. Its history would only grow richer from hereon.

Breed Standard and Appearance

The Orpington chicken is a recognized breed of several official organizations including, The Orpington Club. The Jubilee Orpington follows the general qualifications of the standard Orpington.

They are one of the largest birds out there. They weigh an average of 3.6kg.

The most dominant color of this variety is mahogany and speckles of white and black litter their bodies and even their heads. Furthermore, their beaks, legs, and feet are white. On the flip side, their eyes and wattles are red.

The breeds and chicken variants used to develop the Jubilee Orpington are still unknown, but there have been a few speculations. For one, they are heavily associated with the Speckled Sussex as their patterns are similar.

The Jubilee Orpington’s fluffy feathers are a feature common to most – if not all – Orpington variants. It is undoubtedly one of its most appealing physical features as well. Especially their fluffy butts! You see them, and it just makes you want to hug them, and you won’t have to worry about that. These birds would most probably have no problem receiving your hugs and your love!

Personality and Temperament of Jubilee Orpington

The Jubilee Orpingtons are big. Maybe that’s to accommodate their big hearts!

These birds are one of the friendliest breeds you will ever find. They do well with their fellow Orpingtons. Additionally, unlike other breeds, they will also get along with other fowls. They’re in the larger spectrum, but they don’t use it to intimidate smaller birds.

Furthermore, they are also great with humans so they won’t give you much trouble. Their friendliness extends to children, so if you have a kid, then you can trust them to be around your little one.

They’re also docile and don’t seem to mind being picked up, so they could be lap chickens if you want to! If you’re looking for a family pet, then the Jubilee Orpingtons would be a great option to consider.

However, despite their size, you need to look out for them as friendlier breeds tend to be bullied by more dominant or aggressive fowls. Furthermore, like most chickens, they also need to be protected from predators.

On the flip side, though it rarely happens, they could also cause a ruckus if ever they get too stressed. Just make sure you tend to their needs, and they’ll do mighty fine.

Jubilee Orpington Chicken Egg Laying

 

If you’re looking for a productive bird, then the Jubilee Orpingtons are your fowls! They are a dual-purpose breed and will not fail you when it comes to meat or eggs.

Their eggs are large in size and brown in color. They are known to be one of the most excellent egg layers out there as they could give you up to 200 eggs each year. There have been some instances in which they have produced as much as 280 eggs.

Furthermore, they are great mothers and often go broody, which is good if you want to hatch those eggs.

Health Issues and Care

This breed is easy to take care of.

Generally, this breed is known to be healthy, and seldom do they get sick. The Jubilee Orpingtons don’t need any special treatment. You only need to worry about the usual health concerns such as parasites and diseases common to poultry.

If you want to be extra careful, we suggest that you inspect their feathers from time to time to prevent lice and mites from making their home in these fluffy creatures. This is a common practice if you have fluffy breeds.

Additionally, make sure you take their size into account in all their needs! They are large birds, so make sure you watch out with their feed. Provide them a good portion, but make sure you’re not overfeeding them. Also, make sure they have lots of room and space to roam around.

Furthermore, they are hardy when it comes to the cold, so you don’t have to worry much about them when winter starts to roll in. However, you might need to provide lots of shade and water when summer comes as this breed is not that hardy to heat.

3 Tips for Raising Jubilee Orpington Chickens

1. Preparation:  This breed is a rare one, so it is tempting to immediately say yes if ever you get the opportunity to own one. However, make sure they fit in the environment you’re going to put them in before you take these beauties home.
2. Keep Things Clean and Cool: Prevention is always better than finding a cure, so before your bird could run into any real trouble, it would be good to prevent these problems from even starting. It could get really hot for these birds with all those feathers, so always keep the temperature in mind. Give them lots of water and shade. Furthermore, feathers filled with filth are a tempting invitation for lice and mites. Keeping their surroundings clean helps in keeping their feather clean. Clean feathers are a little less inviting for pests.
3. Healthy Diet: They would most probably eat anything you give them, but these birds need some high-quality feed. Make sure they’re getting enough proteins in their diet! Furthermore, they’re not foragers. If they have a bad trait, it is that they are lazy birds. Adding some fruits and vegetables now and then would also be a great idea.

Summary

The Jubilee Orpington Chicken is a rare beauty. However, acquiring them might be the only thing that would be difficult with regard to handling them.

Despite their size, rarity, and royal status, they are easy birds to handle. They are gentle giants and are known to be quite friendly and docile. These birds will get along with almost anyone and everyone.

Furthermore, they are also a healthy breed that rarely gets sick and could live for more than eight years especially, if handled well. They don’t require any special care or treatment except for the preventive measures you can add to your routine.

Lastly, they are not just easy to handle. They are birds that know how to give, being an all-purpose bird. If you want a productive fowl, then they’ve got your backs. They are considered to be good table chickens, and at the same time, they also give a large number of large eggs. Not a lot of chickens can produce 280 eggs in a year, after all!

On the flip side, if you want a show bird or a pet, then they would also happily comply. It doesn’t seem they mind how much attention and love they could get.

Overall, the Jubilee Orpington Chicken is a breed to be considered for your flock.