Buff Orpington Bantam

Buff Orpington Bantam Chicken

The Buff Orpington Bantam is a miniature version of the standard Buff Orpington, recognized by the American Poultry Standard of Perfection in 1960. This bantam variety is an excellent choice for backyard chicken keepers, providing both beauty and egg production.

Known for their docile and friendly nature, Buff Orpington Bantams are highly adaptable to cold weather and can thrive in both confined spaces and free-range setups. While they get along well with other chickens, their gentle nature may make them vulnerable to bullying from more assertive breeds.

Appearance:

• Feather Color: Buff Orpington Bantam has beautiful buff feathers. The color is a golden or light reddish brown that gives the bird a soft, warm and uniform look. The feathers are smooth and glossy.
  
  

• Body Type: Despite being a bantam, Buff Orpington Bantam has the robust, stocky body of the standard Orpington, just in a smaller package. The body is round and well proportioned, deep chest and broad shoulders. They are heavier than many other bantams but still very agile for their size.
  
  

• Comb and Wattles: Buff Orpington Bantam has a small single comb that is upright and red just like the standard Orpington. The wattles are medium size and red, a beautiful contrast to the golden plumage.
  
  

• Tail: The tail of the Buff Orpington Bantam is medium size and slightly upright. It’s carried well and adds to the overall elegance of the bird.
  
  

• Legs and Toes: The legs are short, strong and yellow just like the Orpingtons. Like most bantams, Buff Orpington Bantam has three toes on each foot. Their short, sturdy legs support their compact but solid body.
  
  

Temperament:

• Calm and Friendly: One of the best traits of the Buff Orpington Bantam is its gentle and friendly nature. These bantams are calm, docile and easy going, great pets or companions for families. They love human interaction and are happy to be handled or petted.
  
  

• Good with Children: Due to their sweet and non aggressive nature, Buff Orpington Bantams are often a great choice for families with children. They are gentle enough to be handled by kids and have a peaceful disposition that makes them easy to manage.
  
  

• Social and Adaptable: Buff Orpington Bantam thrives in a flock and loves the company of other chickens. They are social birds and get along with other breeds, though their friendly and non dominant nature means they are often at the bottom of the pecking order. They can be a great addition to a mixed flock.
  
  

• Not Highly Active: While they are curious and love to explore, Buff Orpington Bantams are not as active as some other bantam breeds. They are more happy to spend time foraging, dust bathing and interacting with their flock mates rather than constantly moving.
  

Egg Laying:

• Moderate Egg Production: While Buff Orpington Bantams are not as prolific as other commercial layers, they still produce a decent amount of eggs. They lay small brown eggs, around 2-3 per week. They are not highly valued for their egg laying abilities but for their gentle nature and beauty.
  
  

• Egg Size and Quality: The eggs of Buff Orpington Bantams are small but of excellent quality, smooth and rich brown shells. Their eggs are tasty and perfect for small households or as an occasional treat.
  
  

Health and Care:

• Hardy and Resilient: Buff Orpington Bantam is a hardy breed that can adapt to different climates. While they are relatively cold hardy, the smaller size of bantams means they may need extra protection in extreme cold weather, especially from frostbite on their comb and wattles.
  
  

• Low Maintenance: These bantams are low maintenance chickens. Their soft, smooth feathers don’t need much grooming but like all chickens, they should be regularly checked for parasites such as mites or lice. A clean and dry living space is essential for their health.
  
  

• Flight Risk: While Buff Orpington Bantams are not known for their flying ability, they can still fly short distances. Given their gentle nature, they don’t usually try to escape from their enclosures but it’s still advisable to keep them in a secure, fenced yard or coop.
  
  

Show and Ornamental Qualities:

• Poultry Shows: Buff Orpington Bantam is a popular breed in poultry shows due to its beautiful plumage and calm nature. The smooth, uniform coloring and elegant appearance makes them a favorite among judges in ornamental or breed specific shows.
  
  

• Show Quality: Buff Orpington Bantams are kept for show due to their beauty and friendly nature. They are perfect pets or backyard chickens for those who want a bantam that’s easy to handle and looks good.
  
  

What is a Buff Orpington Bantam?
A miniature version of the Buff Orpington, known for its friendly nature and egg-laying abilities.

Is the Buff Orpington Bantam good for cold weather?
Yes, it is cold-hardy and adapts well to low temperatures.

Can Buff Orpington Bantams live with other breeds?
Yes, but their gentle nature can lead to bullying by more assertive chickens.

Are Buff Orpington Bantams good for egg production?
Yes, they are known to be good layers for a bantam breed.

Where can I buy Buff Orpington Bantams?
Available at Chicken Coop Company—order now for quick delivery!

Buff Orpington Bantam Facts