Jubilee Orpington Chicken: Facts, Traits & Care
The Jubilee Orpington, a British chicken breed, was developed in late 19th-century England with the intention of creating a tough dual-purpose breed that could lay in colder environments. The breed can still be used for meat and eggs but it is now primarily used as a show bird because of its beautiful plumage, docile nature, and stunning appearance. Orpingtons make great additions to any backyard coop and are the ideal backyard hen.
This article will cover everything you need to know concerning this iconic British bird. Let’s get started!
Here are some quick facts about Jubilee Orpington
| Species Name: | Gallus Gallus Domesticus |
| Family: | Phasianidae |
| Care Level | Simple |
| Temperament: | Calm, docile, friendly, tolerant |
| Color Form: | Black, white, buff and blue. |
| Lifespan: | 8+ Years |
| Size: | 7-8 pounds |
| Diet: | Foraging, pellets, grains, mash |
| Minimum Enclosure Size: | 5 x 20 ft in a coop and 20 x 20 ft in a run |
| Attachment Set-up: | Weatherproof coop with large run |
| Compatibility: | Calm, friendly, and gets along with other breeds |
Jubilee Orpington Overview
The Jubilee Orpington is a British variety that has been around since the late 1800s. However, it was only recently imported to the United States. It is a rare Orpington variety and very difficult to find in the United States. They are the largest breed of chicken, with a weight of up to 8 pounds. They are also the friendliest. They are prized for being calm, docile, and reliable.
The Jubilee Orpington was renamed in honor of Queen Victoria’s Diamond Jubilee celebration. She received a flock of Jubilee Orpingtons during this time.
What Does Jubilee Orpingtons cost?
Despite their rarity, these birds aren’t very expensive. A Jubilee Orpington chick can be purchased for $15-20 or $6 per egg. This is if you are lucky enough to find one! The breed has only been imported to the U.S. within the past decade. This makes it difficult to find breeders and chicks.
The Typical Behavior and Temperament
Jubilee Orpingtons are one of the most friendly chicken breeds. It would be difficult to find a calmer and more gentle chicken. They are a great choice for novices and experts alike, thanks to their size and hardiness. These birds love human attention and are very good at handling people.
They are extremely hardy due to their thick feathers. They can also be kept in a cage and tolerate it well. This makes them great show birds. However, they are not great foragers and will eat from feeders even if there is no other option.
Jubilee Orpingtons are prolific layers, producing 200-280 eggs annually. If you raise them for meat, they can be ready in 22 weeks.
Appearance and Varieties
These gorgeous, fluffy fowl can grow to be as large as any other chicken breed. They have complex feather patterns that can take up 18 months to mature. The background color is usually dark mahogany with some flecks in black and white. They are then topped off by bright crimson- or emerald sheens in the sun. They are typically white with white legs, beaks, and feet.
The Jubilee Orpington, one of many color variations of the Standard Orpington, can also be found in Blue, Buff, Cuckoo, Spangled, or Black. This is the first Orpington variety to be created.
How to Care for the Jubilee Orpington
Jubilee Orpingtons, being large birds, require a lot of space. Their housing requirements are similar to other chicken breeds.
Coop
Jubilee Orpingtons require a minimum 4ft coop space per bird. However, the more the better. This is particularly true if you have mixed flocks. We recommend at least 6 square feet. This will reduce tension and stop your hens from pecking at each other in stressful situations. Chickens love to relax on perches and stretch their wings, so ensure they have at least 10 inches of space between each perch.
Nesting boxes
Jubilee Orpingtons are prolific egg-layers and will require a nesting box that is comfortable to place all their eggs. They are larger than other chicken breeds but their feathers make them more comfortable. A standard 12×12-inch nesting container should suffice. The nesting box should be kept in a well-ventilated, warm coop that provides plenty of privacy.
Run
While all chickens thrive when allowed to roam free, many chicken keepers find it impossible. You will need to create a safe place for your chickens to exercise, stretch, scratch, and forage. Although we recommend at least 10 feet of space for each bird, it is better to have more. Your run can be made with a simple fence, but it doesn’t have to be very high. Heavy birds can only fly a few inches above the ground.
Are Jubilee Orpingtons compatible with other pets?
Jubilee Orpington chickens are known for their ability to get along with other Orpingtons and other chicken breeds. They are such gentle, adaptable, and hardy birds that they will not fight if they are kept in small spaces for extended periods of time. Your Orpingtons will get along with other chickens if they have plenty of space in the coop and free range.
How to feed your Jubilee Orpington
Orpington chicks require a high-quality, protein-rich feed that contains no less than 20%. They can transition to standard layer feed once they turn 16 weeks old. These chickens can’t forage well so they will need to be fed daily greens. They can also be lazy and will spend their entire day sitting at their feeder, which can lead to obesity. To prevent them from becoming obese, you may have to be vigilant about their feeding habits.
The addition of leafy greens, cooked beans, and cereals, fruits like berries, apples, and vegetables will be a huge benefit to Backyard Orpingtons. Your organic kitchen scraps will be a hit with them too!
Keep Your Jubilee Orpington Healthful
The Jubilee Orpington chicken is strong, tough, and healthy. As any Orpington owner knows, they are rarely sick. They are able to roam freely and get exercise if they have a good diet. Their weight is the biggest problem. This can cause many health problems, including issues with their feet and egg-laying abilities. You should not overfeed them.
Breeding
The Jubilee, like all Orpington varieties, is a great breeder. Your chickens will have the best time if they are in a natural environment with lots of space and comfort. It is a good idea to have a separate pen for your breeding stock, complete with its own coop and run. It is important to determine the number of roosters and hens. A good rule of thumb is to have one mature rooster for every 10 hens. Even if your intention is to have her hatch eggs, it’s a good idea for you to collect eggs from your hens every day. This will allow you to select the best-looking eggs. Incubating fertilized eggs 24 hours before hatching is a good idea.
Are Jubilee Orpingtons suitable for you?
The Jubilee Orpington is an excellent choice for small-scale egg producers or hobbyists. They are easy to handle, friendly, and docile. This makes them great for families with children and beginners. Orpingtons can withstand cold and are adaptable to living in confined spaces. They aren’t the best foragers so they may require more food than other breeds.
The Jubilee Orpington is an excellent choice for backyard chicken breeders. Their popularity has grown steadily.