The Orpington breed of chicken originates from Kent, UK. They have heavy but loose feathers, giving them a fluffy, large appearance, and they are hardy in colder climates. In some birds the feathering can also be on the legs. The color varieties are black, white, buff and blue. They are a good dual purpose bird and the hens lay around 180 eggs per year. The hens often go broody and they make good mothers. They enjoy foraging and have a good appetite.

Although they can adapt to smaller enclosures, they prefer a free range set up as they require a fair amount of exercise so they do not become overweight. They are docile in temperament, nice natured and easy to handle, making them a good option for beginner poultry keepers. They are a quick growing bird. The mature males weigh around 4.5 kg and the females 3.6 kg. There are bantam sizes available.