Description
Buff Orpington Bantam Chicken
Breed History and Origin
The Buff Orpington Bantam is the miniature version of the popular Buff Orpington Standard chicken and was recognized by the American Standard of Perfection in 1960 within the Single Comb Clean Legged Bantam class. Originating from England, the Orpington breed has long been valued for its calm nature and adaptability. Cackle Hatchery® Poultry Breeding Farm has been developing its bloodline of Buff Orpington Bantam chickens since 1987, focusing on maintaining both temperament and breed characteristics suitable for backyard and exhibition use.
Appearance and Breed Characteristics
Buff Orpington Bantam chickens are known for their soft buff-colored plumage, rounded body shape, and single comb. Mature hens typically weigh about 36 ounces, while roosters average around 40 ounces. Pullets generally weigh about 32 ounces, and cockerels about 36 ounces. As with the standard variety, maintaining the rich buff coloration can be challenging, and birds may occasionally molt into lighter buff or nearly white feathering before returning to their typical color over time.
Egg Production and Performance
Buff Orpington Bantam hens lay small brown bantam-sized eggs, and egg production is considered good for a bantam breed. Hens can produce approximately 150 or more eggs per year depending on flock management and environmental conditions.
Temperament and Flock Suitability
This breed is well known for its docile and gentle temperament, making it an excellent choice for backyard flocks and families. Buff Orpington Bantams are adaptable to both confinement and free-range environments and handle cold weather well. However, due to their non-aggressive nature, they may be bullied when housed with more dominant breeds. Fertility percentages generally range between 40–55%, with a recommended mating ratio of seven females to one male. Hens are known setters and may go broody. They prefer roost heights between 2 to 4 feet.
Important Breed Notes
Buff Orpington Bantams can molt into lighter buff or nearly white feathering as they grow new feathers, though the original buff color may return over time. Maintaining consistent buff coloration is one of the more challenging aspects of breeding this variety.
For standard show-quality type of this breed, see our Buff Orpington Exhibition Type https://www.cacklehatchery.com/product/buff-orpington-exhibition-type/
We also offer Buff Orpington Started Pullets https://www.cacklehatchery.com/product/buff-orpington-started-pullet/ and at limited times of the year Buff Orpington Fertile Hatching Eggs https://www.cacklehatchery.com/product/buff-orpington-fertile-hatching-eggs/
Buff Orpington Bantam Chicken FAQs
What color eggs do Buff Orpington Bantams lay? They lay small brown bantam-sized eggs.
How many eggs do Buff Orpington Bantams lay per year? They can produce approximately 150 or more eggs annually.
Are Buff Orpington Bantams good with other chickens? They are gentle birds but may be bullied by more aggressive breeds.
Do Buff Orpington Bantams go broody? Yes. They are setters and may go broody to hatch eggs.
Availability
Available Low Availability Unavailable
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Jason Russell –
Ordered and received 9 healthy Buff Orpington Chicks on August 5th 2025
They came in healthy and happy, out of the 9 only had 3 roosters that I gave away. My hens are super friendly and have a great temperament. Can’t wait till they start laying eggs. Thanks Cackle Hatchery for the service, if you ever get chocolate Orpington bantams I will be ordering some as well!!!
Penny –
It was great, but just bad luck.
My buff orpington bantam chicks that I ordered from Cackle Hatchery last year were all amazing. The only problem was that, due to the fact that they cannot be sexed, I went through a lot of stress to raise my 5 roosters and one hen, just to give away the roosters, find a roommate for my lonely hen, and then not be able to breed them this year because that only hen died to a hawk.
When buying these, consider that they are not sexed and also consider where you can sell or give away any that you don’t want ahead of time. Other than that, I hope to buy again this year and give it another shot!! Amazingly friendly and productive birds that easily become your best friend.
Caroluna –
Calm and friendly
I ordered 3 kinds of bantams this spring — Buff Orpingtons, Old English Game Bantams, and Sebrights. The Orpingtons are the most calm and relaxed of the 3 types. They like to be held and will climb right into my lap. Their round bodies and small heads make them look comical. They always make me smile! Thank you Cackle Hatchery for such beautiful, healthy birds.
John –
Great little beautiful chicken
I love my Buff Orphington Bantams. They are almost four months old. How much bigger will they get than what they are now? Or are they about full grown. Just wondering
Abby Iowa May 2012 –
Thanks!
I showed in the American, English, Mediterranean, All Other Standard Breed, Mixed Breed, Pairs, Bantam Single Comb, Clean Legged and Showmanship Classes. This was my first year showing. I got 1 Red and 9 Blue Ribbons. I also received 4 best of breed awards and 1 Reserve Champion and 1 Champion. I also got 3rd in showmanship.
Jason & Jessica, Indiana March 2012 –
Cackle Hatchery Order Comment
We received our chicks from you this morning after the post office called about 6 am. I brought them home and dipped their beaks in warm water and fed them in the brooder. When I checked them at 2:00 pm they were all live and running about great. They are the most robust chicks I’ve ever seen after being shipped. We ordered Dominique Bantams and Buff Orpington Bantams and would recommend you guys to anyone for bantams. I am VERY PLEASED WITH MY ORDER!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!I am excited to see how these young birds turn out and am hoping we can get some nice Dominiques to add to our show string this Fall. Thank you for your great service and for great chicks!!!
Mel, Georgia September 2013 –
Buff Orpington Bantams
I just wanted to let you guys know how much I am enjoying my Buff Orpington Bantams. It looks like I am going to have 6 pullets and 3 roosters. I lost only one. I will definitely be ordering more in the spring when they come available. As it is almost impossible to find these wonderful birds anywhere else I would like to know about your history or bloodline of these great birds. You are very fortunate to have been able to obtain such great little birds. I was raising blue, splash and black standard orpingtons. But I sold them because I have found my birds of choice. Thank you for the information. Looking forward to next spring and more Buff Orpington bantams.
Denise Oregon June 2010 –
Attn: cackle-Extremely Happy Customer
Hello to all at Cackle Hatchery! Just wanted to let you know how pleased I am with my order of 15 bantams + the nice two extras you sent. The whole thing went so smooth with easy online ordering & quick 2 day delivery to my post office. Beautiful chicks packaged well. Your staff was friendly and helpful too, when I nervously called a few times. I followed your “care instruction” which helped them right away with the heat lamp, water, crumbled egg yolk & scattered feed on the paper towel floor of the brooder. Thanks for doing good business!
James Arizona April 2010 –
Arrival
Just wanted to let you know that our shipment of chicks arrived this morning, they are all alive and we just gave them the sugar water and some food. They all look good. Thank You