What exactly is the difference between Orpington rooster vs hen? Some signs are obvious, but you might not notice it right away. Therefore, I'm here to tell you the difference between a buff orpington rooster vs hen. Stay tuned because I'm about to break down the comparison and share my personal experience!

• Physical Appearance

  Ever tried to tell a rooster from a hen and ended up scratching your head? Both male and female Buff Orpingtons share the same buff-colored feathers. That's why these chickens look almost identical at first glance. The color of the hen is also more classic than the festive rooster's.

  

• Size

  Regarding size, roosters are the true giants of the Buff Orpington breed. As adults, they stand between 13 and 15 inches tall and weigh between 8 and 10 pounds. On the other hand, the hen is slightly smaller, with an average height of 12-14 inches and a weight of 6-8 pounds. Actually, this difference is also often found in other chicken breeds.

  

• Crowing

  One of the earliest signs that you have roosters is their iconic crowing. Even at 4 weeks of age, male Buff Orpingtons will start practicing their crowing skills, craning their necks and emitting small chirps. Hens, on the other hand, tends to be quieter.

• Temperament

  Speaking behaviorally, roosters are more aggressive and territorial than hens. Yet, they are not as brutal as many people would imagine them to be. The Orpington is a breed of chicken known to be very calm and docile. However, this rooster shows a more dominant side compared with the hen.

  

• Recommended For

  Yes, a rooster is a must if you want to breed your Buff Orpington! Roosters are ideal for breeding because they are responsible for the fertilization of eggs. But if you plan to raise them for meat, it's the hens for you! Roosters' meat tends to be tougher than hens. So, hens will go down well on the dinner table rather than roosters.

Conclusion

Are you on the Orpington rooster team or Orpington hen? Each has qualities that make them unique and special in the flock. Now, you know how to tell them apart and which type to get for your backyard.