Russian Orloff chickens are a unique breed with an interesting history and special features. They were named after a Russian Count and first came from Persia.
By the 1600s, they were popular in Russia and spread across Europe and Asia. Orloff chickens look tall and have lots of feathers, which makes them look like game birds.
Their heads and necks are very feathery, with small combs, wattles, and earlobes. This helps them handle cold weather well. Orloff chickens are calm birds that can live in different places, even colder areas.
Orloff chickens are raised mainly for meat because of their big size. Though better for meat, Orloff hens still lay a decent number of light-brown eggs.
However, Orloff chickens don’t lay many eggs and don’t grow very fast. Because of this, The Livestock Conservancy considers them critically endangered.
Orloff chickens have a calm and quiet personality but aren’t super friendly. Even though few people raise Orloff chickens now, they is a special breed worth keeping.
Got it, here’s the line with “Russian Orloff Chickens” included:
In this guide, we will discuss the history and origin, temperament, color varieties, lifespan, appearance, size and weight, appearance, FAQs, and caring guide of Russian Orloff Chickens.
History and Origin of Russian Orloff Chickens
Russian Orloff chickens have a very interesting history and origin. Even, though they are named after a Russian count, came from Persia (now Iran).
In the 17th century, these chickens spread across Europe and Asia. Count Alexei Grigoryevich Orlov helped make the breed popular in the 19th century. After his efforts, people in the West started to know about Orloff chickens.
In 1884, the first Orloff chickens arrived in Central Europe from the Russian Empire. This marked their introduction to the Western world. Some sources called them “Orloff fighters” because they were tough and hardy birds.
One reddish-brown rooster and five hens of the same color were taken to Professor Friedrich Zürn in Leipzig.
A varied group, including a yellowish, slightly white speckled cockerel and two hens, plus two white hens, were taken to Baron Ludwig von Villa-Secca Navarro d’Andrade in Vienna-Ottakring.
By the 1920s, Orloff chickens had reached Great Britain. The breed was further developed in Germany, where the first miniature bantam Orloff was created in 1925.
Recognized Color Varieties
At one point, the American Poultry Association included Orloffs in their Standard of Perfection. However, due to a lack of interest from breeders, the breed was later removed.
Now, in the 21st century, the Livestock Conservancy considers Orloffs as critically endangered. This shows how rare the breed is now and how much conservation work is needed to protect it.
The Orloff chicken has a cool look. It’s big and tall, with lots of feathers on its body. It comes in different colors, such as black, white, spangled, black-tailed red, mahogany, and cuckoo.
Let’s look at the details of these colors:
Red: The Red Russian Orloff chickens have feathers that are a bright, deep red color all over their body. This warm, vibrant red color makes them stand out in the chicken coop and field. This color variety is a striking choice for Breeders and chicken hobbyists.
White: White Russian Orloff have white with brown and black speckled feathers. Their feathers are a crisp, clean white that shows off the chicken’s sturdy body and distinct facial features, like their cushion/strawberry type comb and thick feathers around their neck and head.
Spangled: Spangled Russian Orloff may be the most eye-catching variety. Their feathers have spots or speckles in a pattern. This gives them a unique and attractive look, with contrasting light and dark feathers that catch your eye and show off the breed’s beauty.
Black: Though not as common, the Black Russian Orloff variety has sleek, glossy black feathers all over. Their striking black look makes them a prized, but less common, variety among collectors and breeders.
Black-tailed Red: This variety is mostly red but has black feathers in the tail and sometimes the flight feathers. The red and black colors make a beautiful contrast that highlights the chicken’s shape and size.
Mahogany: Mahogany Orloff have deep reddish-brown feathers. This warm, dark shade looks like mahogany wood. The rich color makes them look fancy and appealing.
Cuckoo: Cuckoo Orloff have stripes. Their feathers have light and dark bands. This pattern makes them stand out and look cool.
Temperament of Russian Orloff Chickens
Russian Orloff chickens have a unique and calm personality. They are usually quiet and easy to handle, making them a good choice for people who want a low-maintenance chicken.
However, they are not known for being very friendly or affectionate towards humans. While some individual Orloff may show affection; this is uncommon for the breed.
Even though Orloff chickens are calm, they are not easily bullied. They can stand up for themselves if confronted by more aggressive chickens, but they prefer to avoid conflicts rather than start them.
This makes them a good fit for mixed flocks where peaceful coexistence is important. Despite their non-aggressive nature, they are not timid and will defend themselves if needed.
Orloff chickens are adaptable. They do well in free-range environments, but they can also adapt to being confined. They are flexible with different living conditions.
Their cold-hardiness is another trait that many breeders appreciate. This makes them a robust breed for colder climates.
Egg production is not the strongest trait of the Russian Orloff. Hens lay about two eggs per week.
Russian Orloff chickens are a great pick for new and seasoned chicken owners. Their calm nature, special looks, and ability to adjust make them stand out. These birds have a unique blend of traits.
Lifespan of Russian Orloff Chickens
Russian Orloff chickens live a long time. They survive for around 8 to 10 years. This is longer than some other chicken breeds.
Orloff chickens are strong birds. They can live well in different climates. Their hardy nature helps them live for many years.
Appearance of Russian Orloff Chickens
The Russian Orloff chicken looks very different from other chickens. Here are some details about what it looks like:
Body and Back Feathers
The Russian Orloff has a thick, sturdy body with big, wide feathers are thick and close together. This makes it look tough and strong., covering the whole body well.
This helps keep it warm when it’s cold outside. The feathers are thick and fluffy, which also helps it stay cozy in cold months.
Color
This breed of chicken comes in a few different color varieties. These include Mahogany, Spangled, Black, and White.
The Mahogany variety is especially pretty, with deep reddish-brown feathers that often have black edges or speckles. The colors are very clear and distinct, making the chicken look nice.
Body Shape
The Russian Orloff stands up straight, with a short, thick neck and a round body.
Its unique body shape, along with its super thick feathers, makes it look chunky and bulky. This is quite different from chickens, which are more slim and sleek.
Comb, Wattles, Earlobes
One of the most interesting things about the Russian Orloff is its cushion or strawberry comb. Sometimes, you may see a walnut comb. It also has little wattles and earlobes that sit very close to its head.
This special trait helps prevent frostbite since it comes from cold areas. The earlobes, wattles, and comb are usually red but not as big and noticeable as other breeds.
Beak
The Russian Orloff’s beak is strong and slightly curved. It is often dark horn-colored or yellow color in light color varieties, which looks nice with the bird’s different feather colors.
Legs and Toes
Russian Orloffs have medium-length legs without feathers. Each foot has four well-defined toes. The legs are usually yellow or slate, but the color can vary slightly based on the bird’s color variety.
Eyes
The breed has large, expressive eyes that are typically a bright reddish-bay color. This adds to their striking look. Their alert expression shows the breed’s attentive and vigorous nature.
Size and Weight of Russian Orloff Chickens
Russian Orloff chickens are big birds. They have a medium to large size. Their weight shows that they are strong and sturdy.
Orloff roosters usually weigh between 7 to 8.5 pounds (around 3.2 to 3.9 kg). Their heavy weight makes them look powerful.
Hens weigh a bit less than roosters, usually 5.5 to 7 pounds (around 2.5 to 3.2 kg). Even though lighter, they still have a solid, robust build like the breed.
Chick weights can differ, but they are generally sturdy and well-sized for their breed. Like most chickens, exact hatch weights are not well documented. But Orloff chicks are known to grow fast and reach their adult weights quickly.
These weights make Russian Orloffs a fairly big chicken breed. They are known for being bulky and strong.
Their size and weight make them hardy. That’s why they are valued for meat and eggs in cold climates.
Egg Production
The Russian Orloff chicken is known for laying eggs in a moderate amount. Their eggs have special traits that make them stand out from other chickens.
Egg-Laying Age: The Russian Orloff hens start laying eggs when they’re around 6 to 7 months old. But this can change a bit based on things like their surroundings, the food they eat, and if the individual chicken is healthy or not.
Egg Count: These hens lay a moderate number of eggs. On average, one hen can lay about 150 to 180 eggs per year.
Egg Color and Size: The eggs of Russian Orloff chickens are usually medium to large in size. Their color ranges from a light brown to a rich, creamy brown shade.
Broodiness: Russian Orloff hens show a moderate level of broodiness. Some hens have strong motherly instincts and want to sit on their eggs to hatch them, while others might not be as interested in being broody.
Their broodiness can vary a lot from one hen to another. Not all hens will consistently get broody, but those that do make caring and protective mothers.
Russian Orloff Rooster vs Hen
Here’s a detailed comparison chart showing the differences between Russian Orloff Roosters and Hens:
| Characteristic | Rooster | Hen |
| Weight | 8.5 to 10 lbs (3.9 to 4.5 kg) | 6.5 to 8 lbs (2.9 to 3.6 kg) |
| Comb, Wattles, Earlobes | Smaller, tightly fitting to the head, less prone to frostbite | Smaller, tightly fitting to the head, less prone to frostbite |
| Body Shape | Larger, more robust, and upright stance | Slightly smaller, with a rounded body shape |
| Plumage Color | Rich, often more vibrant colors, especially in Mahogany and Spangled varieties | Subdued compared to roosters, but still rich in colors |
| Egg-Laying | N/A | Begins at 6-7 months, lays 150-180 eggs/year, eggs are light to rich creamy brown |
| Behavior | Protective, bold | Moderate broodiness, attentive mothers when they choose to brood |
This comparison highlights the physical and behavioral differences between Russian Orloff Roosters and Hens, including aspects like weight, body shape, plumage color, and their roles in egg-laying and broodiness.
Care Guide For Russian Orloff Chickens
Here are a few things that you must know while raising Russian Orloff chickens:
1. Know the Breed
Russian Orloffs are hardy chickens that handle chilly temperatures well. They lay a decent number of eggs and have a distinct, eye-catching look. Since they’re not too common, you’ll need to find a trustworthy breeder for chicks or eggs.
2. Set Up Their Home
Too much moisture can cause breathing issues. Give each chicken about 4 square feet inside the coop. They also need 8-10 square feet per bird in an outdoor run area with fencing.
3. Keep Them Warm
Thanks to their thick feathers, Russian Orloffs can handle cold very well. But when it’s extremely cold out, make sure their insulated coop has no drafts. Provide a toasty, dry shelter during harsh winter conditions.
4. Feed Them Right
Chicks: For the first 6-8 weeks, give them high-quality chick starter feed. Then slowly switch to grower feed.
Give adult birds a balanced diet with lots of nutrients, especially if they’re laying eggs.
Always provide fresh, clean water for them to drink. You can also feed them grains, veggies, and sometimes protein treats like mealworms as a tasty snack.
5. Staying Healthy and Care
Regularly check your birds for signs of illness like feeling tired, unusual poop, or changing eating habits. Russian Orloffs are strong but can still get common chicken diseases.
Have a plan for getting rid of inside pests (worms) and outside pests (mites, lice & fleas). Ask a vet for the best ways to prevent and treat these bugs.
Follow local rules and your vet’s advice about getting vaccines for common chicken diseases.
6. Laying Eggs and Being Broody
Provide comfy, clean nest boxes for hens to lay eggs in. Usually, one box for every 3-4 hens is enough.
Russian Orloff hens can sometimes get broody (wanting to sit on eggs), but this varies. If you don’t want them hatching chicks, collect the eggs regularly and separate any broody hens until they act normal again.
7. Social Needs and Handling
These chickens are usually social and get along well in mixed flocks. But watch out for any bullying or arguments over the pecking order.
Gently handling them from a young age can help them get used to humans. This is important for health checks or giving them medicine.
8. Breeding
You need the right number of hens and roosters. Usually, you should have 10 hens or more for each rooster. This prevents overbreeding. Choose healthy, good-looking birds to keep the breed strong and healthy.
Common Problems in Russian Orloff Chickens
Russian Orloff chickens are hardy birds. They handle cold weather well. But like other chickens, they can get sick sometimes. Being aware of potential issues helps keep your flock healthy and happy.
1. Frostbite
Despite their warm feathers and small combs, Orloffs can still get frostbite in extreme cold, wind, and wetness. Their combs, wattles, and toes are at risk. A dry, airy coop with no drafts helps avoid frostbite in winter.
2. Parasites
Mites, lice, and worms can trouble Orloffs. Check their health often. Clean coops prevent many parasite problems. Deworm is on schedule, too.
Also read: Best deworming medicines for chickens
3. Respiratory Issues
Orloffs’ fluffy feathers don’t stop breathing troubles. Dampness or poor airflow can cause issues. Coops must stay clean, dry, and ventilated.
4. Nutritional Deficiencies
Orloffs need a balanced diet like any chicken. Poor nutrition weakens feathers, cuts egg-laying, and spreads disease. Quality feed plus vitamins keeps them nourished. Give them some extra treats to fulfill their nutritional needs.
5. Obesity
Russian Orloffs are less active birds, so if you feed them too much, they can become obese. Obesity in chickens causes issues like trouble breeding and shorter lives. To stop obesity, control their diet and make sure they have enough room to exercise
6. Predation
Orloffs are big chickens that don’t always pay attention. This makes them easy targets for predators like foxes, raccoons, and hawks. To protect them, keep their coop and run secure against these threats
7. Broodiness
Broodiness isn’t a problem itself, and is good for hatching baby chicks naturally. But some hens get too broody. They forget to take care of themselves while sitting on eggs.
To control broodiness, remove eggs often. Give broody hens a comfy nest, but make it unappealing to sit in.
Summary
Russian Orloff chickens have a cool and special look. They have big, sturdy bodies with wide chests and tight feathers on their backs.
They come in fun colors like reddish-brown, speckled, black, and white. Also, they are lovely medium to large size birds.
To keep Orloff chickens happy and healthy, you need a safe and warm coop. Give them good food to eat. Watch out for bugs or other pests that can make them sick.
These chickens like to be with their friends and get exercise, too. Even though they are cold-hardy birds, they can sometimes get frostbite, breathing problems, not enough nutrients, or get too fat.
Wild animals or predators might try to eat them, too. Sometimes, the hens just want to sit on their eggs instead of laying more.
Make sure their coop is right for them. Feed them a balanced diet. Keep bugs and pests away. And give them space to move around.
In short, Russian Orloff chickens are hardy and cool-looking. Their eggs are tasty, too. With good care like a safe home, yummy food, and regular check-ups, these chickens can be a fun addition to your flock.
