Orloff Chicken Breed – Origin, Traits & Facts

Orloff

The Orloff is a breed of chicken named after Alexei Grigoryevich Orlov, a Russian Count. Reflecting this origin, it is sometimes called the Russian Orloff or simply Russian.

Habitat

The Orloff chicken is suited to cold environments and can be found in regions with harsh winter climates. Historically, it was bred in Russia and became popular in other European countries. Today, it is kept by poultry enthusiasts around the world.

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Characteristics

SizeMedium to large, around 50cm

Wing Span65-80 cm

Male Weight3.5 kg

Female Weight2.5 kg

Life Expectancy8 years

Ease of Keeping

Beginner friendly: 3/5

Useful to know

The Orloff chicken is known for its hardiness in cold weather, making it suitable for colder climates. It was popular in Russia and later spread to other parts of Europe. The breed is resilient and can withstand harsh conditions.

Behaviour

TemperamentCalm and docile

Flightinesslow

Foraging Abilitygood

Confinement Tolerance

The Orloff chicken tolerates confinement well but benefits from free-ranging opportunities to express natural behaviors. They enjoy foraging and can adapt to a variety of living conditions.

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Identification

Comb Type

Plumage Description

Feather Color

Leg Color

Earlobe Color

Eye Color

Feeding Habits

Diet

Preferred Environment

Requires Supplement

Population

Conservation Status

Species Status

Wild Population

Total Known Population

Egg Characteristics

Egg Color

Egg Size

Laying Frequency

Egg Production / Year

Start Laying Age (weeks)

Leghorn

The Leghorn, Italian: Livorno or Livornese, is a breed of chicken originating in Tuscany, in central Italy. Birds were first exported to North America in 1828 from the Tuscan port city of Livorno, on the western coast of Italy. They were initially called "Italians", but by 1865 the breed was known as "Leghorn", the traditional anglicisation of "Livorno". The breed was introduced to Britain from the United States in 1870. White Leghorns are commonly used as layer chickens in many countries of the world. Other Leghorn varieties are less common.

Ancona

The Ancona is a breed of chicken which originated in the Marches, region of Italy, but which was bred to its present type mainly in the United Kingdom in the nineteenth century. It is named after the city of Ancona, capital of the Marche. It is popular in Britain and the United States, but uncommon in Italy; an initiative to re-establish it in its native area and preserve its biodiversity was launched in 2000. There are also Ancona bantams.

Bionda Piemontese

The Bionda Piemontese is a traditional Italian dual-purpose breed of chicken. It originates in the Piedmont region of north-western Italy, from which it takes its name. It may also be called the Bionda di Cuneo, after the comune of Cuneo or the surrounding province; Bionda di Villanova, after the comune of Villanova d'Asti in the province of Asti; Rossa delle Crivelle, after a village near Buttigliera d'Asti; or Nostralina.

Mugellese

The Mugellese, also known as Mugginese, is a rustic dual-purpose breed of small chicken or bantam from Tuscany, in central Italy. It takes its name from the historic Mugello region to the north-east of Florence. It is not officially recognised as a breed in Italy, but is being considered for recognition.

Padovana

The Padovana or Padovana dal gran ciuffo is an ancient Italian breed of small crested and bearded chicken. It originates in, and is named for, the city and surrounding province of Padua, in the Veneto region of north-eastern Italy. Despite continuing discussion surrounding its true origins, it is recognised in Italy as an indigenous Italian breed.