THE ORPINGTONS 



far more useful as a table bird. It is hoped that in time 

 the breeders of the Spangled Orpingtons will breed only 

 for a pure white leg, or as little black in them as possible. 



"The comb should be low set and well serrated, up- 

 right in the cocks; but the hens being such extraordinary 

 layers, they invariably have a rather larger comb, oft- 

 times falling to one side." 



In weight the cocks when developed are 10 lbs., and 

 hens 8j4 lbs., though many specimens have far exceeded 

 these weights. 



Double mating is not necessary, though some breed- 

 ers resort to it, but equally good birds are produced from 

 the one mating. Care, however, should be exercised in 

 selecting cocks on the dark side mated to hens with an 

 even, but not excessive, spangling all over. 



As this variety are inclined to produce white in lobe, 

 breed only from such birds as have a sound red lobe, par- 

 ticularly in the cocks, as any white in lobe detracts a lot 

 of points from their appearance. 



Value of Points Deduct 



up to 



Head IS 



Color and plumage 3S 



Condition IS 



Legs and feet 10 



Size and type 25 



A perfect bird to count 100 



Serious Defects. 

 Much white in lobe, side spikes on comb, any straw, 

 red or brown markings in the plumage. 



CUCKOO ORPINGTONS 



The originator, William H. Cook, gives the following 

 history and description of Cuckoo Orpingtons in "The 

 Orpington and Its Varieties," England, 1908: 



"Quite the newest of the Orpington family is the 

 above variety, introduced by William H. Cook early in 

 1907. Though classes, including the "Dairy Show," have 

 already been provided for them, their originator's aim is 

 not so much an exhibition specimen, as a bird possessing 

 great utility qualities, combining a very big deep body on 

 low legs, with absolutely first-class laying propensities. 

 For any breed to make headway, the latter qualities are 

 naturally most essential, and these having been attained, 

 popularity will soon assist them to go ahead in the exhibi- 

 tion pen. As proof of this, seventeen birds were staged 

 at the 1908 "Dairy Show." This as the third time that 

 classes have been provided since their introduction to 

 the public, is fair proof that already the variety has found 

 favor. 



"Many new members gave their patronage to the 

 club, which has been formed to further the interests and 

 push the Cuckoo Orpingtons. 



"In appearance the 'Cuckoos' are, at first sight, simi- 

 lar to a barred Plymouth Rock, without the objectionable 

 long yellow legs, which have been replaced by a perfectly 

 pure white short pair. The skin and flesh are snow white, 

 another great advantage in their favor, and the back is very 

 ■ short and broad, whilst their general shape is the blocky 

 type that has made the Orpington family so conspicuous 

 over other varieties of poultry. For hardiness, perhaps 

 they are unequalled, and being splendid layers of a some- 

 what unusually large brown egg, they will undoubtedly 

 recommend themselves to both fanciers and utility poultry 

 keepers. Double mating is not at all necessary, so that any- 

 one contemplating giving Cuckoo Orpingtons a trial can, 



.by purchasing just a trio of them, work up a very nice 

 foundation stock for further developments. They will 

 thrive and do splendidly in any nook or corner, whether 

 on a cold clay soil or on ashes, so that amateurs need not 

 hesitate in taking them up, and just one trio does not take 

 up a lot of room. One will often find that "something 

 new" in the chicken world is taken up at the start merely 

 for curiosity and just for the sake of being in the fashion; 

 but as soon as the "something new" is proved a poor 

 layer, delicate or hard to breed true, they are quickly dis- 

 posed of and soon forgotten. 



"The originator of the Cuckoo Orpington has care- 

 fully considered these defects, and has, in introducing the 

 'Cuckoos,' aimed at a bird that, once tried, will be always 

 retained." 



STANDARD 

 General Characteristics of Cock 



Head. — Small, neat and carried erect. Beak: strong 

 and nicely curved. Eye: bold, bright and intelligent. 

 Comb: single, fairly small, erect, evenly serrated and free 

 from side sprigs. Ear-lobes: small. Wattles: medium 

 length and well rounded. Neck: nicely curved, compact 

 with full hackle. 



Body. — Breast: broad, deep, and full (not flat), with 

 long straight breast bone. Back: short and broad. Saddle: 

 rising slightly, with full flowing hackle. Wings: nicely 

 formed and carried close. Skin and Flesh: white, fine in 

 texture and firm. Tail: short and compact, flowing and 

 inclined backwards. 



Legs and Feet. — Thighs and Shanks: short, strong and 

 well set apart. Toes: four in number and well spread. 



General Shape and Carriage. — Cobby and compact, 

 erect and graceful. 



Size and Weight. — Large. From 10 lbs. to 13 lbs. 

 when fully matured. 



General Characteristics of Hen 



Head, Neck, Body, Legs, Feet, Skin, and Flesh — 

 Corresponding with cock. 



Tail. — Neat, small and inclined backwards with a gen- 

 tle rise. 



Size and Weight. — Large. From 7j4 lbs. to 10 lbs. 



Color 

 Beak: white. Eye: red. Comb and Wattles: red. 

 Face: red, free from any trace of white. Lobes: red, no 

 white whatever allowed. Legs: white or white mottled 

 with black, but white preferred. Toe nails: white. Plum- 

 age: light bluish-grey ground, each feather being barred 

 across with a darker blue-black, proportioned to the size 

 of the feather, and the same on all parts of the body. 

 Value of Points 

 Cock or Hen 



Deduct 

 up to 



Defects in condition 10 



" " color and plumage 25 



" head 10 



" " want of shape 15 



" " want of size ; 20 



" legs and feet 10 



" " saddle and back 5 



" " skin and flesh 5 



A perfect bird to count 100 



Serious Defects 



Any feather or fluff on legs; long legs; any yellow on 

 legs and feet; more than four toes; side spikes on comb; 

 white in lobes, any deformity. 



