What Do Orpington Chickens Eat?

By on 7 March 2026

Orpingtons are big, friendly birds with healthy appetites. Getting their diet right keeps them laying well, looking good, and in strong health. Here’s what we feed ours and why.

The Basics: Layers Pellets

For laying hens, a quality layers pellet should make up the bulk of the diet — around 80% of what they eat. Pellets are nutritionally complete, containing the right balance of protein, calcium, and vitamins for egg production. We use a 16% protein pellet for our Orpingtons.

Avoid switching brands too often — hens can be slow to adapt and may reduce laying during the transition.

Mixed Corn

Mixed corn (wheat and maize) is a popular supplement, especially in colder months. It generates body heat as it’s digested, which helps in Scottish winters. That said, corn is low in protein and high in carbs — treat it as a treat, not a staple. A small handful per bird in the afternoon is plenty.

Greens and Scraps

Orpingtons enjoy fresh greens: cabbage, kale, lettuce, spinach, and kitchen scraps like cooked veg or bread (in small amounts). Hang a cabbage in the run to give them something to peck at — it keeps them entertained and supplements their diet.

Avoid onions, garlic, citrus, avocado, and anything salty or mouldy.

Grit and Oyster Shell

Free-range hens pick up grit naturally, but if your birds have limited access to ground, provide insoluble grit (flint) for digestion and oyster shell for calcium. Keep these available separately so hens can self-regulate.

Water

Fresh, clean water at all times. Orpingtons drink more than you’d expect, especially in warm weather or when laying heavily. Check and refresh daily.

Chick and Grower Feeds

Young birds need different nutrition. Use chick crumb (high protein, no added calcium) from hatch to around 8 weeks, then switch to grower pellets until point of lay. Don’t feed layers pellets to young birds — the calcium level is too high for developing kidneys.

Our Orpingtons

Our Buff, Blue, and Black Orpingtons are available as hatching eggs and occasionally as point-of-lay pullets. See what we have available or get in touch.

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