Russian Orloff

A Russian Orloff hen tires to hide in green bushes.

Although they're called "Russian" Orloffs (or sometimes just Russians), this beautiful breed actually originally comes from Persia. The Russian Orloff name comes from a famous Russian breeder of these birds, named Count Orloff-Techesmensky. They are very cold hardy birds with their small combs and fat bodies; the hens lay a fair number of light brown eggs, too. They are calm and seldom go broody. This is such a nice breed we wonder why it is so rare here in the US!

Origins/History:

Class: Not recognized
Type: Large Fowl & Bantam
Size: Medium (6-7 lbs)
Rarity: Rare
Purpose: Dual
Recognized Varieties: Black, white, spangled

Egg Facts:

Egg Laying: Fair (2/wk)
Egg Color: Light Brown
Egg Size: Medium

Fancy Features:

Comb Type: Walnut Comb
Crested: No
Feathered Legs: No
Number of Toes: 4

Suitability to Backyard Life:

Cold Hardiness: Hardy in winter
Heat Tolerance: Not especially heat hardy
Bears Confinement: Bears confinement well
Especially Docile: Yes
Setter/Broody: No
Personality: Calm, quiet, but not especially friendly