Russian Orloff
Russian Orloff, also spelled Orlov or Orloff, is an old heavy chicken associated with Russia and with earlier Asian or Persian game-type ancestry. It has a broad skull, strong brow, muff and beard, small comb, and a short, slightly curved beak. The body is upright and powerful, with hard feathering and a thick neck. Spangled mahogany is the best-established color in many countries, though other varieties occur in different breeding communities.
The breed suits keepers who want a tough, uncommon dual-purpose chicken rather than a high-volume layer. Its small comb and dense head furnishings are useful in cold climates, but young birds can take time to mature and need patient rearing. Hens lay moderate numbers of eggs, often seasonally, and males may be assertive enough to require sensible pen management. Because Russian Orloffs are rare in many areas, breeding choices should favor sound bodies, fertility, and temperament as much as dramatic color. Buyers should confirm whether a flock is large fowl or bantam and which standard it follows.
Colors: Barred, Birchen, Black, Blue, Brown, Buff, Columbian, Crele, Cuckoo, Duckwing, Gold, Gold Laced, Laced, Lavender, Mahogany, Mille Fleur, Mottled, Partridge, Penciled, Porcelain, Red, Silver, Silver Laced, Spangled, Splash, Wheaten, White
