Two Orpington chickens that were bred at Winterval Orpingtons in Upington were awarded top positions at the SA Show Poultry Organisation exhibition that was held in Bloemfontein earlier this month.
TWO ORPINGTON chickens that were bred at Winterval Orpingtons in Upington were awarded top positions at the South African Show Poultry Organisation (Saspo) exhibition that was held in Bloemfontein earlier this month.
The owner of Winterval Orpingtons, Iwan Schoeman, said it was the first time that his chickens competed at a national exhibition.
“There were over 1,000 competitors with different breeds from all over the country that were put on show. I had four entries, where my black chocolate Orpington stag won third place. A chocolate Orpington that I had bred and sold also competed and achieved second place. I was surprised and overwhelmed as the majority of participants were entered into the black Orpington category. The winners are chosen according to their shape, colour and condition of combs. A top placement at a national exhibition can increase their value,” said Schoeman.
He added that while he specialised in breeding black and chocolate Orpingtons, he was also breeding Isabella lavender and lace Orpingtons, where the feathers are grey and white.
“I started breeding during the Covid-19 national lockdown in 2020 with about 14 hens and roosters and I now have 60. I feed them a special mixture that is infused with vitamins. My winning chickens were hatched in 2020 and 2022.
“My Orpingtons are extremely tame as they were hand reared and make good pets who follow me around. They also enjoy being picked up and carried around. They get along well with other animals and children.”
