Russian Orloffs
Calm, Quiet, Independent
Recognized Color Varieties
Not Recognized
Breed Traits
The Russian Orloff is a tall and thin, game-like chicken with abundant face muffling including ear muffs and a beard, a thick neck, a small walnut or strawberry comb and tiny wattles. They are gaining popularity because of their calm disposition, their extreme cold hardiness, and their ability to lay eggs well through the colder months of winter. In fact, they are so accustomed to cold weather that they have been known to stand in cool water on warm days.
Breed History
Although they originated in Persia, the Russian Orloff was mostly developed in Russia and were known there as “Russians” or “Chlianskiai.” Count Orlov (the Russian Orloff’s namesake) made them a recognized breed in Britain. They were considered a rare breed in the United States, and made an appearance on the “Critically Endangered” list of the American Livestock Breeds Conservancy; but in 2016 their status improved from Critically Endangered to Threatened.
Quick Facts
Peak Egg Production
Poor: Approx 100
Egg Size
Medium
Egg Color
Light Brown
Tolerant of Confinement
Yes
Cold Hardy
Yes
Heat Tolerant
No
Broody
No
American Poultry Association
None