Our daughter, Angie, got four new chicks recently. They are growing like weeds, but still look somewhat furry instead of looking like feathers. Interesting is the coloration that develops as they grow.

Yes, the Lavendar Orpingtons are a unique breed of chicken, and have quite unusual coloration as adults. Here is what the website, "Pure Poultry", http://www.purelypoultry.com/lavender-orpington-chickens-p-…), says about them: "Lavender Orpingtons are a shimmering, grayish, silver color with a definite purple tone. Orpington Chickens, in general, are big, round, fluffy chickens and could arguably be the softest of all the breeds. Combine that soft fluffiness with a shimmering lavender-gray color, and Lavender Orpingtons are chickens to behold!"

"The lavender color is similar to the blue color, but is lighter in general and with purple overtones. Lavender Orpingtons are extremely rare, and not many people have actually laid eyes on a Lavender Orpington. They could be categorized as designer chickens, and are fabulous for poultry connoisseurs and collectors as well as for flock owners who want a truly special breed."

"Gray colors in chickens are always rare and exciting, but there is another reason lavender is such a sought-after color. Although Lavender Orpingtons do resemble Blue Orpingtons in their shimmering gray coloring, genetically the Lavender is very different from the Blue. When Blue Chickens are bred together, the offspring will be a variety of colors: black, splash (mostly white with gray splashes), and variations of the blue color. The Lavender Orpingtons, however, will breed true, meaning that all offspring of two Lavender Orpingtons will be Lavender."

"Lavender Orpingtons have pretty, single red combs, which are set off beautifully against the lavender feathering, which is usually a bit darker on the head. These would look especially striking combined with Buff Orpingtons - creating a flock of silver and gold big fluffy birds."

"Lavender Orpingtons have lots of feathers - the fluffiness makes them seem to have extra feathers, especially on the thighs. They are cold hardy and sound chickens."