- Purpose:Dual/Purpose — Meat And Eggs
- Eggs:Brown
- Egg Size:Large
- Color:Black With Green And Purple Tones
- Comb Type:Single Comb
It doesn’t take a lot of sleuthing to figure out that this national chicken of Australia was developed fromOrpingtonstock, hence the name Australorp.
It’s hard to find something negative to point out about the Australorp. The main drawback to this breed may very well be their affable temperaments. Some keepers report that their birds are so friendly that they may lack a little common sense when it comes to self-preservation.
As with any flock, do your best to ensure that predators cannot access your birds. WithAustralorps, you may have to do a little extra thinking than with more alert, stand-offish breeds, such as the non-personable but fiercely independent Ancona.
It is also worth noting that though they are extremely cold tolerant, they may be slightly sensitive to prolonged high temperatures. For those in sweltering climates, the flighty Fayoumi, independentAndalusian, or popularRhode Island Redmay bebetter choices.
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Characteristics
Catch this seemingly black chicken in a ray of sunshine, and these heavy-looking birds will gleam with iridescent greens and purples. And just like their feathers show up best with a little attention, so does their somewhat under-represented reputation as prolific egg-layers.
Egg-Laying Champions
Though more popular breeds may be mentioned when it comes to building a backyard flock, the Australorp deserves time in the limelight. A team of hens won the world record for yearly egg production in the 1920’s, producing a dazzling average of309 eggs each.
虽然你可能没有一个打破记录的人在你的手上,如果你决定使用这些冷静的鸟,你至少可以预期有一个专门的层。在寒冷的天气里特别耐寒,温顺,能够被限制在一个较小的鸡舍里,这只鸡可能是城市后院的理想选择。
Their even temperament may also make them a good choice as a pet, or a lovely starting breed for the novice chicken-keeper.
What’s The Yield?
Though it is highly unlikely that your chickens will achieve the record-breaking yields the breed is famous for, you can reasonably expect at least 200 brown eggs a year from yourhealthy Australorp hens.
With a fairly heavy, meaty body, a gift from their Orpington bloodline, Australorp chickens can also make a good dual-purpose backyard chicken as well. Anticipate that your hens will reach around 6 ½ pounds, and your roosters will weighabout 8 ½ pounds.
What’s Special About the Australorp?
Though they’re not recognized officially, there are more colors than just the beetle-green birds. You may be able to find white, splashed, buff, or even blue-white variations of these gentle chickens. Though you won’t be able to show them in the exhibition ring, they are still worthwhile additions to your flock!
Pictures Of Australorp Chickens
Resources
- Chicken Chart, Henderson’s Handy Dandy Chicken Chart
- The Field Guide to Chickens, Pam Percy
- Australorp Chicken, Livestock Conservancy
- Australorp Chickens, Poultry Keeper
- Pros & Cons Of Keeping Australorp Chickens, Types Of Chicken
- Poultry Breeds – Australorp Chickens, Oklahoma State University
- Australorp, My Pet Chicken
- Black Australorp Breed Profile, Countryside Network
- Australorps, Feathersite
- Australorps, Australorp Club Of Australia