Australorps
Calm, Independent, Talkative
Recognized Color Varieties
-
Black
Breed Traits
The Black Australorp is the only color variety recognized in the Australorp breed. They have white skin, a single red comb, and full black feathering that has a lustrous green shine to it. Their legs are black, or slate colored.
The Australorp's relation to the Black Orpington explains their docile and friendly nature. They are talkative, but not noisy. They are independent, strong, and hardy. They can be excellent mothers, but do not go broody as often as Orpingtons.
Today Australorps still produce a very high number of eggs per year, and lay well throughout the winter. You can expect your Australorps to give you anywhere between 250 to 300 eggs per year.
Breed History
The Australorp originated in Australia as a cross intended to create a high performance, dual purpose bird. Since Black Orpingtons were used to create the breed, they were originally called Austral Orpingtons, which was abbreviated to Australorps. Their high demand arose after two different findings showed their incredible laying abilities. In one finding, a group of six hens averaged 309 eggs per bird in one year. In another finding one single hen laid 364 eggs in 365 days. However this unnaturally high production was not sustainable, and the birds' productivity has since declined to be simply higher than average.
Quick Facts
Peak Egg Production
Excellent: Approx 250-300
Egg Size
Large
Egg Color
Light Brown
Tolerant of Confinement
Yes
Cold Hardy
Yes
Heat Tolerant
Yes
Broody
Yes
American Poultry Association
English