All About The Australorps Chicken

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     Even if you are fond of chickens, you may not have heard about Australorps. It's a somewhat rare breed, but one worth learning about! Here is a brief look at this chicken, and why you might want to include them in your coop.

The Australorp is considered a large breed chicken, with hens weighing an average of seven pounds and roosters averaging eight to nine pounds. They have black feathers; it is rare to see any white plumage on them anywhere. They are very pretty, and in the sunlight the black can take on a green shimmer. They are often mistaken for Black Jersey Giants. The Australorp, however, is smaller. The best way to tell the difference between the two breeds is to check the bottoms of the feet on the adults. Jersey Giants will have yellow, while the Australorps will have a pink/white color.

Its name comes from its breeding background. It is an Australian breed derived from English Orpington stock. It was deliberately bred as a utility chicken with a dual purpose of providing meat and eggs. It became recognized officially as a breed in the late 1920s.

Australorps have become famous for their egg-laying abilities. There is one claim that a hen laid 364 eggs in 365 days. This may or may not be true, but one this is for sure; these chickens are good layers. Reliable claims say that if well taken care of, they can average between 250-300 eggs per year. This means you'll most likely get eggs all winter, a feat other breeds cannot boast! The eggs are a light brown in color, and medium to large size.

As a dual-purpose bird, they are also good for meat. This is great if you plan on having chickens as part of a subsistence farm. These birds are good brooders as well, meaning they will sit on eggs and care for them diligently until they hatch. With them being meat chickens, you can make good use of any old laying hens or extra roosters.

One of the best things about these Australorps is not in their use for meat or eggs. They have an exceptional temperament. They are so friendly and docile that many people keep them as pets! Some chickens can be dangerous around children, but this breed is perfect for the little ones. There is a bantam version of this breed that would be ideal for a pet.

This really is a great all-around breed! They tolerate confinement extremely well, are winter-hardy, good layers, and good brooding hens. In addition to being calm, they are generally quiet at well. Like their English Orpington cousins, they are also not prone to flying too high, making it easy to keep them in a fenced area.

So where can you get some of these wonderful birds? Check the Internet for reliable hatcheries. Typically a hatchery will send day-old chickens via mail (as a perishable item). Check to be sure that if you order fewer than ten chicks that they are shipped with heat packs. They will not need food and water for the first few days because they will have all their nourishment from their time inside the egg. Make sure that you will be available to pick them up as soon as they arrive! Follow the instructions from the hatchery and you will be able to enjoy this amazing breed of chicken for years to come!