Overview
The Australorp chicken is the national breed of Australia and the name is an abbreviation of Australian Black Orpington. Mr W Cook claimed that the Australorp is an evolved version of the Orpington, having gone to Australia and later returned as a more utility bird.
The Australorp Chickens came back into Britain in 1921 and remain a very docile utility bird, the main differences being a tighter / flatter feathering than the Orpingtons, as well as a longer body shape.
Australorps are famed for their egg laying abilities and for the majority of the 20th century held the world record for the most eggs laid in a year.
The male Australorps weigh 3.2-4.1kgs and the females weigh 2.5-3.1kgs.
Eggs
Size
Large eggs
Color
Tinted Brown eggs
Production per year
250 eggs per annum
When do they start laying eggs?
From 5 months (20 weeks)
Australorp Characteristics
Temperament / Are they good as pets?
Australorp chicken are very gentle in nature and are easy to tame. They make for perfect backyard pets for families as they are one of the more child friendly breeds. They do also like to be allowed free range so can be kept either in a run or given a large space to roam.
How do I tame Black Australorp chickens?
When you first get your chickens handle them whilst they are still young to get them used to human contact. Try feeding them out of your hand to tame them, this will get them used to human interaction.
How many do I need to buy?
At an absolute minimum you need 2 chickens; however, 6 as a minimum would be better as chickens do better in groups.
How much space do they need?
They need at least 1.1sqm or 11 square feet per chicken in the coop. They can happily live in a run, which should have no less than 25 square feet per chicken.
Will they mix with my other chickens?
Yes, they should mix with other chickens.
Appearance
The Australorp Chickens is a medium weight, active bird laying a tinted egg and is a valuable bird for those who like eggs without sacrificing too much value in meat quality. They are a deep long bodied bird with a full breast, compact wings and very pronounced eyes within a clear unfeathered face. White soles to the feet and white toe nails, large and miniature available. Their black fluffy feathers make them hardy birds.
Characteristics
The Australorp Chickens is a medium weight, active bird laying a tinted egg and is a valuable bird for those who like eggs without sacrificing too much value in meat quality.