Australorp Chickens: Friendly, Egg-Laying Superstars

Hey there, fellow backyard farmers! Today we’re stepping into the world of australorp chickens, breed that is famous for its egg laying ability.

Whether you’re an experienced chicken keeper or just starting out, the australorp’s friendly demeanour makes them a perfect pet and great for families with kids.

Join me as we explore the features of australorp chickens and the best ways to care for them. By the end of this blog, you’ll love australorps just as much as I do!

What are Australorp Chickens?

If you’re looking for a reliable and versatile chicken breed to add to your backyard flock, look no further than the australorp chicken.

They are a true blue Aussie chook that have been delighting farmers and backyard enthusiasts for generations.

Let’s dive into what makes these chickens so special.

Origin of the Australorp Breed

The australorp breed was developed in Australia in the early 1900s by crossing Rhode Island red, langshan and black orpington chickens. The goal was to create a hardy, dual-purpose breed that could thrive in the Australian climate.

Today, australorps are one of the most popular backyard chicken breeds in Australia.

Physical Characteristics of Australorps

Australorps are large birds, with roosters weighing around 4kg and hens weighing 3kg. They have a single comb, red wattles and earlobes, and dark eyes that seem to sparkle.

They have glossy black feathers with a green sheen and black legs.

Temperament of Australorps

As someone who has raised australorps for years, I can attest to their wonderful temperament. These birds are known for being calm and friendly, making them excellent family pets.

They adapt well to confinement but also enjoy free-ranging in the yard.

Australorp Bantams

Australorps also come in smaller bantam sizes. These pint-sized beauties are about one-third to one-half the size of standard australorps but with all the same wonderful qualities.

Australorps as Excellent Egg Layers

One of the main reasons australorps are so popular is their incredible egg-laying ability.

High Egg Production

Australorp hens can lay up to 250 large brown eggs per year. In fact, in the 1920s, a team of six australorps set a world record by laying 1,857 eggs in a single year – that’s an average of 309 eggs laid per hen.

While not all australorps will break records, they consistently rank among the best egg-laying breeds. If you want a reliable source of fresh, delicious eggs, australorps are a top choice.

Dual Purpose

Australorps are good dual purpose chickens. The australorp lays eggs consistently throughout the year but makes a great table bird, due to its large body.

Keeping Australorps in Your Backyard Flock

If you’re considering adding australorp chickens to your backyard flock, there are a few things to keep in mind to ensure they thrive.

Chicken Coops for Australorps

Australorps need a spacious chicken coop with good ventilation and protection from the elements. Provide perches, nesting boxes and a dust bath area to keep your flock happy and healthy.

Coops and Cages  chicken coops are high quality and will last the lifetime of your chooks. The Resort Chicken Coop is best for 4-6 australorps while the Castle Chicken Coop is great for large flocks of up to 12.

Feeding Australorps

Australorps require a balanced diet to maintain their health and egg production. Offer a quality layer feed, fresh water and occasional treats like fruit, veggies and dried mealworms.

I also provide oyster shell to ensure strong eggshells. A little bit of free-ranging time allows australorps to forage for extra nutrients.

Integrating Australorps with Other Breeds

One of the great things about australorps is how well they get along with other chicken breeds. Their calm demeanour makes them easy to integrate into an existing flock.

Of course, it’s always a good idea to introduce new birds gradually and monitor their interactions. But in my experience, australorps fit in seamlessly with other friendly breeds like plymouth rocks and white leghorns.

Australorps as Family-Friendly Pets

One of the things I love most about Australorp chickens is how friendly and docile they are. They make wonderful pets for families and are especially good with children.

Gentle Nature of Australorps

Australorps are known for their calm, friendly dispositions. They’re not flighty or aggressive like some chicken breeds can be. In fact, they actually enjoy human company and will often follow you around the yard just to see what you’re up to.

While more territorial than hens, australorp roosters are not too territorial when compared to other breeds.

Australorps as Kid-Friendly Chickens

Because of their gentle nature, Australorps make great family pets, especially for those with children. They’re patient and tolerant, even with enthusiastic youngsters.

Training Australorps

Believe it or not, Australorps are quite intelligent and can even be trained.

With some patience and plenty of treats, you can teach them to come when called or hop up on your arm. It’s a fun way to bond with your birds and impress your friends.

Maintaining the Health of Your Australorp Flock

While Australorps are generally hardy and healthy birds, there are a few things to keep in mind to help your flock thrive. Regular care and preventive measures go a long way in keeping your chickens happy and disease-free.

Common Health Issues in Australorps

Like all chickens, australorps can be prone to respiratory infections, mites and worms. Maintaining a clean chicken coop, providing a balanced diet and scheduling regular vet check-ups can help prevent and catch any potential problems early.

Protecting Australorps from Extreme Weather

While australorps are adaptable to most climates, they can struggle in extreme hot weather. Their black feathers absorb heat, making them prone to heat stress.

In summer, provide plenty of shade, cool water and good ventilation to keep them comfortable.

Regular Health Checks for Australorps

Prevention is key when it comes to flock health. I perform regular health checks on my Australorps to catch any issues early. This includes checking their weight, inspecting their feathers and skin for parasites, and monitoring their droppings for any changes.

Unusual behaviour like lethargy, decreased appetite or isolation from the flock can also be red flags that something’s wrong. When in doubt, always consult with an avian vet.

FAQs in Relation to Australorp Chickens

Are Australorps good egg layers?

Australorps excel at laying eggs. They produce around 250 to 300 large brown eggs annually.

Do Australorps lay in winter?

Australorps keep laying through most of winter however it may be at a decreased rate.

Are black Australorps friendly?

Aussie black austrlorops have a gentle temperament making them great pets for families with kids.

Ian’s Wrap

Australorps aren’t just any backyard bird; they’re egg-laying powerhouses wrapped in a sleek black feather coat. From their humble Aussie origins to becoming the world record holders for egg production, these chickens are nothing short of spectacular.

Australorp chickens bring more than eggs to your table—they bring joy and ease into poultry care with their calm demeanor and resilience. Perfect for families, they mesh well with kids and other chicken breeds alike, proving themselves as versatile members of any flock.

Interested in buying Australorps? Check out our guide on where to buy chickens.