Many reasons people keep chickens include: Many people keep chickens for their eggs and meat, while others have them as companion animals. The Australorp is a beautiful dual-purpose chicken that has a lot of character.
Australorp, an Australian chicken, is a favorite worldwide because of its gentle nature, high egg yield, and abundant meat. Let’s find out what Australorp can do for your barnyard.
Here are some quick facts about Australorps
| Species Name: | Gallus gallus domesticus |
| Family: | Phasianidae |
| Care Level | Simple |
| Temperature: | Cold-hardy |
| Temperament: | Docile, curious |
| Color Form: | Black, white, and blue |
| Lifespan: | 6-10 Years |
| Size: | 6.5-8.5 pounds |
| Diet: | Herbivore |
| Minimum Coop Size: | 2 to 3 square feet per chicken |
| Set-Up: | Caged, free-range |
| Compatibility: | High |
Australorp Overview
After a group from William Cook’s Orpingtons arrived in Australia, the amazing Australorp was born. Australian breeders were searching for a bird that could adapt to the harsh climate.
To increase egg production, they crossed the Rhode Island Red with meat-purpose Orpingtons. A few other breeds were added to the mix. The outcome was a success. Australorps, which are strong, healthy birds that can lay up to 300 eggs per year, was a delight for the producers.
They have gained popularity in hen houses around the world since their original development. Australorps were chosen to cross with many other breeds, including the Austra White, because of their amazing, beneficial traits.
What is the Cost of Australorps?
Australorp chickens can be quite affordable. A baby pullet costs between $2 and $5 per chick.
The Typical Behavior and Temperament
Australorps are well-known for their friendly, playful nature. These chickens are known for their vibrant personalities, according to many owners. Although they get along well with their flock mates, they may prefer to be with another chick in forming a best-friend relationship.
Australorps will be a chicken in your flock that follows you around the yard, looking for clues. They hate being left out of the equation. You will have to include them if there is a nurse in the mix.
They may also be unafraid of larger animals and can be bossy. They can also be curious and get into trouble.
Appearance and Varieties
The American Poultry Association accepts the Australorp in black as a breed standard. The Australian Poultry Association recognizes blue and yellow in Australorp’s native country.
Large
The Australorp standard is a large, plump bird. Adult Roosters can weigh approximately 8.5 pounds, while hens can weigh 6.5 pounds.
Bantam
Australorps are also available in miniature versions. The hens are slightly heavier at just over 2 pounds, while the Roosters can weigh in at 3 pounds.
Traditional black Australorp feathers have an iridescent-green cast. Although they have a steady gait and are heavy, they can quickly become overweight.
How to Care for Australorps
It is crucial to ensure the health and well-being of your Australorp flock. Although they can adapt to most conditions, Australorps require specific conditions in order to thrive.
Habitat, Living Conditions, and Setup
Coop Setup
Your Australorps will need to have a place where they can nest and sleep. A coop should be approximately 3 feet square for each hen. A coop that is too small can result in stressed flocks, which can lead to bad behavior.
Fencing
Even if your chickens will be free to roam, it is important that the coop is secure. All fencing you use must be completely enclosed and predator-proof. You might be surprised at how clever predators can get if you have never owned chickens.
The chicken wire that is regular chicken wire is not the best for hens. Many threats can pass through the bars. Hardware cloth, also known as welding wire, is the best choice because it repels snakes and mice.
Free-Ranging
You can allow your chickens free-range if you have enough space. You should take precautions when allowing your chickens to roam free. You need to protect your crops and belongings, but also ensure that your chickens are safe.
Chickens can fly, hop, glide, and climb. You might be surprised at how far they can travel if they want.
Temperature
Chickens, despite being birds, are very cold-hardy and can withstand extreme winter temperatures.
Bedding
- Straw
Straw is a great thing to add to the coop. Straw is a great way to insulate your coop, it’s easy to clean and stays dry. But straw can mold if it isn’t cleaned often.
- Sand
Chicken keepers are increasingly choosing sand as a preferred choice. Sand is easy to use and safe for poultry.
Nesting Space
For egg laying, they should always have nesting boxes at their disposal. Each nesting box should have enough space to hold a full-sized bird.
Scope
They were first revered for their extraordinary egg-laying abilities. Australorps conceive an average of 250 eggs per year. Large, well-colored brown eggs are a hallmark of Australorps. Their egg production is a prize-winning feat of engineering.
Australorps are known for their strong motherly instinct and it is not uncommon for Australorp females to go broody. Although this is not common in all situations, it’s possible for one or two Australorp females to want to have babies.
They are excellent options for meat birds, and they have great laying potential. If you choose to eat them, they have strong and muscular body that makes for delicious food.
Is Australorps compatible with other pets?
Australorps are great with their flock mates. One member might be a special bond, which can lead to a strong pair. They don’t tend to be pushy or intolerant, but they can often be free-spirited.
Australorps love to follow the family dog around the yard, as they are curious. They are not afraid to play with a cat. They are good with farm animals as well.
Be aware that other animals may not always feel the same way. Chickens can be prey animals so it is important to keep them away from dogs and cats.
What to feed your Australorp
Your chicken’s diet needs may be different depending on whether they live in an enclosed environment or free-range. Chickens can forage on their own and can get plenty of nutrition from plants and insects.
This makes for a very healthy flock but it is not an option for every chicken owner. You need to ensure that your chickens have plenty of fresh water and commercial chicken feed.
Fresh fruits and vegetables should be given to your chickens every day. Because they are omnivores, they greatly benefit from nutrition coming from multiple sources. You might see chickens eating mice and even frogs.
Keeping Your Australorp Healthy
These are some tips that will keep your flock safe and healthy.
- Make sure the coop is dry and free from dust.
- Enjoy free range in your area
- Provide a balanced diet
- Examine the poop of your chickens
- Be on the lookout for egg-laying problems
- Protect your flock against predators
Breeding
Australorp roosters can mate 20-30 times per day. This remarkable number increases his chances of fertilizing eggs.
A rooster could over-breed hens. This can lead to illness or even death. One rooster for every 10 hens is a good rule of thumb. They can then evenly distribute their time between the hens, and not overwhelm them.
One hen might be able to hatch multiple chicks if she becomes broody. Not all Australorps will be broody. You can always gather a few of your best eggs and place them in an incubator if that is the case.
The average incubation time is 21 days.
Is Australorps suitable for you?
Australorps make a great choice for any barnyard setting. They come in standard, bantam, and bantam sizes. You can also choose the classic black color, either blue or white.
You will be impressed by Australorp’s amazing laying skills. They will ensure you have a delicious breakfast every morning. They are also very friendly and have a great personalities. A dual-purpose Australorp is a great choice if you are looking to stock the coop.
Australorps lay what color eggs?
Australorps that are well-cared for lay roughly 250 light-brown eggs every year. When a hen lay 364 eggs in 365 days, a new record was set. They are also good nest sitters and moms, making them one of the most popular big heritage utility chicken breeds.
How long does an Australorp live?
Temperament and Lifespan of Australorp Australorps are a calm, placid breed that may develop strong attachments to its owners. They are a joy in any garden, whether urban or rural; they are especially ideal for families with children because to their gentle nature. Australorps have a lifespan of 6 to 10 years.
Do black Australorps lay their eggs?
Black Australorps will occasionally get broody, which means they will begin to sit on their eggs. It is more common in two-year-olds than in one-year-olds. They will most likely begin sitting on a batch of eggs, then become tired of the procedure and abandon the clutch of eggs before they hatch.
How much room do Australorps require?
The bigger standard hens, such as the Dominique, Faverolles, or Australorp, will need the entire 4 square feet of coop area. Each chicken should have at least 10 square feet in the run. Roosting bars should allow for around 8 inches per bird, and a typical 12×12 inch nesting box will suffice.
What is the finest Australorp chicken food?
Australorp black Nutrition and Feeding Chicks like crumbled or mashed potatoes because they are easier to consume. When they are sixteen weeks old, you may start transitioning them to a 16% protein-layer meal. If you wish to switch from crumble to pellet feed, they will be able to manage it at sixteen weeks.
What should I feed my hens on a daily basis?
Choose fruits, vegetables, and grains to keep hens happy and provide a nutritionally balanced diet. Leafy greens, cooked beans, maize, non-sugary cereals and grains, berries, apples, and most other fruits and vegetables are all good choices
How quickly do Australorp chickens mature?
Breeding hens should be prolific for 5-7 years, while roosters should be productive for 3-5 years. A Heritage Chicken must develop at a moderate to slow rate, attaining the breed’s market weight in no less than 16 weeks.
Australorps can lay green eggs.
Pinkish-cream eggs are laid by Light Sussex, Mottled Javas, Australorps, Buff Orpingtons, Silkies, and Faverolles. As previously stated, some Easter Eggers lay cream or pink eggs, while others lay green or blue eggs.
Are Australorp chickens docile?
Temperament and personality Australorps are a sweet, placid breed that becomes as devoted to its owners as you will to them! They are egg-extremely quiet and a joy in any city or country backyard; they are especially ideal for families with youngsters because of their gentle nature.
When do Australorps deposit their eggs?
between the ages of 22 and 24 weeks, Egg production in Australorps typically begins between the ages of 22 and 24 weeks. In a backyard environment, the average Australorp hen will lay between 250 and 300 excellent eggs every year. It is unrealistic to expect your single chicken to produce 309 eggs in 365 days (as the world record requires), but they get close!