Australorps Chickens

Australorps are a favourite in Australian backyards – and there’s plenty of good reasons why they are so popular. Lots of delicious eggs, a beautiful, calm temperament (plus they’re a true blue Aussie breed!) Read on to hear more about this gorgeous local chicken breed.

Lifespan

Australorps live to be approximately 6-10 years of age.

Class

The Australorp is part of the ‘English’ class of chicken.

Rarity

The Black coloured Australorp is the most common and popular in Australia – the blue variety is a little harder to come by, but it’s worth asking any Australorp breeders whether it is in stock if you are partial to this beautiful colour! The black is certainly still a fine choice, and is egg-sactly the same except for the colour.

Origin

The Australorp is a breed native to Australia – having been bred from the Orpington chicken. It was bred to be a good dual purpose chicken, as it is a heavy breed that lays eggs productively, regardless of weather patterns or seasonal changes.

Fun Facts

• Is known as the ‘Australian Orpington’, as it was bred from this English chicken breed.

• It is said that an Australorp chicken holds the record for the most eggs laid by a chicken – one hen laid 364 eggs in 365 days! Not a bad effort.

• After this record was set by the Australorp, the breed was introduced to the UK, however they did not lay nearly as much – whether the climate or the chicken was to blame still remains the question!

Current Use/Purpose

Australorps are used primarily as a dual purpose birds, as well as family pets – this is because they have such a sweet temperament, are productive egg layers and also have a significant amount of meat on them.

Personality and Temperament

Australorps are a very gentle natured, docile breed that become attached to their owners as much as you will to them! They are egg-stremely calm and are a delight in any urban or acreage backyard – they are also great for families with children, because they are so tame.

Incubating and Hatching

The Australorp does occasionally display broody behaviour (their English counterpart the Orpington is a very broody breed), however they aren’t a reliable breed that will sit on the eggs to term. If you do find a reliable broody Australorp that incubates to term, they do have good mothering instincts, and will be doting hens to their baby chicks!

Egg Behaviour

Australorps are egg-stremely productive egg layers – sure to satiate your cravings for omelettes and pavlovas. They lay 250-300 large, light brown eggs each year, which is good news for any egg enthusiasts!

Appearance

Australorps are quite large birds (weighing in at around 3-4kgs), and have beautiful soft feathers which are lovely to touch. Their feathers, when shining in the sun, contain a few subtle hints of vibrant colours such as purple and green – quite a beautiful sight! They come in three different variations – black, white and blue (although the white variety isn’t hugely popular).

The Australorp can also be found as a bantam variety.
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