Black Australorp Chickens (Hens)
Price: Our prices are very competitive but do vary from batch to batch. Please call the store to confirm the current price.
Availability: Please call our Sydney store on 02 97475713 to confirm availability before arriving in-store. Please do not email regarding availability, as the store does not respond to these emails.
How to Buy: All our live pets, including chickens, are available for in-store pickup only at our Sydney store. So there is no home delivery for our poultry.
Store Address: 56 Coronation Pde, Enfield NSW. (near Strathfield)
About Australorps:
Australorp chickens make excellent pets and egg layers, and are recognised for their distinctive black plumage.
Our Australorps are typically around 17 weeks of age, although their age can vary slightly.
Australorp Chickens take longer to begin laying eggs than our popular Isa Brown Breed. Australorps typically start laying eggs at around 26 to 28 weeks of age, whereas Isa Browns begin at 22 weeks.
If you can't wait for your chooks to start laying, it's probably best to stick with the Isa Browns.
Vaccination: Yes, our Black Australorp Hens are fully vaccinated.
Australorp Chickens
Origin:
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Australorps were developed in Australia in the early 20th century by crossing Black Orpingtons with other breeds, including Rhode Island Reds and White Leghorns. The goal was to create a hardy, dual-purpose bird with excellent egg-laying capabilities.
Appearance:
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Australorps are large, heavy birds with a sleek, glossy black plumage that has a greenish sheen in sunlight. They have a single comb, red wattles, and earlobes, with dark eyes and black legs.
Temperament:
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Known for their calm, friendly, and docile nature, Australorps are easy to handle and do well in both free-range and confined environments. They are also good foragers.
Egg Production:
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Australorps are prolific layers, producing approximately 250-300 large, light-brown eggs per year. They are known for their consistency and can lay well even in colder months.
Meat Production:
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As a dual-purpose breed, Australorps have a good body size, making them suitable for both meat production and egg production. They mature relatively quickly and have a well-rounded carcass.
Hardiness:
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Australorps are hardy birds that adapt well to various climates. They are resistant to many common poultry diseases and thrive in both free-range and confined setups.
Comparison Table
| Feature | Australorp | Leghorn | Isa Brown |
|---|---|---|---|
| Origin | Australia | Italy | France |
| Primary Use | Dual-purpose (eggs/meat) | Egg production | Egg production |
| Egg Color | Light brown | White | Brown |
| Egg Production | 250-300/year | 280-320/year | 300-350/year |
| Temperament | Calm, friendly | Active, flighty | Friendly, docile |
| Size | Large, heavy | Small, lightweight | Medium-sized |
| Hardiness | Very hardy | Hardy (prefers warmth) | Very hardy |
| Meat Quality | Good | Poor | Moderate |
Summary
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Australorps are ideal for those seeking a dual-purpose breed that combines excellent egg production with high-quality meat. They are hardy, docile, and adaptable to various climates.
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Leghorns are best for those focused solely on egg production, especially in warmer climates. They are active and efficient layers, but less suited for meat production or cold environments.
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Isa Browns are perfect for high egg production in a friendly, low-maintenance bird. They are not typically raised for meat, but are excellent layers and adapt well to different conditions.
Each breed has its strengths, so the choice depends on your specific needs (e.g., egg production, meat, temperament, or climate adaptability).
Other Chickens available: White Leghorns, Isa Browns, Baby Isa Browns. Ducks also available
Frequently Asked Questions:
Q. Out of the chicken breeds you sell (Isa Brown, Leghorns & Australorps), which breed do you recommend as a backyard layer and pet?
A. All three chicken breeds that we sell, including the White Leghorns, Black Australorps & Isa-Browns, have been selected because they are good egg layers, but if you want the best egg layers, it's best to go with the Isa Browns. With regards to other considerations, like suitability as a pet, the three breeds are very similar, and you are more likely to find more significant differences between individual birds than between the breeds of these chickens.
Q. Are your Australorp hens de-beaked, ie had their beaks trimmed?
A. No, since many of our customers prefer their chickens with un-trimmed beaks, we only stock chickens with full beaks. Some poultry suppliers do this to prevent their poultry from pecking each other. The birds' beaks do grow back, of course, but it can make it difficult for trimmed birds to forage and eat larger grains until their beaks grow back. Note: This is not a guarantee that our poultry will always have un-trimmed beaks, but we always do our best to source such poultry.
Q. I recently bought a White Leghorn and Black Australorp, but they don't seem to meet the club standards that I've read online.
A. The club standards you are referring to relate to breeding poultry breeds for show competition. The birds we sell are egg-laying stock and are not intended for show. Unless you are looking to compete in a show competition, these club standards are not relevant to you. Please note that these standards are purely cosmetic and do not affect the bird's health.