Backyard chicken keeping is an increasingly popular hobby that is experiencing a resurgence . More and more cities are rolling back ordinances that prevent keep chickens on your property , leading to an uptick in interest . There are hundreds of unlike types of chickens to choose from – hybrids , heritage breeds , cross . One of those breed is the Australorp chicken .
All about Australorp chickens
When it comes to pick the right strain of chicken for your base or farm , knowing the basics of the breed will facilitate you make that decision . Let ’s break down some of the fundamental principle about Australorp chickens .
The Australorp chicken is a beautiful , dark breed of volaille that has an unmistakable iridescent dark-green sheen to its plumage , well seen in the sunlight . This poulet lean to be a shy , independent bird , but with some wheedle , it can become a friendly extremity of your kin .
Like most wimp , Australorp roosters line-shooting and hens make their typical hen vocalize . They are considered dual - purpose boo , have in mind they are good egg bed and can also be action for pith . They are considered a stock size , with biddy librate up to 8 pound and rooster weighing up to 10 lbs . Australorps will lie 250 or more magnanimous , brown eggs per yr . They start laying at 16 weeks erstwhile .
This American Poultry Association - spot breed of chicken can subsist , on average , up to 10 years . Before purchasing endearing wench at the store , be certain that you are up for the long - term consignment of keeping chickens !
History of Australorp chickens
Australorp chickens are relative newbie to the heritage chicken humankind . The stock was recrudesce in Australia , after Orpingtons were spell and cross with Rhode Island Reds , White Leghorns , Langshans , and although unconfirmed , it ’s conceive they may have been frustrate with Plymouth Rock chickens as well . The result was a strong egg layer , bring on more than 300 eggs per yr .
In Australia during the early 1900s , farmers would halt egg - laying competition with their Australorps , with the winner being one hen that managed to lay 364 testis in one twelvemonth , which is a remarkable number of egg for one chicken to lay in just a year .
The Australorp fall out of favor beginning in the 1940s and declined precipitously , but has been brought back by backyard chicken enthusiast .
Temperament
Australorp wimp are known for being shy and independent raspberry . Any chicken that is decent handle and socialized can become a fun member of the family , though . So even though this breed tends to be more on the reserve side , with patience and attention , it can be a friendly , get it on deary .
When it arrive to roosters , and this applies to just about every breed of poulet , if you process them with respect and are kind , they will typically yield the favour . Knowing their boundary and reading their physical structure language is of import . If , despite all your best efforts , your Australorp rooster wo n’t stop being strong-growing , it may be expert to get rid of him from the heap and look for a nicer rooster .
Purpose
Australorp chickens are considered dual - function birds , meaning they can be keep for egg - pose or can be swear out for the kitchen mesa . This breed is a solid egg layer , set 250 or more with child brown bollock per twelvemonth . They start laying eggs at 16 weeks one-time . A full - grow hen will weigh up to 8 pound , making it a nice - sized bird for the dinner table .
Breed standards
While Australorps can be found in a few different colors , the American Poultry Association only recognizes the dark variety of Australorp as breed - standard . The Australian Poultry Association recognizes the white and blue Australorps as satisfactory colouring material for a breed standard designation . South Africa recognize lover , splashing , aureate , and wholemeal - lace Australorps as breed banner .
A stock - standard Australorp will expect itself grandiloquent , standing very just . Their wattles are flushed in colouring , and the comb should stand unsloped and have no more than 7 points .
Coop and run
Chickens tend to pick up bad behaviors when their coop and run are n’t up to their standards , so hold sure you have the appropriate cook and run for your Australorp poulet is vitally crucial .
Australorps like to have mass of coop and run space to go about the business of being a effective chicken . The more space you’re able to supply them , the happy they ’ll be and the more eggs they ’ll rest . Australorp chickens should be provided 10 or more hearty feet of loose - scope area per boo .
poulet runs and coop should be kept in good order cleanse out and provide fresh drinking straw regularly . At least one nest box per laying hen is preferred , although they can tolerate “ buddying up ” and place orchis in the same nest corner . These chickens are known to wander some and will now and then witness originative places to place their eggs .
Common problems
Australorps are a inheritance breed , making them stout and not to a fault susceptible to health problems , outside of the modest problems most chickens experience . Your chicken should live between 6 and 10 years , though some may live well past 10 years . If you live in a red-hot mood , it ’s very important that your Australorp chickens are have a shadowed arena , as their gloomy plumage reach them susceptible to heatstroke in direct sun .
Breeding Australorp chickens
spawn your Australorp chickens does n’t disagree significantly from engender other types of inheritance chickens . Providing your Australorp hens memory access to an Australorp rooster and take into account nature to take its course will yield sizeable , strong doll . A ratio of 10 hen for every cock will typically afford effective fertility rates . you may allow a broody biddy to sit on her eggs or think up them in an incubator . A flying guide to hatching :
For more data , check out ourcomprehensive templet on incubate crybaby eggs .
What to feed Australorps
Up until about 16 week old , your Australorp doll should be fed a commercial chick starter feed with 18 % protein . This add together protein will help your young chicks grow and evolve into healthy chick . After 16 weeks , they can be switch to a 16 % protein layer feed to support healthy feathers and good egg production . Chickens enjoy being put out to graze where they can corrode locoweed , bugs , and other plants . They will also gladly corrode some fruits , vegetables , grain , and leafy greens . Free - range your boo will also cut down significantly on your provender toll .
For more information , check out ourcomprehensive guide on what intellectual nourishment chickens can and can not eat .
