The Australorp was developed in Australia from the Black Orpington stock. It is smaller than the Orpington with a trimmer appearance.

 

Characteristics

Australorps have intense beetle-green sheen on the black birds, dark eyes, deep bodies and are very active. They are one of the best dual-purpose fowls, having gained attention in the 1930s and '40s by being one side of the successful AustaWhite cross. This cross of Australorp x White Leghorn became the successor to purebred breeds on many Midwestern farms. Broodiness was a problem with the cross and some markets discounted the tinted eggs they laid. Therefore, it soon fell victim to the inbred hybrid crosses of "Hyline" and "DeKalb." Australorps are good egg producers and hold the world's record for egg production with one hen having laid 364 eggs in 365 days under official Australian trap-nest testing.

 

Standard Weights

Cock: 8.5 lbs

Hen: 6.5 lbs

Cockerel: 7.5 lbs

Pullet: 5.5 lbs

 

Variety

Black, Blue laced, White.

 

Skin Color

White.

 

Egg Shell Color

Brown.

 

Used

The Australorp is primarily a laying and meat bird.

 

 

References

Chicken Breeds and Varieties (A2880), John L. Skinner, University of Wisconsin-Madison

 

Lewis, Celia. "Breed Profiles: Australorp." 
The Illustrated Guide to Chickens: How to Choose Them, How to Keep Them. New York: Skyhorse Pub., 2011. 50. Print.