I simply adore my Australorps. I have ten of them, and we are hoping for more as soon as we get our hatching operation up and running. 
We consistently get beautiful, large, light-brown eggs daily from our girls. They lay about five to six eggs per hen week each. It's slowed down some as the days get shorter, but I expect it will pick right up again as we get through winter.
They will run over with wings and legs in every which direction to tell you things if they see you coming with food or treats. They don't mind being handled once you catch them, but they will scatter if they think you are trying to pick them up. I've heard there are some Australorps that will jump in your lap like a pet - I have had no experience with this. We didn't get them for pets, so not a huge deal at all.
I have two roosters that were hatched together, and we have never had a problem. They aren't bothered by us messing with their girls or the eggs. Both of them are buddies, and any disagreement is usually settled with a stern look from the bigger guy. They take excellent care of the hens.
I have four from a breeder and six I got as started birds from hatchery stock. I can tell the started birds are much more laid back - probably because they were handled more. The breeder let the hen raise the chicks... They are slightly more high-strung, but still friendly.
The hens can go broody (maybe a little more often than other breeds), but not as much as a Bantam or Cochin.. They were bred from Orpingtons, so some broodiness is to be expected. It hasn't gotten in the way of our operation, but I know some keepers have no desire for a broody. It could go either way!
I started with Australorps, because I read so many great things about them... I can guarantee this is certainly true! I have been pleasantly surprised by the heartiness and easy-going nature of this breed... And that GORGEOUS beetle-green sheen! They appear to be black chickens, but when the sun hits their plumage at just the right angle... OH! It's sooooo pretty! A rainbow of greens, blues, and purples! Simply stunning to watch and very entertaining.
Highly recommended for first-time chicken owners.
MrsB
We consistently get beautiful, large, light-brown eggs daily from our girls. They lay about five to six eggs per hen week each. It's slowed down some as the days get shorter, but I expect it will pick right up again as we get through winter.
They will run over with wings and legs in every which direction to tell you things if they see you coming with food or treats. They don't mind being handled once you catch them, but they will scatter if they think you are trying to pick them up. I've heard there are some Australorps that will jump in your lap like a pet - I have had no experience with this. We didn't get them for pets, so not a huge deal at all.
I have two roosters that were hatched together, and we have never had a problem. They aren't bothered by us messing with their girls or the eggs. Both of them are buddies, and any disagreement is usually settled with a stern look from the bigger guy. They take excellent care of the hens.
I have four from a breeder and six I got as started birds from hatchery stock. I can tell the started birds are much more laid back - probably because they were handled more. The breeder let the hen raise the chicks... They are slightly more high-strung, but still friendly.
The hens can go broody (maybe a little more often than other breeds), but not as much as a Bantam or Cochin.. They were bred from Orpingtons, so some broodiness is to be expected. It hasn't gotten in the way of our operation, but I know some keepers have no desire for a broody. It could go either way!
I started with Australorps, because I read so many great things about them... I can guarantee this is certainly true! I have been pleasantly surprised by the heartiness and easy-going nature of this breed... And that GORGEOUS beetle-green sheen! They appear to be black chickens, but when the sun hits their plumage at just the right angle... OH! It's sooooo pretty! A rainbow of greens, blues, and purples! Simply stunning to watch and very entertaining.
Highly recommended for first-time chicken owners.
MrsB