Arizona Chickens

[Bobby Basham]

I can not comment on the Austra-White mix, but I have kept Brown Leghorns. They had to be separated from the others -- Orpingtons and Australorps mostly, with a couple of Rocks. Even though they were smaller than the rest, the Leghorns would prevent the others from going to the feeders, and gang up on the Orpingtons, especially. I would not mix them again.

The Austra-Whites were given a good review on My Pet Chicken, but I'm a little concerned about their socialabilty in a mixed flock. I don't want all Hell to break loose. I'm leaning toward My Pet Chicken because I can't handle that 25-minimum chick order from the large hatcheries, and I haven't researched any local breeders that sex their chicks.

 

[igorsMistress]

@Bobby Basham I have to say that my Australorps are the sweetest birds. My girls are friendly but don't overdo it, and the biggest has been in a mixed flock with Rhode Island Reds and easter eggers since she was a chick. No hell raising. I highly recommend the breed for friendliness and production as well.

 

[Bobby Basham]

@Bobby Basham I have to say that my Australorps are the sweetest birds. My girls are friendly but don't overdo it, and the biggest has been in a mixed flock with Rhode Island Reds and easter eggers since she was a chick. No hell raising. I highly recommend the breed for friendliness and production as well.

Black Australorps are at the top of my list, but are you referring the to Austra-White mix?

 

[Parront]

I'm leaning toward My Pet Chicken because I can't handle that 25-minimum chick order from the large hatcheries, and I haven't researched any local breeders that sex their chicks.

Maybe split an order? In my experience, ordering chicks from Murray McMurray years ago, you still get several males even if they are supposed to be all pullets. Maybe older local birds, if you really want to be sure not getting roosters?

 

[igorsMistress]

Black Australorps are at the top of my list, but are you referring the to Austra-White mix?

I have blues and blacks, no whites. I've heard good things about the whites too though.

 

[cactusrota]

The Austra-Whites were given a good review on My Pet Chicken, but I'm a little concerned about their socialabilty in a mixed flock. I don't want all Hell to break loose. I'm leaning toward My Pet Chicken because I can't handle that 25-minimum chick order from the large hatcheries, and I haven't researched any local breeders that sex their chicks.

I know this is totally left feild, but I'm raising my first batch of French Bresse right now, and even though they are only 8 weeks old right now I already really like them. Enough so that I'm probably going to keep a few for breeding, and will probably sell a few hatching eggs and chicks for alot cheaper than they usually go for.
They are "supposed" to be excellent layers and foragers in addition to being really good for meat, which makes them a great dual purpose breed. Mine so far have shown great easy going personalities, they aren't flinchy or anything. I'd say they are on par with my sweeter Naked Necks. And I think they are alot prettier than leghorns. I want to cross breed some with my Naked Necks to increase the meat quality, but I'm thinking it's totally worth it in the long run to keep some pure breeders too.

 

[Junochick]

They are pretty birds. Good luck with breeding them and with the naked necks. Post pics of all your chicks for us to see.

 

[BlueBaby]

I saw that the Austra-Whites are "New" on My Pet Chicken. They are a cross of an Australorp Roo over a Leghorn hen. They're supposedly calmer than a regular Leghorn hen. I wonder what the opposite cross would yield with a Leghorn Roo over a Black Australorp hen?

I think that genetics and cross breeding are very interesting, involving a lot or research and study. There are so many things you can do with chickens and the results can be amazing, or maybe not. I admire the people that have the time for this endeavor and show their results. Just think of all the possible crosses out there, not necessarily recognized by the APA, but still interesting just the same.

Bobby, I don't know how what you were thinking would work out. The 2 that I have were from the 2 eggs of my next door neighbors that had the fire. The hens were White Leghorns, the roosters were Australorps that they got from me. They are 3 months old now. Do you want them? They are free.

 

[BlueBaby]

Finally got a good pic showing my black boy with the red checkering in his wings and saddle. You can see it alot better in person, but on camera it doesn't show up well at all because it's so dark. I'm planning on crossing him with my Jersey Black Giants next spring and see what happens. Since he has the least amount of color leaking through, I'm pretty sure I can get more black NN's out of the cross. View attachment 1163447 View attachment 1163448

Yes, the black ones! Let me know when you do, ok?

 

[BlueBaby]

I just found out about the Austra-Whites a few days ago. Never heard of them. Hoping more folks will chime in about their personalities before I decide to get some. No flighty birds wanted here, just some calm, laid back, easy-going layers.

Feeding should be a peaceful time where everyone comes together, not a bunch of freaked-out hens flapping and flying all over the place like some masacre is about to take place. This time should be enjoyable with the hens bonding with you and in turn rewarding you with those beautiful eggs with deep, orange yolks.

You'd be better off with the Australorps.