Australorp?

[CampineBuddy]

Hi I just recently joined and this is my first post!

I was wondering about the Australorp, and what was used to breed it?

Also what is the breeds personality like?

I am curious because I am most likely going to be getting some this spring and wanted to know a little bit more about them.

<Carmen>

 

[K&H Chicken Farm]

I love them and they are going to be the base of my flock.
They are dual meat and egg with a lean to the egg laying. Nice easy going birds.

 

[Katy]

I don't currently have any in my flock, but I used to and they were good layers and friendly.

 

[lurky]

My Black Australorps are very alert and brave. They are smart and friendly, but when there is a change in the coop or run, they are the first to go check it out. I love mine.

 

[Justino]

i have 1 and its very skitish but once you have her in your lap, shes very nice....also a very good and long layer

 

[CampineBuddy]

Thanks they sound great!! I cannot wait until I get them!


Thanks agein!

 

[equine chick]

The original stock used in the development of the Australorp was imported to Australia from England out of the Black Orpington yards of William Cook and Joseph Partington in the period from 1890 to the early 1900s. Local breeders used this stock together with judicious out-crossings of Minorca, White Leghorn and Langshan blood to improve the utility features of the imported Orpingtons. There is even a report of some Plymouth Rock blood also being used. The emphasis of the early breeders was on utility features. At this time, the resulting birds were known as Black Utility Orpingtons.

The origin of the name "Australorp" seems to be shrouded in as much controversy as the attempts to obtain agreement between the States over a suitable national Standard. The earliest claim to the name was made by one of poultry fancy's institutions, Walter Wallace Scott a.k.a. W.W. Scott, before the First World War. Equally as persuasive a claim came in 1919 from Arthur Harwood who suggested that the "Australian Laying Orpingtons" be named "Australs". The letters "orp" were suggested as a suffix to denote the major breed in the fowls development. A further overseas claim to the name came from Britain's W. Powell-Owen who drafted the British Standard for the breed in 1921 following the importation of the "Australian Utility Black Orpingtons." It is certain that the name "Australorp" was being used in the early 1920s when the breed was launched internationally. In 1929, the Australorp was admitted to the Standard of Perfection.
Probally too much info, well you acked.
I got this information from an encyclopedia software I have for the kids but you learn something everyday.

I have 3 in my flock and love them, plan on getting more this year. They are great egg layers, friendly but I have one that rules the roost you could say. She even keeps my rir roo in line.

 

[okto]

i have two from a hatchery, they are great birds. i get five eggs a week from each.

one is a total pushover, easy to hold and the lowest in the pecking order: fluffy lover

the other is the queen bee and keeps everybody in line, held her today in the sun and she closed her eyes and went to sleep: blackaroni

 

[Buster]

I ordered 3 australorp pullets and will be getting them in april. My friend has some and they are great!

 

[chickenranchwife]

I have two in my flock and love them. Course I love all my chickens.