Australorpe v. Black Star

[LearningToFly]

I have two hens that look like they are exactly the same breed.

One is 18mo and supposed to be a Black Star, though I bought her at the local feed store where they had tons of baby chicks in feed troughs, and they could have gotten mixed up.

The other is 7mo, came from Murray McMurray and is supposed to be an Australorpe, but since I have twice had experiences with McMurray birds not quite being what they are supposed to be, I am not sure.

Are there identifying features I can look for?

Would it help if I post photos? They look so much alike, except that Jane is obviously a more mature bird, and her legs are more grey, where Helen's legs are darker.

Thanks!

 

[Smartie_Pants]

Well, I don't know about Black Stars, but Australorpes's feet are supposed to be white on the bottom. If black stars don't have that same trait, you can look at their feet.

 

[davidb]

do you have any pics

 

[mamabird]

Our A. is really heavy, and coal black. The SL are a little more lean, and have a little brown cast to their head/neck. Both the A. and the SL came from MM. Pics would be good.

 

[Mahonri]

Our Black Sex link has just a tinge of red on her breast but the rest is coal black.

Australorps are bigger, heavier and "fluffier"