Australorps and Orpingtons -- Orp experts I need your help

[DawnSuiter]

So... let me ask you this,

Whats the difference between Australorps & Black Orpingtons?

I'm going to have both, and want to know before picking breeding groups, does this matter? If I cross an orpington with an australorp does this mean I have a hybrid? or are they really still the same bird?

 

[Guitartists]

From what I understand Australorps do have Orpington in their genetic make-up. Not sure if breeding more Orpington in would make them a cross or not. I would imagine that some breeds are used like that to improve ceratin traits in lines of birds, much like they do with dogs. But I am not sure on the specifics.

 

[EweSheep]

As far as I know, the Aussies got more red flesh on their face than the Orps. And Orps are more massive in size than Aussies.

And Aussies got darker brown eyes than Orps which it can vary from light brown to dark brown.

 

[DawnSuiter]

Well.. my aussie chix arrived today.. see my avatar, and they are lovely! just darling little buttons! SO tiny!

still though I wonder... how did they become australorps... I'll have to find some better links or something....

looking... looking...