Australorps breed Thread

[wood&feathers]

We love our one Australorp hen, and really were saddened when we lost her brother. I think he disappeared standing up to a hawk or owl. Shadow is extremely calm and beautiful, always spotless even in her vent area. Her brother Pinkie was very dignified and took his duties as a roo seriously at an early age.

Gotta get more

 

[call ducks]

Yes i have one Australorp cockerel that is too funny. I find my roosters more comer in one line then the hens in that line. Where as my other line the hens are comer then the roosters. Chickens are wired

 

[Eglyntine]

Hi all,

My name is Nikki, and I just love Australorps. Until I found this thread I only knew of Black Australorps, I had no idea they came in other colours too. I just bought 7 of them from Ideal in September, 6 hens and one roos. Until today they had all been doing well. I only lost one hen when they were little babies due to my boys accidentally exciting her too much. My roo was growing into a beautiful boy but unfortunately I woke up this morning and something had killed him. I do not know what did it yet, either a neighbourhood pet or something. No idea but now I need to replace my rooster. I wanted to start breeding them in the spring but that is going to be impossible without a rooster.

I was wondering if anyone had any good stock roosters available for sale or if you know of anyone that does have any available. Shipping is definitely an option as I do not know anyone locally that has any of them. I was thinking of adding some Aussie blood to my stock but I hear it is impossible to ship them these days but if anyone has any links or know of someone that could help please let me know. I would really rather not have to put in an order of 25 Australorp roosters from a hatchery if I can get away with it.

Thanks!

 

[DanEP]

Does anyone know anything about the aussies from cackle hatchery? I know that they won't be sq but thats ok I'm just looking for some nice birds for my laying flock. I already have a few bo's and think that some aussies would be another good layer that seem pretty mellow.

 

[call ducks]

Quote:
Can't say on cackle, but hatchery birds are very good layers, or should be any way

 

[JustOneMore]

Are Australorps more attractive to predators?

We raised 4 black Australorp hens this year with 20 other hens. This fall we have lost 3 chickens to predators, all 3 were black Australorps. The 4th has a patch of missing feathers on her back. She survived an attack.

Our Australorps aren't any more or less friendly than the other hens and they don't wander off or fly out of the run like some of the EEs do. I don't know what makes them seemingly choice pickings for what I think is the neighbor's cat.

Has anyone else had their Lorps singled out by predators?

I love the look of these birds and would like to add some to the flock in the spring, but not if it means they'll be singled out as meals.

Thanks in advance for any input.

 

[call ducks]

Quote:
Mine are not.

 

[australorpchick]

Just a thought, but perhaps it's because they're defending the flock. I have 2 BA hens they're #1 and #2 in the flock. I currently have 5 roosters and none are as good as Juliet & Lynn at defending the flock. They're the most gentle and quiet birds of the flock and I credit them for the peacefulness of the flock. Any squabbles or pecking order issues are quickly ended with an extremely large Australorp foot.

 

[Inkheart]

Merry Christmas Austrralorp friends! I got an incubator for christmas - i think the fist hatch might be some Aussies! Hint hint lol

 

[PepsNick]

How come I've never seen this thread before?

I used to have a few black ones in my old flock, but not anymore. Hopefully I'll be able to get one or two pullets in the Spring. My feedstore currently has a small flock that they keep- not sell, that consists of one BA, 'Aussie'. If the store decides to re-do their flock with all their shipments coming in the Spring, Aussie and the other girls might be mine soon.