Australorps breed Thread

[MeanV2]

I bought from Cackle Hatchery and then started reading about hatchery birds being bred for egg production only so I ordered more from Duane Urch, his last sale date this year is May 20 so call him quickly if you want to try his chicks.
https://www.backyardchickens.com/t/435097/duane-urch/120#post_10512434

This is the kind of info I am looking for! Thanks!! Anyone else with suggestions would be Great! I just want good, solid, healthy birds to get a start.

Dan

 

[RattlesnakeRidgeWV]

IMO take it for what it is worth. You can't go wrong with Duane Urch BA's. He has been breeding all his life and will not be around forever so get them while you can! I have kept his line true for three years and am quite pleased. I just wish I had kept birds that I sold or gave away that turned out awesome.

 

[HallFamilyFarm]

The ALBC told me this week that Duane Urch is retiring and will be dispersing his flocks soon. Best call and order ASAP.

 

[DeesHens]

G'day from Australia,
One of my grandkids found this forum so we thought we would join it. I'm just getting over a major heart attack and open heart surgery, so this is great therapy for me.

I have been breeding & exhibiting Australorps (& other fowls) since I was a young boy, and for over 50 years. Over the years I have had many breeds and for the past 15 years I have been actively judging. I have judged all over Australia so I am very involved in poultry in general.

I've been to the USA many times and visited quite a few of your shows, but as I always say, you are never too young to learn, so I can hopefully pick up a few ideas from your forum.

There is a very strong and active Australorp Club here www.australorps.com and I am lucky enough one of their three the Life Members.

Thanks, Ross

Welcome Ross! Welcome to your grand child too! Speedy healing and good thoughts sent your way Ross.

It is very exciting to hear of your vast wealth of knowledge. I would be very interested in your opinions and ideas. I know we would be very grateful for what you can share with us in here whenever you are up for it.

Thanks for the link to your Australorp Club. I am open to learn as much as I possibly can about the wonderful Australorp.

All my best,
~Dee~

 

[MeanV2]

Has anyone ordered Australorps from Gabbard Farms? Comments? Called Duane and his minimum is 25 more birds than I can handle at this point. I sure wish I had someone in Southern IL that would split an order with me

Dan

 

[ocap]

Has anyone ordered Australorps from Gabbard Farms? Comments? Called Duane and his minimum is 25 more birds than I can handle at this point. I sure wish I had someone in Southern IL that would split an order with me

Dan

i just sent you a private message

 

[HallFamilyFarm]

MeanV2, sent you a PM.

As for Gabbard Farms. They are very nice folks. Have talked to them on the phone. they have hatchery X Exhibition stock that they have sued to improve their original stock. You will get better quality than a hatchery but less than show quality. They have great customer service. If you want nice backyard birds, than order hatching eggs from Gabbard or chicks from Cackle. But for birds that meet the Standard, acquire from a breeder that has quality birds.

It is a little known fact that Cackle and Ideal have acquired stock from top breeders to improve theirs. But it still will not compete with birds from top breeders. Join the Australorp Fanciers International, the North American breed club. Membership is free. Contact the secretary at:

Maggie Lindemann, Secretary
168 County Road 347
Bono, Arkansas 72416
870/268-1590
[email protected]

Ok! I have read on here until my eyes feel crossed and my neck hurts! I want some Quality Australorps to start a small flock.

Please help me figure out what my options are and where I can get them. I prefer day old chicks. At least that is what I am thinking. I have not seen any Australorps at Rural King or TSC this year so far. Should I just order from a hatchery? I am concerned a little about the Quality of birds I might get.

Should I buy from a private breeder? Who has a good reputation and will have chicks available in the next few weeks?

Please don't hesitate to give me some direction or options. I realize the best is always an opinion formed by each individual, but I need some options. Also feel free to send me a private message.

I am new to chickens but not breeding. I have bred dogs for many years and bred many winners, Grand Final winners, & show Champions. I just want to get a start in Chickens and Australorps I think are gonna be my breed of choice?

Should I keep only one breed or mix in other breeds? Help!!

I am in Southern IL.

Dan

Has anyone ordered Australorps from Gabbard Farms? Comments? Called Duane and his minimum is 25 more birds than I can handle at this point. I sure wish I had someone in Southern IL that would split an order with me

Dan

 

[thedragonlady]

Ok! I have read on here until my eyes feel crossed and my neck hurts! I want some Quality Australorps to start a small flock.

Please help me figure out what my options are and where I can get them. I prefer day old chicks. At least that is what I am thinking. I have not seen any Australorps at Rural King or TSC this year so far. Should I just order from a hatchery? I am concerned a little about the Quality of birds I might get.

Should I buy from a private breeder? Who has a good reputation and will have chicks available in the next few weeks?

Please don't hesitate to give me some direction or options. I realize the best is always an opinion formed by each individual, but I need some options. Also feel free to send me a private message.

I am new to chickens but not breeding. I have bred dogs for many years and bred many winners, Grand Final winners, & show Champions. I just want to get a start in Chickens and Australorps I think are gonna be my breed of choice?

Should I keep only one breed or mix in other breeds? Help!!

I am in Southern IL.

Dan

Dan,

I'm alongtime dog breeder too...Mastiffs and Greyhounds. Let me explain buying into poultry in dog terms. Buying from a hatchery is sometimes akin to buying from a puppy mill. Buying from a successful breeder is always the way to go. It's not the initial cost of birds that hurts. It's the feed, bedding, and housing that mounts up even when you are feeding pet quality stock. Might as well feed a few good ones that you enjoy looking at every day !

 

[MeanV2]

Dan,

I'm alongtime dog breeder too...Mastiffs and Greyhounds. Let me explain buying into poultry in dog terms. Buying from a hatchery is sometimes akin to buying from a puppy mill. Buying from a successful breeder is always the way to go. It's not the initial cost of birds that hurts. It's the feed, bedding, and housing that mounts up even when you are feeding pet quality stock. Might as well feed a few good ones that you enjoy looking at every day !

I understand that completely! and I agree! I have tried to contact a few breeders but not much success so far. I think I want to go the chick route to start with and if I only start with 5 to 10 Hens, I can then try hatching some eggs. It just seems hatch rates are very low on shipped eggs then you throw a newbie in the mix and I'll be Lucky to hatch anything!

Weather is Nasty here and power has been off a couple of hours. I was Glad to see it come back on!!

Dan

 

[MeanV2]

Is it standard that top breeders do not sex chicks when they sell them and just sell straight run. I'd appreciate any more suggestions on my quest for Black Australorps!

Thanks to everyone who has had suggestions so far!

Dan