Australorps breed Thread

[ocap]

Buffalo gnats are related to black flies. I suppose the same family. The gnats here do not bother me at all but others get whelps from the bites of these same gnats. From what I understand the gnats are harder on younger chickens. My Buckeyes have had a tough time dealing with them while the Black Australorps seem to hold their own. I don't understand that but it is what it is.

Dan

thanks Dan,
nice to know about the Australorp and Buckeye and their ability to fight or immunity since I have both breeds also.
John

 

[ronott1]

thanks Dan,
nice to know about the Australorp and Buckeye and their ability to fight or immunity since I have both breeds also.
John

Other than Fatty Liver, My Australorps have had no problems. Golden Comets are another story...

 

[Gramma Chick]

Quote:
What about Golden Comets ?
What problems have you had with them ?

 

[ronott1]

What about Golden Comets ?
What problems have you had with them ?

One of the I use as a Sentinel chicken, the one that has a problem first. She showed symptoms of mites while the others, especially the BAs did not. Another Golden Comet had egg laying problems and died at 1.5 years old of cancer.

The BAs are always healthy and are laying eggs well at 2.5 years old. They are just healthier, except for Fatty Liver which is likely something going on with Cackle Hatchery.

 

[MeanV2]

One of the I use as a Sentinel chicken, the one that has a problem first. She showed symptoms of mites while the others, especially the BAs did not. Another Golden Comet had egg laying problems and died at 1.5 years old of cancer.

The BAs are always healthy and are laying eggs well at 2.5 years old. They are just healthier, except for Fatty Liver which is likely something going on with Cackle Hatchery.

You kind of touch on something I was wondering. Do you think different strains of each breed could be more or less tolerant of different pests, disease, etc than other strains of the same breed?

Dan

 

[ronott1]

You kind of touch on something I was wondering. Do you think different strains of each breed could be more or less tolerant of different pests, disease, etc than other strains of the same breed?

Dan

I think there are general characteristics and then slight differences between strains. Leghorns are generally resistant to Mareks but some will be more resistant than others for example. The same seems to go along with things like fast and slow feathering with some breeds.

BAs are Generally resistant to bugs and etc.(maybe because they will eat more bugs?) but some strains and individuals may not be as resistant.

 

[aveca]

yes , dominiques, sebrights and some other breeds are highly suseptable to mereks..other breeds such as australorp, strains of leghorn and orpingtons ect..have a B factor in their blood ,a genetic mutation that makes them immune to mereks and probably an assortment of other disease..they never seem to get sick with common disease..they are such a practical breed to keep..

 

[CinnamonQueen]

One of the I use as a Sentinel chicken, the one that has a problem first. She showed symptoms of mites while the others, especially the BAs did not. Another Golden Comet had egg laying problems and died at 1.5 years old of cancer.

The BAs are always healthy and are laying eggs well at 2.5 years old. They are just healthier, except for Fatty Liver which is likely something going on with Cackle Hatchery.

So, how well do your 'lorps lay in the first year or so, then?

 

[ronott1]

So, how well do your 'lorps lay in the first year or so, then?

They laid a lot the first year. They are from Cackle Hatchery. They still lay 3 or so each a week.

 

[CinnamonQueen]

They laid a lot the first year. They are from Cackle Hatchery. They still lay 3 or so each a week.

Since I don't have a hatchery australorp, will she lay better or worse?