Ron, I don't think either you or I would have too much trouble distinguishing between the sex-link and the Australorp chick but those folks who work at the stores likely aren't given any information or instruction about them. They generally seem to plop all the breeds in the same stock tank (saves on electricity) and it's pretty much a crap-shoot from there.
I can't figure out why people continue to buy from the stores....If they are going to get hatchery birds, they might as well order from a hatchery. At least they generally (but not always) send the correct birds that are ordered.
EDIT: Generally the customers have no clue and have some misplaced faith that the store clerks know more than they about what's what....
It's not funny for the buyers but you'd think they would figure out that the clerks don't know either.
How big does this breed get? I have a 17 week old who is almost as big as my full grown hens. She looks like she will be bigger then the entire flock. Just curious , she's my lap hen don't want to break a chair when she wants love lol
Ron, I don't think either you or I would have too much trouble distinguishing between the sex-link and the Australorp chick but those folks who work at the stores likely aren't given any information or instruction about them. They generally seem to plop all the breeds in the same stock tank (saves on electricity) and it's pretty much a crap-shoot from there.
I can't figure out why people continue to buy from the stores....If they are going to get hatchery birds, they might as well order from a hatchery. At least they generally (but not always) send the correct birds that are ordered.
EDIT: Generally the customers have no clue and have some misplaced faith that the store clerks know more than they about what's what....
It's not funny for the buyers but you'd think they would figure out that the clerks don't know either.
Purchasing hatchery stock from local feed stores allows for instant gratification, and you don't have to pay shipping charges or discover that your chicks have arrived DOA. I purchased all ten of my very first flock from local feed stores, but luckily there were employees at each store to "spoke chicken" and were not only able to recognize the individual breeds, but provide this newbie with some invaluable information. It's a matter of convenience.
How big does this breed get? I have a 17 week old who is almost as big as my full grown hens. She looks like she will be bigger then the entire flock. Just curious , she's my lap hen don't want to break a chair when she wants love lol
I was just wondering about that because I am really used to them being huge. I saw a neighbor's hen that was suppose to be an Australorp and it may have been 5 or 6 lbs. I'm used to 8lbs. Ours and another neighbors mostly free range. Thanks for making that more clear.
Wow! That is big! She's out growing my others I hope she has some good genes in her cause she is one good hen! I would love to breed her for fun. As we just have the flock for pets and eggs but I marvel at all the pure breeds everyone works so hard to get. I find the genetics to be interesting ! When it's time to bring younger ladies in. I will definitely try to get some eggs from someone close and knows there stuff. Ps she is the sweetest out of all my ladies! I really like her breed the green is stunning when the sun is out
thank you for your reply! PSS I hope she gets bigger and gives them a bit of what they do to her.
Wow! That is big! She's out growing my others I hope she has some good genes in her cause she is one good hen! I would love to breed her for fun. As we just have the flock for pets and eggs but I marvel at all the pure breeds everyone works so hard to get. I find the genetics to be interesting ! When it's time to bring younger ladies in. I will definitely try to get some eggs from someone close and knows there stuff. Ps she is the sweetest out of all my ladies! I really like her breed the green is stunning when the sun is out
thank you for your reply! PSS I hope she gets bigger and gives them a bit of what they do to her.
I'm not sure what is going on with his tail back there... Did he lose some sickle feathers? If his tail is jutting up at that angle, it's too high for the standard. The standard calls for the tail being carried no higher than 40 degrees from the body.
His comb has a LOT of points... I believe the standard calls for 5 distinct points, ideally, with the back of the comb lifted off the neck slightly.
I can't tell if he's got it or not, but the beak should end in a pretty stark, off-white tip.
The irises of the eyes should be as black as possible.
He's got good slate legs... are they porcelain/pink on the pads? He's got a lot of undercarriage... From angle, can't tell how much. I wonder if he's had Orpington in his recent lineage?
I can't tell anything about the slope of his back from this angle... Maybe a few side shots?
The pullet behind him is either immature, or her face lacks enough red for the standard. Can't tell from the picture.
Did you get them from a breeder? Or were these started birds from a hatchery? If they came from a breeder, what line? I'm just curious.
Looks like you've got some nice birds there. Your mama will be a great layer when she gets going!
^ Here are some pictures of my Big Papa from Jerry Wiley and Ballard Farms stock. You can kinda see the white tip on his beak, the five(ish) points, slate legs, and tight undercarriage.
Australorps are the sweetest birds. I never thought I'd care so much for something without eyebrows. :3
Realistically, I'd never expect your sweet Aussie girl to take over your flock. They are usually on the bottom of the pecking order and prefer to avoid confrontation. Even my two roosters barely squabble over their ladies and any disputes are handled diplomatically with Big Papa chasing Little Mister around the yard, rather than with spurs.
