Australorps breed Thread

[bruceha2000]

I would worry about WHY the chick is scratching so vigorously. That isn't normal. Any possibility of mites?

 

[EsqChick]

I would worry about WHY the chick is scratching so vigorously. That isn't normal. Any possibility of mites?

I have not seen mites and I've checked several times. The only way I could imagine there being mites is if they are so small I can't see them with my naked eye. I actually made an appointment with a local avian specialist tomorrow afternoon. I am hoping to get some answers. We've become so fond of her I hate to see her like this.

 

[cactusrota]

Mites, allergies, yeast infection in the ear... gotta be something. Hope you get it figured out!

 

[tigger19687]

When the Australorp is 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 years old, Do they lay about the same amount every year?
Or is there a huge drop off after the 2nd year like many breeds.

I only ask because they say they lay fantastic but so do Sex links but only for the 1st year to 1-1/2 years (so I hear)

I still love the breed and wish there was someone local to me that had 5 month old Pullets.

 

[Foster's Freehold]

They will lay less eggs the older they get, but instead of the 1 or 2 a week that you get with the sexlinks, you get 3 or 4 or 5. In my experience, the girls were great layers until age 4 or 5.

 

[getaclue]

In my experience, the Australorps slowed down after the 3rd. year. I have a couple that are around 5, and they lay good in the spring, but then taper off in the summer.

 

[tigger19687]

Good to know TY That is what I thought

 

[bruceha2000]

All breeds will slow down with age. What I HOPE for is the girls still do a bit to help earn their keep instead of going totally on "public assistance" for the remainder of their natural lives. Since there is no freezer camp here, a bird that lays like a machine for 2 years, then pretty much quits and lives another 3+ years, isn't real helpful.

 

[Foster's Freehold]

Australorps are great if your a natural length of life person. They do remain productive, some make great broodies, and they are nice chickens.

 

[tigger19687]

@Foster's Freehold Yes I am very much a "natural life" person Not that it would matter too much if they didn't lay. She would be a broody for eggs hatching if I could.