Australorps breed Thread

[Natrgrl326]

I don't think so. In my first batch of chicks I had 2 BAs. One grew a bit faster than the other which had me thinking one was a cockerel. Nope, Echo was "normal" size for a BA and Zorra can give a smaller Black Jersey Giant hen a run for her money size wise.

I don't think so. In my first batch of chicks I had 2 BAs. One grew a bit faster than the other which had me thinking one was a cockerel. Nope, Echo was "normal" size for a BA and Zorra can give a smaller Black Jersey Giant hen a run for her money size wise.

Thats EXACTLY what I've been thinking. The little one (standing in front....picture doesn't do justice, its much smaller)

has these beautiful iridescent green feathers & I'm hoping with all I can its a hen & that she'll just catch up in her own time Thanks for your input!

 

[KikiLeigh02]

I think the larger one is actually a Jersey Giant. She looks like the bottoms of her feet are yellow, if they are she's a JG which would explain the size difference! Maybe you already know? My Australorps have way more sheen than my JG.

Thats EXACTLY what I've been thinking. The little one (standing in front....picture doesn't do justice, its much smaller) View attachment 1448807 has these beautiful iridescent green feathers & I'm hoping with all I can its a hen & that she'll just catch up in her own time Thanks for your input!

 

[Natrgrl326]

the big ones have

I think the larger one is actually a Jersey Giant. She looks like the bottoms of her feet are yellow, if they are she's a JG which would explain the size difference! Maybe you already know? My Australorps have way more sheen than my JG.

The bigger one behind has sheen too; more of the purple, so its very subtle

 

[bruceha2000]

I don't see anything that screams cockerel in either of them. Where did you get them? The BA's I got from Meyer in 2015 clearly have some BJG in their background, yellow legs and foot bottoms as chicks, legs went black but bottom of feet are yellow. No SOP BA will have yellow feet/black legs. They will have grey or pink foot bottoms and their legs will be slate as adults.

 

[Natrgrl326]

I don't see anything that screams cockerel in either of them. Where did you get them? The BA's I got from Meyer in 2015 clearly have some BJG in their background, yellow legs and foot bottoms as chicks, legs went black but bottom of feet are yellow. No SOP BA will have yellow feet/black legs. They will have grey or pink foot bottoms and their legs will be slate as adults.

Interesting!! I got my chickens from Meyer as well and, sure enough, yellow bottoms on their feet. Glad they both look like pullets. I'm really loving the plucky little green one

 

[bruceha2000]

I asked Meyer about it in an email after I got them. The lady that responded said the breeders say "no". I say "sorry, they are a hybrid". Nice enough birds, one is smaller than the other and usually lays in the upper 50's gram range, the other lays in the high 60s, sometimes low 70s. Neither is as big as a standard BJG hen. I don't know what characteristic they wanted from the BJGs in the BAs but apparently skin color is dominant.

 

[getaclue]

In BAs, skin, eyes, curvature, tail angle, combs, are all factors.

 

[Coop Z-ville]

I am excited to join this discussion group, and glad it is going strong! I am new to keeping chickens, and did a lot of research on breeds that would be good for my small flock of 5 chickens. I have 2 Black Australorps born April 30th, Winn and Dixie, along with 2 Easter Eggers, and 1 Swedish Flower Hen. They all get along wonderfully, but I must say, Winn and Dixie always make me smileh. Dixie has always been the friendliest of the group, and lets me hold her in my lap. Winn had a rough start, and we thought we were going to lose her when she was 2 weeks old, but with the help of an avian expert at Purdue University, she pulled through. She was always very much smaller than the others, but has caught up in size to Dixie and is the clown of the group-full of energy and mischief. She loves to be petted and will hop up on the "stump" to have her back stroked like a cat. My BAs are not bossy, but so sweet! I love these two cuties and am looking forward to that first egg in a couple of months!

 

[KikiLeigh02]

That's wonderful! I'm so glad you were able to find the help you needed for Winn! Winn & Dixie, that's cute!

I am excited to join this discussion group, and glad it is going strong! I am new to keeping chickens, and did a lot of research on breeds that would be good for my small flock of 5 chickens. I have 2 Black Australorps born April 30th, Winn and Dixie, along with 2 Easter Eggers, and 1 Swedish Flower Hen. They all get along wonderfully, but I must say, Winn and Dixie always make me smileh. Dixie has always been the friendliest of the group, and lets me hold her in my lap. Winn had a rough start, and we thought we were going to lose her when she was 2 weeks old, but with the help of an avian expert at Purdue University, she pulled through. She was always very much smaller than the others, but has caught up in size to Dixie and is the clown of the group-full of energy and mischief. She loves to be petted and will hop up on the "stump" to have her back stroked like a cat. My BAs are not bossy, but so sweet! I love these two cuties and am looking forward to that first egg in a couple of months!

 

[Lobzi]

That's wonderful! I'm so glad you were able to find the help you needed for Winn! Winn & Dixie, that's cute!

Kikit, do you mind sharing how your vet was able to help Winn? Im sure many could learn from your experience if you share it.