Australorps breed Thread

[ronott1]

I've gotten some really varied estimates on how big to expect a Black Australorp hen to grow. For example, Meyer Hatchery says 5 pounds on their web page and 6 pounds in their catalog!

I've decided I want to get 5 different types of hen so we can tell them apart easily, for the fun of variety, etc. (The law only permits us to have 5 here!) I'd love to have a Black Australorp be one of them because they are pretty and they apparently are marvelously productive layers, but I'm a little concerned by the lower weight estimate.

All the other types of hen that interest me are estimated to hit minimum 6 pounds at maturity. If I have a mix of 6 to 7 pounders and a lone 5 pound hen, will she get horribly bullied? Is that weight estimate nonsense? Are hens actually not that nasty to the one at the bottom of the pecking order as long as they are all well cared for? (Enough space, enough food... maybe other things I don't know about in my ignorance!)

I'd love some solid information from those in the know. Thank you!

Hi Indiana Lma,

My 4 BA's are from Cackle Hatchery. The are housed with 2 Barred Plymouth Rocks, 3 Hatchery RIR's and 2 Golden Comets. The Rocks are huge. I haven't weight them, but the easily weigh over 8 pounds. The BA's are next in weight but probably weigh in the 6 pound range. The Golden Comets are in the 5 pound range. The top hen is one of the Golden Comets.

Don't worry, the BA's will be fine. They do very well in a mixed flock--in the middle of the pecking order.

Ron

 

[tigercreek]

Hatchery Aussies will most likely be as big or bigger than any other breed from hatchery stock, and as said above, size doesn't always determine who is boss of the hen house. If they are all introduced at the same time, you should not have any problems along those lines. ..........stan

 

[happyhensny]

I've gotten some really varied estimates on how big to expect a Black Australorp hen to grow. For example, Meyer Hatchery says 5 pounds on their web page and 6 pounds in their catalog!

I've decided I want to get 5 different types of hen so we can tell them apart easily, for the fun of variety, etc. (The law only permits us to have 5 here!) I'd love to have a Black Australorp be one of them because they are pretty and they apparently are marvelously productive layers, but I'm a little concerned by the lower weight estimate.

All the other types of hen that interest me are estimated to hit minimum 6 pounds at maturity. If I have a mix of 6 to 7 pounders and a lone 5 pound hen, will she get horribly bullied? Is that weight estimate nonsense? Are hens actually not that nasty to the one at the bottom of the pecking order as long as they are all well cared for? (Enough space, enough food... maybe other things I don't know about in my ignorance!)

I'd love some solid information from those in the know. Thank you!

Shouldn't be a problem. I have sizes from bantam to Brahmas in one pen. As long as they have enough room they will get along just fine. Good luck and have fun!

 

[Summer98]

I have 4 Australorps in my batch of new chickens. The black is turning into a more dark, glossy black. There is still some whitish/yellow mixed on them yet. I'm looking forward to their excellent laying reputation. Some of them have a solid black beak and others have a white and black beak. The legs have some black on them right now.

 

[ronott1]

I have 4 Australorps in my batch of new chickens. The black is turning into a more dark, glossy black. There is still some whitish/yellow mixed on them yet. I'm looking forward to their excellent laying reputation. Some of them have a solid black beak and others have a white and black beak. The legs have some black on them right now.

The beak gets darker as they get older. The yellow should all go away. The feet may change too.

They will look close after the last molt before they lay eggs, from 16 to 24 weeks old.

Ron

 

[Fiddlehead]

Here is our guy Moose. We love him so much, he has to be the friendliest chicken we've ever had. He has great bloodlines and is a wonderful flock master. We bought him at a show in Massachusetts. I am a silkie lover, don't know much about Lorps, so I didn't know how to protect his comb from the cold. Does anyone think the damage he sustained will heal, or will his comb look like this forever?

 

[Summer98]

One of my four Australorp chicks. 2 1/2 weeks old. They like to peck at my shoelaces.

 

[Fiddlehead]

One of my four Australorp chicks. 2 1/2 weeks old. They like to peck at my shoelaces.

Very cute! Can't wait for my pair to have babies this spring!

 

[Hillbilly Hen]

Fiddlehead, your roosters comb will heal but probably loose the tips of his pionts. He should be fine though. I have had that happen a time or two even though I did use the vaseline.

 

[Fiddlehead]

Fiddlehead, your roosters comb will heal but probably loose the tips of his pionts. He should be fine though. I have had that happen a time or two even though I did use the vaseline.

Oh, that stinks! He is such a handsome guy, I hope it doesn't look ugly. They are healing up, they look better already, but I wish it didn't happen. Thanks for letting me know Hillbilly Hen!