Hi Aveca,
I'm not aware of the Cook Orp. being a particularly poor layer in Australia. I think it may have been more the case that they were poor compared with some of the really good laying breeds which became available eg. Langshans. There was much competition to produce top laying strains at the time and there's no doubt in my mind that various breeders added bits of their own to the mix. As I've said, I think ther's more Leghorn in there than is often credited. But re the Langshan influence, I found the above pics, reproduced in Ray Connor's book, worth a close look. Firstly, with the cocks, you can see why some early commentators suggested that in creating the Australorp, we had, in conformation at least, reproduced the Cook Orp.I think you'll agree there's no major difference. Apart from the 'American' cock. Am I wrong in thinking someone's spraypainted the top half of a Sussex black and stuck it on top of an Australorp? If this is what we sent you to work with, I marvel at the skill of American breeders in producing what you have! I doubt I've seen a worse Aussie back! The girls tell us a bit more. The bottom left 1937 pic shows a coarse bird that, once again appears to be two different breeds stuck together. A good match for ugliness for 'your' cock! The 1940 model is a far more refined bird, but there is strong Langshan imput here. The upright comb and V-shaped tail are strong Langshan features. Our Aussie Standard calls for the comb to follow the outline of the neck. This is starting to happen with the 1943 girl in the middle pic. She's a nice girl who looks similar to, and better than many of our modern birds. The 1950 'American' girl is far too pretty to be with that ugly bugger! Her tail is a bit more 'Langshany' than the Australian bird, but you could breed some nice birds from her.
You posted a while ago that some Australians had contacted you trying to track down some of the Utility blood we sold you to get some back. Well, there are purportedly only 5 strains of pure Utilities left here. Finally managed to track down a single pullet from the strain of Charles Judson, who was involved with the development of the Australorp from very early on. See Ray's book p. 20. To me she looks better than most of our Utility 'Aussies'.She oughta, she cost me more at 16 weeks than purebred POL show quality pullets! Wanted her to improve laying in my birds and to tighten up the thigh feather. Somehow slipped my fading mind that feathering comes more from the male side. Now I've got to chase up a roo. Another pen!!! Will post pics soon.
Cheers Geoff from Aus
