Black Australorop-- is this a rooster?

[Michael OShay]

Australorps crossed with Minorcas (or other Mediterranean breeds) almost inevitably have white (or very light) earlobes. The earlobes on these birds are red, not white.

You will also note in my quote, that I said, "white or VERY LIGHT earlobes." Light is still not red.

 

[Chris09]

My point was that the Jersey Giant study does not apply here. Though they may superficially resemble Black Australorps, underneath the feathers, the resemblance ends (other than the fact that they are both chickens). Even the skin color is different (Australorps are white skinned, Jersey Giants are yellow skinned). If someone can authenticate a case where an Australorp x Mediterranean cross has red earlobes, then I will admit the possibility that these birds in question could have some Mediterranean class breed in them (it still doesn't prove they do). But my personal experience and many other cases that I have seen with Australorp X Mediterranean crosses says that they do not have any Mediterranean breed in them.

As said before the breed does not matter, what matters is genetics... The gene that makes white earlobes is the same and works the same on any white earlobe breed in turn the make up of red earlobe is the same and works the same on any red earlobe breed. The same can hold true for most plumage colors. (example - the cuckoo/barring pattern seen on a dominique works the same and works the same as on a cuckoo/barred Leghorn)


Quote: Of these cases, how many received there parent stock from a breeder of that breed and how many received there parent stock from a hatchery?

 

[Michael OShay]

It's probably pointless to continue debating whether or not Australorp X Mediterranean class breeds can produce offspring with red earlobes. You're obviously going to continue to maintain that they can, and my position will continue to be, "I'll believe it when I see it (or at least documented evidence of it)."

 

[TaraBellaBirds]

If they are indeed Black Australorps, they are unquestionably poor hatchery stock (as is often the case with large hatchery breeds), although that likely won't affect their temperaments or keep them from being excellent layers.

We had one Australorp in particular that was just amazing. He had an injury caused by pecking, they basically pecked a big hole in the back of his head....poor guy. I nursed him and kept him in the house for several weeks. This bird was the sweetest thing, my 5 year old played with him like a dog. In the toys, in the tower, lugging him around and this little fellow was the best natured! Definitely a good breed in my book!

BTW, I learned my lesson with hatchery stock and now am adding only breeder quality. I am serious about the chicken thing and they are worth the investment!!! Thanks for your input!

 

[Michael OShay]

We had one Australorp in particular that was just amazing. He had an injury caused by pecking, they basically pecked a big hole in the back of his head....poor guy. I nursed him and kept him in the house for several weeks. This bird was the sweetest thing, my 5 year old played with him like a dog. In the toys, in the tower, lugging him around and this little fellow was the best natured! Definitely a good breed in my book!

BTW, I learned my lesson with hatchery stock and now am adding only breeder quality. I am serious about the chicken thing and they are worth the investment!!! Thanks for your input!

You're welcome and thanks for the compliment. I'm not knocking hatchery stock. I've had plenty of it myself, and if someone is just purchasing chickens for eggs or meat, hatchery stock is inexpensive and will do just fine. But if you are serious about breeding specific breeds that meet APA standards, then you need to purchase your stock from a reliable breeder.

 

[OwlandBear]

All I wanted to know was how many cockerals I have and what I should do with them.

 

[karlyjordan86]

All I wanted to know was how many cockerals I have and what I should do with them.

It looks like you have 3 to me. And it's possible they can live together. Your hens might lose some feathers with all that male around trying to breed them all the time. I have 3 Roos right now and mine are doing just fine. But I also have 7 hens with them. If I were you, I'd let them be unless they start fighting badly or picking on the hens too much. Then I'd try to find a new home for one of the "repeat offenders". But, that's just me.

 

[Chris09]

It's probably pointless to continue debating whether or not Australorp X Mediterranean class breeds can produce offspring with red earlobes. You're obviously going to continue to maintain that they can, and my position will continue to be, "I'll believe it when I see it (or at least documented evidence of it)."

Look at most any hatchery large fowl bird, should be all the proof you need, since most all of them have Leghorn (or other Mediterranean breed) bred into them.
Here are some photos of Austra Whites that show predominantly Red earlobes.
There still F1 (first generation) crosses just like the hens you posted and are also from the same hatchery Cackel but look how much Red is in the earlobes, much more than the hens you posted.
Now if you would breed either one of these birds (or the hens you posted) back to a Australorp the earlobes would be Red with very little if any White showing at all just like the OP's bird..
Note I never said that the OP's bird was Australorp / Leghorn Cross as in a F1 (first generation cross). What I said is, "they might have Ausralorp in them but there is something else in the mix, maybe Leghorn.''

Also if you post photos of birds other than yours please give the owner the credit.


(Photos below are not my birds and can be found here http://www.cacklehatchery.com/page 149.htm)

 

[Michael OShay]

Quote: That is the kind of documentation I wanted to see. I'll concede the point that Australorp X Mediterranean cross can have red ear lobes. I just had never seen it up to this point. )
P.S. That's also a good point about photo credit. I'm new to this type of computer posting and had not actually thought about it. Thanks.

 

[Michael OShay]

I agree with karlyjordan86. It looks to me like you have three roosters. I think you will need to reduce the number of roosters, particularly given the number of hens that you have. One rooster is adequate for 10 hens.