Black Australorp?

[NewChickenmama06]

Hello, I have a question about my Black Australorp chicks. I have 6 of them, 3 are black and 3 are turning brown. I bought them from TSC back in March. At that time as little fluffballs they looked alike. So are the 3 brown ones actually Australorp's? I've included a picture of them.
Thanks!

 

[SueT]

No, I don't think they are australorps. They look like black sex links....

 

[SueT]

You'll like the sex links. My daughter had one that was her favorite chicken. She was so friendly, and allowed 3 yr old granddaughter to carry her around everywhere. That little hen never missed a day of laying.

 

[ColtHandorf]

My first chickens were Black Sex-links. They were friendly and make good layers. They won't breed true But your Australorp trio will and you can always replace the Sex-links with pullets produced from the Australorps if you want a purebred flock.

 

[Frazzemrat1]

Agreed those are black sex links.

additionally, you have a cockerel in there too.

 

[NewChickenmama06]

Agreed those are black sex links.

additionally, you have a cockerel in there too.

Lol we figured he was , but at least he's a Australorp, I think!

 

[m1chelle1]

Agree with the rest. Check the bottoms of your australorps feet. I got sent some black jersey giants with my batch of australorps from the hatchery and the only way to tell is the bottom of the feet color. Australorps will be pink, and jersey giants will be yellow/orangish color. Its very distinct.

 

[ColtHandorf]

In the chick picture the back two and the one most to the front are female Black Sex-links.

 

[m1chelle1]

Ok thanks, I will check them when I go out. Is there any way to avoid this short of breeding them yourself?

no, not really. sometimes the chickens just get inadvertently mixed in the bins so its tough to tell with the ones that are the "same" color when theyre little, and apparently at least the BA and JG mix up happens fairly "often"

 

[SueT]

Ok thanks, I will check them when I go out. Is there any way to avoid this short of breeding them yourself?

I have always picked mine up at the hatchery, since we are within driving distance of 3 of them. And there's a hatchery that conducts weekly 'chick days' sales at local feed stores. They bring an assortment, but also take orders in advance. They set up for half a day at each location, and people crowd in to get various breeds.
Or you can order from a hatchery and have them sent by mail....