Black Australorps

[chikenlady]

Does anyone know when BA chicks lose their white feathers and fluff?

Mine are almost 5 weeks and they still have some white on their breasts and head...and some on their bottoms.

Thanks,

Lori

 

[1mommahen]

Good Question! Mine are 3 weeks old and I'd like to know too!

 

[hinkjc]

They will moult several times before they change over to complete black at maturity. I don't recall exactly when it happens but it will.

Jody

 

[farm_mom]

Here are a couple of pics of my BA's at almost four months old, as you can see, they have lost they're white by this time.

 

[chikenlady]

Thank you for giving my a time frame and a picture of your BA's. They sure are beautiful birds! They were the first breed I decided to buy hatching eggs from.

Lori

 

[farm_mom]

You're welcome. They're great birds. Very calm and friendly. Good layers too. Good luck with your birds!

 

[Portia]

My girls are almost 3 months? Anyway, they still have a tiny bit of white on a few of their wing feathers, but otherwise the white facial tufts have disappeared. I hear after the 1st molt they will no longer have any white. They are beautiful birds with the green sheen to their black. And talk about friendly! I can't wait until the begin to lay.
These pictures are of around 10-11 weeks of age, you can see a few small spots of white

And here's one at 9 weeks

And the same chick at 8 weeks

I'd get you a 12 week picture but it is nasty and rainy out right now so I doubt I could grab a pic without water on the camera lens.

Farmmom, your birds are gorgeous!

 

[SoccerMomof7]

About when does the BA start laying?

 

[Portia]

Good question. I've read several things about that, but would also like to know what others have experienced on time of lay for this breed

 

[farm_mom]

Mine laid their first at 21 weeks. Thanks Portia! Actually, these are older pics, I no longer have these birds. Not that I had any problems with them, but we decided to switch gears and raise heritage breeds here. I have to warn you though, all of my BA's went broody. If you want to raise little ones, that may be be a desired quality (we enjoyed it) but if you don't, and want a steady supply of eggs, it may be an issue for you. We really enjoyed our BAs!