Among hatchery bred birds, have those of you who have raised both Orpingtons and Australorps observed a notable difference in average egg production between the two breeds? Also, have you noticed any difference in average egg production between different color varieties of hatchery quality Orpingtons? Thanks for any feedback on this!
there may not be much difference while they are laying, but the orp is much more likely to go broody, which means no eggs for a spell. of course it is hard to say when you are talking about a hen or two, much easier to compare breeds in general.
Original orpingtons and australorps had better egg production value than either currently do. The biggest difference will be where you get your birds from. The smaller show breeders often don't breed to maintain high egg production, hatcheries however will because that impacts their profit. Australorps set the record for eggs per year by a flock of hens and for a single hen. Orpingtons used to lay pretty well themselves but I doubt you will get more than 180-200 eggs a year from any current line of orpingtons.
Generally I think your'e going to find Aussies lay better. It's my understanding Aussies were Orpingtons that were mixed with high production breeds, not sure what, to make a better layer.
That is my understanding as well. Rumor is they even have white leghorn mixed in, who knows. one thing is certain, they were originally bred for egg originally.
