Orpingtons from BamaChicken (Julie)

[CarlaRiggs]

Genetically, what is the difference between Black orps and Austrolorpes?

Carla

 

[MissPrissy]

Black orpingtons are bred to a specific standard here in the US and a standard in the UK.

Black australorps are/where Black orpingtons exported from the UK in the early last century. The australians developed their own line and they then again exported back out of australia under the brand name 'Australorp'. Austalorps are a recognized breed separate from the Orpingtons and are bred to their own standard.

 

[CarlaRiggs]

Thanks, Angie ~
I had read this before as to the US and the UK, but I'm puzzled as to how they are different. I have a buff orp and an australorp. The orp has a much rounder body, though she's not as muscular or dense as the australorp. The buff orp looks larger because she's so fluffy.

So my question is more specific ~ if you can fill me in I'd be interested in reading what you have to say.
Were there different breeding lines used for the two birds? And what are some of the different characteristics?

Thanks!
Carla

 

[MissPrissy]

I don't know what the breed standard is now for australorps. I don;t raise them.

It has been over 100 years since the orp breed was developed and the australorp came out of that. Hatchery chickens rarely meet the standard compared to breeder and exhibition stock.

You would have to get a copy of the APA to read the breed standards set for each of the breeds. It might be available somewhere on google if you search.

 

[Buster]

Quote:
The way that I understand it (and I could be wrong but I swear I read this somewhere) is that the Orpingtons used to have a slightly different body type and these were the ones that were exported to Australia. Over time breeders changed the body type of the birds in the UK and the birds in Australia were developed as well. Supposedly the Australorps are closer to the original body style of the birds that were exported from the UK.