Orpingtons VS. Australorps?

[adoptedbyachicken]

Australorpes were bred off of Orpingtons but the Australians wanted a better egg layer so the selected for that. Ausies will outlay Orps in average any day, and I have had both. Ausies are better broodies, I have found my Orps to be clumsy, breaking eggs, and to be the same in chick raising, loosing some along the way or stepping on them. Ausies often will take on chicks and raise more than she hatched, which is a real bonus if you want to add in a few hatchery chicks. While I did let one of my Orp hens hatch out a few times I got to taking the chicks away and hand brooding them after she lost too many. That one did OK brooding if she picked a spot where the eggs could not roll away, she would be way too rough in getting the back under her after being out for food and water.

Orpingtons are IMO the better meat bird. Both have great temperaments. Both I would recommend for kids to work with in 4H or just at home.

 

[breezy]

I just have to say that chicken people are the best. Everybody has been so willing to share their experiences and their time. I work with dogs for a living and unfortunately I cant always say the same about dog people. I cant wait to get a couple of hens

 

[MoodyChicken]

egg vs dual purpose. Orpingtons have smaller bodies and are mainly bred for egg production. Australorps have larger bodies and are bred both for meat and egg production. They are related, the Australorp is essentially and Australian Orpington. They come in the same colors. Orps are more cold tolerant, Australorps handle warm and cold well. Orpingtons should look fairly round, Australorps should be more "classical chicken shaped."

 

[hinkjc]

Orpingtons have smaller bodies and are mainly bred for egg production. Australorps have larger bodies and are bred both for meat and egg production.

Actually I think you have that backwards. The standard on Australorps is slightly smaller than Orpington and Aussies were bred for better egg production. Orpington fowl are stockier and better for meat producers. Their egg laying is typically good, but not an excellent layer like an Aussie.​

 

[Opa]

Quote:
Actually I think you have that backwards. The standard on Australorps is slightly smaller than Orpington and Aussies were bred for better egg production. Orpington fowl are stockier and better for meat producers. Their egg laying is typically good, but not an excellent layer like an Aussie.

I agree with the above and add that my australorps definitely out lay my orpintons.