I'm new to all this. I've been looking at pictures of Black Orpingtons and Australorps. Can someone explain what are the main differences between those two breeds? Pros and cons of each? Physical differences? I'm confused. Thanks!
one more question -- Are both of those used to create "Black Sex Link"? What do you cross them with? ANd what would the differences be in a sex link from a black orp cross and a sex link in an australorp cross?
I can answer a few of your questions. Blk Orpington is an orpinton variety. BLack Austrulorp is the result of the orpington exported to Australia and bred with other chickens to form a new breed. Orpingtons are larger than Australorp. Sexlink--it's the black gene that allows it to be used, whatever the origin of the bird. Crossed with a barred hen gives black chicks, one with a spot on the head and the other gender without a spot; or breed to a silver (looks white--need to be careful some are white without the silver gene) hen and get silver (gray IMO, and buff or red chick. THis may interest you to read on sexlink breeding .https://www.backyardchickens.com/forum/viewtopic.php?id=261208 I have buff orpingtons aka BO, they are larger than my blk autraaaalorps aka BA; the BA are a bit smaller and greater eggs production. the BO and maybe the other orpingtons too are a larger bird so have more meat as well. Two different breeds.
Quote:Actually, I believe that Australorps were bred entirely from imported Black Orpingtons for better egg laying. Orpingtons are more of a meat breed, and there for larger. Orpingtons are also "fluffy er" than Australorps In "production type" flocks, you probably won't see as much a difference. Mitch
