What breed is the black hen?

[lisa25]

 

[Michael OShay]

Check the bottoms of her feet. If they are whitish or grayish, she's likely a Black Australorp (there's a slight possibility she could be a Black Orpington). If the bottoms of her feet are yellow, she's a Black Jersey Giant (given her size however, I would be surprised if that were the case).

 

[lisa25]

Thanks Michael. I don't think she's a black jersey giant, I'm in Australia and I don't think we even have them here. What colour feet should a black orpington have? Do you mean both Australorp and Orpington have the same colour on the bottom of their feet?

 

[Michael OShay]

Thanks Michael. I don't think she's a black jersey giant, I'm in Australia and I don't think we even have them here. What colour feet should a black orpington have? Do you mean both Australorp and Orpington have the same colour on the bottom of their feet?

Yes, Black Australorps were originally bred from Black Orpington stock with the purpose of boosting egg production and they are almost identical to each other in apprearance. Even John R. Henderson, the author of Henderson's Chicken Chart states that he can't tell them apart. According to the poultry judges, Black Orpingtons have more butt fluff, broader backs, relatively larger heads, and shorter necks than Black Australorps. Based on these differences, and the fact that BAs are more common, It's likely you have a Black Australorp.

 

[drumstick diva]

I think Black australorp too