White Rocks vs. Black Australorps

[urbaninsteading]

Hi all, I will be starting my new flock next spring and am trying to decide on what breed(s) to get. I am pretty sure that I want white rocks, but am toying with the idea of also getting some black australorps.

Bit about me - I live in a suburb where I can have up to 4 hens that must be in a coop or run at all times (no free ranging). I plan to have a 4x6' coop with a run that has 130 sq ft.

What I am looking for in hens:
Good egg layer (for personal use for myself and my partner), minimally/not broody, docile, cold hardy, at least moderately quiet, and not known for having a ton of health issues.

Thoughts on the differences/similarities between these two breeds? Is it a good idea to mix them or would it be better as a beginner to just get a single breed?

 

[MottsHomestead]

No reason not to mix them, both are good for what you are looking for. Australorps tend to be very docile. We would probably get both, just because we like variety, but just whatever you prefer. Neither have different needs or anything, no reason not to do both.

 

[3KillerBs]

Welcome to BYC. Where, in general, are you? Climate matters so if you put your location into your profile we can give better targeted advice.

However, both these breeds are widely-adapted dual-purpose chickens that would do well in many climates.

I have Blue Australorps and find that they're very tolerant of heat -- 95F is the normal summer high here in June, July, and August -- and that some of them go broody while others don't.

 

[urbaninsteading]

Welcome to BYC. Where, in general, are you? Climate matters so if you put your location into your profile we can give better targeted advice.

However, both these breeds are widely-adapted dual-purpose chickens that would do well in many climates.

I have Blue Australorps and find that they're very tolerant of heat -- 95F is the normal summer high here in June, July, and August -- and that some of them go broody while others don't.

Suburb of Minneapolis, MN. We get a few days that are upwards of 90 every summer, but upper 70s/mid 80s are more common. Winters are very cold though.

 

[3KillerBs]

Suburb of Minneapolis, MN. We get a few days that are upwards of 90 every summer, but upper 70s/mid 80s are more common. Winters are very cold though.

Here's some information for you then:

https://www.backyardchickens.com/articles/cold-weather-poultry-housing-and-care.72010/

https://www.backyardchickens.com/articles/aarts-extreme-weather-spiel.75893/

And my article on coop ventilation, which is just as important in the winter as in the summer: https://www.backyardchickens.com/articles/repecka-illustrates-coop-ventilation.77659/

Most of the classic dual purpose breeds will handle your climate well.