Black Australorp Chicken Characteristics & Best 24 Facts

The Black Australorp chicken is a very common and popular breed of domestic chicken. It is a dual-purpose breed and good for both meat and eggs production.

You should know about the Black Australorp chicken characteristics, especially if you are interested in this breed and want to raise these wonderful chickens.

Black Australorp is a fantastic chicken breed and most of the backyard poultry keepers like to raise them. They are also an ideal breed for the novice domestic keepers. Generally, the Black Australorp chickens are good looking, hardy, easygoing and highly prolific layers.

Their name Black Australorp, is a combination of Orpington and Australian. During the early 1900s they were developed from English Black Orpingtons by Australian breeders.

The American Poultry Association recognize Black Australorp chicken as a standard breed in 1929 although they were imported to America in 1920s. Now it is one of the best prolific layer breeds. However, the Black Australorp characteristics are described below.

Black Australorp Chicken Full Information

Every chicken breed have some specific characteristics. The characteristics of Black Australorp chicken breed are listed below.

Physical Characteristics

Black Australorps are large, heavy and very beautiful. They have close fitting feathers. They are soft feathered chicken with an upright stance. They have well rounded breasts and deep bodies.

Black Australorps are broad across the saddles and shoulders. Both hens and roosters hold their compact tails high. Their bright red faces and black feathers with a beetle green sheen give them a striking look, which has make them different from other breeds.

They have red colored wattles and single combs. Their combs have not more than seven serrations and they always keep it upright.

The faces of Black Australorp chickens are totally feather free and smooth. Legs are black or slate-blue grey colored. Their eyes are preferably black, beaks are dark.

The underside of the feet of Black Australorp chickens are white. A large sized Black Australorp rooster weights about 8.5 to 10 pounds and a large sized hen weights about 6.5 to 8 pounds.

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Dual Purpose

Black Australorp chickens are dual purpose birds. They are good layers and also suitable for meat production purpose. Their meat is very tasty and they are well fleshed with white skin. Black Australorp hens lay medium sized and light brown colored eggs.

Hens can lay for a couple of years. Generally a healthy hen can lay about 200 eggs in a season. But most of the people who raise backyard chickens, keep some Black Australorp chickens in their flock mainly for their beauty and gentle nature.

Health & Growth

Usually Black Australorp chickens become very hardy and they are long lived. They have a good resistance to the most common poultry diseases. All types of physical deformities such as bent toes or twisted beaks are less in well bred Black Australorp chickens.

They can also adopt themselves well with low temperatures and cold weather. You can feed them the foods that you feed to your other chicken breeds.

Don’t overfeed the laying hens. By overfeeding your laying hens, they will be fatty which will reduce their egg production rate. This happens much for Black Australorp chickens.

Temperament

As I have told before, Black Australorps are very gentle and well behaved. I think this is the main reason of why most of the backyard poultry keepers like them.

Both hens and roosters are calm, quiet, friendly and it’s very easy to handle them. They are very suitable for both confined and free range chicken keeping methods.

But ensure that your flock is not overcrowded in confined system. Don’t keep Black Australorps and other aggressive chicken breeds in the same coop. Because they can be injured by the other aggressive breeds. Instead make a separate coop or room inside the coop for them.

Black Australorp chickens are beautiful, calm and friendly breeds and very suitable for raising in your backyard as pets or for meat and egg production purpose.

If you don’t have some Black Australorps in your flock, try to have some. And I am sure that, you will love them and they will definitely make you happy.

Black Australorp chicken Facts

Black Australorp chickens are a breed of chicken that originated in Australia in the early 1900s. They were bred for their ability to lay large quantities of eggs and their ability to thrive in a range of climates. Here are 24 interesting facts about this unique breed of chicken.

Origin of the Breed

Black Australorps were first developed in Australia in the early 1900s. They were bred by crossing Orpington chickens, Langshan chickens, and Minorcas.

Named After their Origin

The name Australorp is a combination of the words Australia and Orpington, the two breeds that were used to create the Black Australorp.

Variety of Colors

While the Black Australorp is the most well-known variety, they also come in blue and white.

Egg Production

Black Australorps are known for their high egg production, with hens laying up to 300 eggs per year. Their eggs are medium to large in size, and are light brown in color.

Early Maturing

Black Australorp chicks mature quickly, making them a popular choice for egg production.

Cold Tolerant

Black Australorps are hardy birds that can tolerate cold temperatures, making them well-suited for cold climates.

Heat Tolerant

In addition to being cold tolerant, Black Australorps are also able to tolerate hot temperatures, making them a versatile breed.

Good Foragers

Black Australorps are good foragers, and will happily scratch and peck around for insects, seeds, and other food sources.

Friendly Temperament

Black Australorps are known for their friendly and docile temperament, making them a popular choice for backyard flocks and small farms.

Dual Purpose Breed

In addition to being good egg layers, Black Australorps are also a good meat bird, with a tender and flavorful meat.

Feathers

Black Australorps have shiny black feathers that are soft to the touch.

Standard Size

Black Australorps are a standard-sized chicken, with males weighing around 8 pounds and females weighing around 6.5 pounds.

Good Brooders

Black Australorps are known for their broody nature, and are often used as broody hens to hatch and raise chicks.

Docile Roosters

Black Australorp roosters are generally docile and not aggressive towards humans, making them a good choice for backyard flocks.

Active Birds

Black Australorps are active birds that like to scratch and peck around for food, making them a good choice for free-range or pasture-based systems.

Good Mothers

Black Australorps are known for their good mothering instincts, and will actively care for and protect their chicks.

Feathered Feet

Black Australorps have feathered feet, which can help protect them from cold temperatures and make them more attractive as a show bird.

Easy to Train

Black Australorps are intelligent birds that are easy to train, making them a popular choice for chicken shows and competitions.

Low Maintenance

Black Australorps are relatively low maintenance birds, with a hardy constitution and a relatively low susceptibility to disease.

Good Egg Shape

Black Australorp eggs have a long, oval shape that is considered very attractive and desirable.

Popular Breed

Black Australorps are a popular breed of chicken worldwide, with a large following in Australia, the United States, and other countries.

Good Layers in Winter

Black Australorps are known for their ability to continue laying eggs even in the colder months of the year.

Easy to Care For

Black Australorps are easy to care for and require only little care and other management.

Adaptable to Different Climates

Black Australorps are highly adaptable birds and can thrive in a range of climates, making them a popular breed in many different regions of the world.

Tips for Raising Black Australorp Chickens

Raising Black Australorp chickens can be a rewarding experience, but it’s important to have a solid understanding of their needs in order to raise healthy, happy birds. Here are some tips for successfully raising Black Australorp chickens.

Start with Quality Stock

When starting your Black Australorp flock, it’s important to choose healthy birds from a reputable breeder or hatchery. Look for birds that are free from deformities or genetic defects, and that have a good temperament.

Provide Adequate Space

Black Australorps are active birds that require plenty of space to move around and exercise. As a general rule, you should provide at least 4 square feet of space per bird in the coop, and at least 10 square feet of space per bird in the outdoor run.

Keep Coop Clean and Dry

A clean and dry coop is essential for the health and well-being of your Black Australorps. Regularly clean out the coop and replace the bedding, and make sure that there is good ventilation to prevent moisture buildup.

Provide Fresh Water and Feed

Black Australorps require clean, fresh water and a high-quality feed to stay healthy and productive. Make sure to provide fresh water daily, and choose a feed that is specifically formulated for laying hens.

Supplement with Calcium

Black Australorps require a lot of calcium in their diet to produce strong, healthy eggshells. You can supplement their diet with crushed oyster shells or a calcium supplement to ensure that they are getting enough of this essential mineral.

Provide Plenty of Light

Black Australorps require at least 14-16 hours of light per day in order to maintain their egg production. If natural light is insufficient, you can supplement with artificial light to ensure that they are getting enough light exposure.

Protect from Predators

Black Australorps are susceptible to a variety of predators, including raccoons, foxes, and hawks. Make sure that the coop and run are securely fenced and protected, and consider using motion-activated lights or alarms to deter predators.

Allow for Free-Range Time

Black Australorps are active birds that enjoy foraging and scratching around in the dirt. Allowing them free-range time in a secure, fenced area can provide them with valuable exercise and mental stimulation.

Monitor for Disease

Like all birds, Black Australorps are susceptible to a variety of diseases and parasites. Regularly monitor your flock for signs of illness or infestation, and consult with a veterinarian if you suspect a problem.

Practice Biosecurity

To prevent the spread of disease, it’s important to practice good biosecurity measures. This includes quarantining new birds before introducing them to the flock, keeping the coop and run clean, and avoiding contact with other birds or poultry.

Provide Dust Bathing Area

Black Australorps, like most chickens, enjoy taking dust baths to keep their feathers clean and healthy. Provide a designated dust bathing area, such as a shallow box filled with sand, for your birds to use.

Introduce New Birds Gradually

When introducing new birds to the flock, it’s important to do so gradually and carefully. Quarantine new birds for at least two weeks to ensure that they are healthy and free from disease, and introduce them slowly to the flock to minimize stress and aggression.

Provide Roosting Perches

Black Australorps, like most chickens, prefer to roost at night rather than sleep on the ground. Provide sturdy roosting perches in the coop that are at least 2 feet off the ground and spaced at least 12 inches apart.

Trim Wing Feathers

To prevent your Black Australorps from flying over fences or escaping from the run, consider trimming the flight feathers on one wing. This will prevent them from getting enough lift to fly over fences, while still allowing them to maintain their balance and mobility.

Inspect Eggs Regularly

Inspect your Black Australorp eggs regularly for signs of abnormality or disease. Look for cracks, soft shells, or unusual colors, and discard any eggs that are not in good condition.

Provide Shade and Shelter

Black Australorps can overheat in hot weather, so it’s important to provide shade and shelter in the outdoor run. This can be achieved with natural shade from trees or bushes, or with artificial shade structures such as awnings or umbrellas.

Use Deep Litter Method

The deep litter method involves adding fresh bedding material to the coop floor regularly, allowing it to compost and break down over time. This can help to control odors and provide a healthy environment for your Black Australorps.

Train Them to Return to Coop

Train your Black Australorps to return to the coop at dusk by providing a consistent routine and using treats to encourage them to come back inside. This can help to prevent loss of birds due to predators or accidents.

Monitor Egg Production

Regularly monitor the egg production of your Black Australorps to ensure that they are laying consistently and in good health. A sudden drop in egg production can be a sign of illness or stress, and should be investigated.

Provide Enrichment

Provide your Black Australorps with opportunities for enrichment, such as perches, toys, or foraging activities. This can help to prevent boredom and aggression, and promote healthy behavior.

Keep Records

Keep detailed records of your Black Australorp flock, including breeding, egg production, and health history. This can help you to make informed decisions about breeding, culling, and future flock management.

Rotate Pasture

If you allow your Black Australorps to free-range, consider rotating them to fresh pasture periodically to prevent overgrazing and promote healthy soil.

Avoid Overcrowding

Overcrowding can lead to stress, aggression, and disease in your Black Australorp flock. Make sure to provide adequate space and ventilation, and avoid adding too many birds to the flock at once.

Enjoy Your Birds

Finally, remember to enjoy your Black Australorp chickens! They are friendly, hardy birds that can provide a great deal of joy and satisfaction to their owners. By following these tips and providing good care for your birds, you can raise healthy, happy Black Australorps that will be a valuable addition to your flock.

Frequently Asked Questions

People ask many questions about Black Australorp chickens. Here we are trying to list the most common questions about this beautiful and popular chicken breed, and trying to answer them. Hope you will find your answer. Don’t hesitate to ask us if you have more questions.

What are the main Characteristics of Black Australorp Chicken?

The Black Australorp chickens have intense beetle-green sheen on the black birds, dark eyes, deep bodies and are very active. They are dual-purpose birds and good for both meat and eggs production.

What are Black Australorp chickens good for?

The Black Australorp is a dual-purpose chicken breed, and it is good for both meat and eggs production purposes.

Are Black Australorp hens friendly?

Yes, the Black Australorp hens are very friendly. Some people also raise these birds as pets, mainly due to their friendly personality.

At what age do Black Australorps start laying?

Generally, the Black Australorp chickens start laying eggs at their 5 months of age.

Do Black Australorps get along with other chickens?

Yes, the Black Australorps are very friendly and do very well with other chickens.

How big does a Black Australorp get?

The Black Australorps are large dual-purpose birds. A large sized Black Australorp rooster weights about 8.5 to 10 pounds and a large sized hen weights about 6.5 to 8 pounds.

Are Black Australorps aggressive?

No, the Black Australorp chickens are not aggressive. They are very friendly and even do well with other chicken breeds.

Which is better Rhode Island Red or Black Australorp?

Both are good birds to have. It actually depends on your individual needs and preferences. If you are looking for a dual-purpose bird which is good for both meat and eggs production, then Black Australorp chickens will be good for you. But if you are searching for a breed which is excellent for eggs production, then Rhode Island Red will be very good for you.

Will Black Australorp hens go broody?

Yes, the Black Australorp hens go broody and they are excellent mothers.

Are Black Australorps cold hardy?

Yes, the Black Australorp chickens are cold hardy and can withstand cold winter temperatures easily. They can also tolerate hot weather easily.

How long does a Black Australorp chicken live?

Average lifespan of a Black Australorp chicken is between 6 and 10 years.

How much space do Black Australorps need?

On an average, a mature Black Australorp chicken will require about 4 square feet space.

How many eggs do Black Australorps lay?

The Black Australorp hens can lay approximately 250 eggs per year.

What color eggs do Black Australorp chickens lay?

The Black Australorp hens lay large brown eggs.

Do Black Australorp have feathered feet?

No, the Black Australorp chickens don’t have feathered feet.

How do you identify a Black Australorp chicken?

Identifying a Black Australorp is very easy. These birds have (both male and females) black feathers, all with a green iridescent sheen. Roosters have distinctive long, narrow feathers with pointed tips over their necks and shoulders as well as over the top of their rumps. These hackle and saddle feathers gradually come in as the roosters mature.

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