Black Australorp

Bred in Australia in the early 1900s, the Black Australorp is a stunning large breed that is very active and lays incredibly well. You can expect 300 eggs and up from this productive layer!

Parent birds for this breed are believed to be Black Orpingtons, Rhode Island Red, Minorca, White Leghorns and Langshans and the first birds were known as Ausralian Black Orpingtons. While there tends to be confusion around the origin of the name most lean towards “Austra” referencing Australia where it was bred and “orp” referencing the Orpingtons used to create it.

A generally shy bird for their size,; they will warm up quite quickly if handled regularly; making them the perfect starter bird for young chicken farmers in the making.

Laying starts at around 5 months. Hens are great sitters and will be good mothers to chicks as well! Australorp eggs are large and they tend to be more likely to lay double yolked eggs.

Their black feathers have a beautiful green iridescence in the sun that makes them even more stunnng. Wattles and single comb should be red and their legs should be slate.

Black Australorps are an excellent starter breed that is kid/beginner friendly as well as flock friendly. As they are generally amongst the middle of the pecking order they helpbring balance to a flock. They are a bit large for being picked up and cuddled and most don’t seem to enjoy it, however, they will follow you around.

They will do well in confinement and as free rangers.

Back to Breeds