Australorp Chickens | Ultimate Guide

Australorp chickens are beloved for their calm personalities, glossy black feathers, & incredible egg production. Known as one of the most reliable brown egg layers in the backyard world, Australorps thrive in family flocks, small farms, & first time setups thanks to their gentle nature, hardiness, & impressive laying consistency.

This guide covers everything you need to know about Australorp chickens: appearance, history, where to buy them, how many eggs you can expect, what care they need, & how their famously sweet temperament fits into mixed flocks. Whether you want a steady producer or a friendly companion bird, this breed guide will help you decide if Australorps are the right match for your coop.

Quick Chick(en) Facts

Origin	Australia (from Orpington stock)
Colors	Black (APA), plus Blue & White in some regions
Weight	Hens: ~6.5 lb & Roosters: ~8.5 lb
Lifespan	6–10 years with good care
Rate of Lay/yr	~250–300 eggs per year; record-setting lines
Egg Size	Large
Egg Color	Brown
Heat Hardy	Moderate; shade & airflow needed
Cold Hardy	Yes; excellent cold weather birds
Broodiness	Moderate; some hens brood & mother well
Disease Susceptibility	Hardy; monitor for mites & leg issues in heavy hens
Temperament	Calm, gentle, family friendly
Beginner Friendly	Yes

 

 

Quick Jump

 

Chapter 1: Appearance of Australorp Chickens

Australorps are full bodied, upright birds with broad frames & deep chests. Their feathers are tight, glossy, & shimmer with green iridescence in sunlight, especially the Black variety. They have a soft, rounded silhouette that makes them stand out in mixed flocks.

Single combs, red wattles, & clean black legs complete their classic look. The feathers’ sheen is often one of the breed’s most striking traits, giving healthy birds a polished, almost beetle green shine in bright light.

Size

Australorps are a heavy dual purpose breed. Roosters average about 8.5 lb, hens about 6.5 lb. Their substantial size makes them steady, calm birds & also contributes to good table qualities for keepers who raise dual purpose flocks.

Colors

The APA recognizes Black Australorps, though Blue & White Australorps appear in some countries. Black birds show the iconic green sheen, while Blues feature soft slate coloring. Hatchery lines may show minor color variations but maintain the same body type & temperament.

 

Chapter 2: History of Australorp Chickens

Australorps were developed in Australia in the early 1900s from imported English Orpingtons. Breeders selected for exceptional egg production, hardiness, & utility rather than show traits. Their name blends “Australia” with “Orpington.”

The breed became famous when small flocks broke world laying records, with some hens producing over 300 eggs in 365 days. Today, Australorps are celebrated worldwide as one of the best heritage layer breeds.

 

Chapter 3: Australorp Chickens for Sale

Australorps are widely available through hatcheries, local farm stores, & small breeders. Hatchery birds are common & affordable, while breeder lines may offer improved color, conformation, or productivity.

You can buy them as day old chicks, sexed pullets, or occasionally as started birds. Look for bright eyes, alert behavior, & clean vents when choosing chicks. Ask sellers whether their lines focus on show quality, utility, or balanced dual purpose traits.

 

Chapter 4: Australorp Egg Laying

Australorps are excellent brown egg layers, often producing 250–300 eggs per year. Their large eggs & consistent laying schedule make them ideal for households wanting steady production. Pullets typically begin laying around 20–22 weeks.

They lay well even in cooler months, especially with balanced feed, fresh water, & good coop lighting. Compared to other heritage breeds, Australorps rank near the top for egg numbers.

 

Chapter 5: Australorp Health Issues & Care

Australorps are hardy, adaptable birds with few breed-specific health concerns. Their heavier bodies mean they appreciate wide roosts & soft landings to prevent foot issues. They handle confinement well but also enjoy open spaces to forage.

Routine coop hygiene, clean water, & balanced nutrition help them stay in good condition. Their calm nature makes them easy to monitor for early signs of illness.

Health Issues

Like most chickens, Australorps can host mites & lice, especially in warm seasons. Their dense feathers require thorough checks around the vent, wings, & tail. Provide dry dust bathing areas & keep coop cracks sealed to reduce pests.

Climate Needs

Australorps are excellent cold weather birds thanks to their dense plumage. They tolerate heat moderately well but need shade, airflow, & plenty of water in hot climates. Single combs can experience frostbite if coops are damp, so ventilation is key.

 

Chapter 6: Australorp Temperament

Australorps are famously gentle & even tempered. They are friendly with people, great with children, & peaceful in mixed flocks. Their calm nature makes them pleasant daily companions in the coop.

Roosters are typically mild mannered compared to many breeds, though temperament can vary. Hens prefer steady routines & thrive in low stress environments.

Temperament

Broody Australorps show dedicated, gentle mothering behavior. Even hens that do not brood tend to remain calm & cooperative in the coop year round.

 

Chapter 7: Feeding Australorp

Start chicks on a 20–21% protein starter, then move to a 16–18% grower until they reach laying age. Adult hens thrive on a 16% layer feed with free choice oyster shell.

Australorps enjoy foraging but maintain condition easily, so avoid overfeeding high calorie treats. Grit should be offered if they do not have access to natural soil.

 

Chapter 8: Coop & Run Size for Australorp

Provide at least 4 square feet of indoor coop space per bird & 10–15+ square feet in the run. Their heavier bodies benefit from lower roosts (18–24 inches) & solid footing.

Standard 12x12 inch nest boxes work well. Ensure the coop is well ventilated, dry, & predator proof, with wide perches for comfortable roosting.

 

Chapter 9: Pros & Cons of Australorp Chickens

Australorps are top tier brown egg layers with calm personalities, cold hardiness, & beginner friendly temperaments. They shine as family birds & steady producers.

Their few drawbacks include moderate heat tolerance & potential weight gain if overfed. Their large size also means they need slightly more space than light breeds.

Pros	Cons
Excellent brown egg layers	Moderate heat tolerance
Gentle, calm, family friendly	Heavier hens need wide perches
Very cold hardy	May become broody in some lines
Great for beginners	Eat slightly more than light breeds
Adaptable to confinement or free range	Slower than lighter birds at foraging

 

Chapter 10: Australorp FAQs

Are Australorps good layers?
Yes. They regularly produce 250–300 large brown eggs per year, ranking among the best heritage layers.

Are Australorps friendly?
Very. They are calm, gentle, & great with kids, making them one of the most family friendly breeds available.

Do Australorps do well in cold climates?
Yes. Their dense feathers & sturdy bodies make them excellent winter layers with good cold tolerance.

Do Australorps go broody?
Sometimes. Broodiness varies by line, but broody hens make caring, dependable mothers.

Are Australorps good for beginners?
Absolutely. Their easygoing temperament, strong laying, & low maintenance care make them perfect for first time chicken keepers.

Sources

APA Standard of Perfection – Australorp.
The Livestock Conservancy – Australorp profile.
Australian Poultry Standards & breeder notes.
University extension poultry resources.