Australorps

Australorp Hen – Breed Overview

Origin: Australia (developed from Black Orpingtons)

Type: Dual-purpose (eggs + meat)

Color: Most commonly black, with a stunning greenish-purple sheen in sunlight

Size:

• Hens: ~6.5–7 lbs
• Roosters: ~8.5–10 lbs

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Key Traits of Australorp Hens:

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Excellent Egg Layers

• Eggs per Year: 250–300+
• Egg Color: Light brown
• Egg Size: Large
• They hold a world record for laying: 364 eggs in 365 days (though most won’t reach that today).

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Calm and Friendly

• Known for being docile, sweet, and easy to handle.
• Great with kids and other flockmates — not aggressive.
• Usually stay low in the pecking order without being bullied.

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Cold and Heat Hardy

• Thrive in a range of climates.
• Have small, single combs — less prone to frostbite than larger comb breeds.

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Low-Maintenance

• Adaptable to confinement or free-range.
• Foragers, but do well in coops too.
• Hardy, rarely sick, and require no special care.

🧠 Quick Personality Summary:

Australorp hens are quiet, gentle, and hard-working layers. They’re great for beginners, families, or anyone who wants a productive and drama-free backyard chicken.