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What is an Australorp Chicken? What are its Characteristics?
The Australorp chicken is a popular chicken breed known for its durability, egg yield, and meat quality. First developed in Australia, this breed has ideal characteristics for egg and meat production. They generally attract attention with their black feathers, bright greenish-black sheen, and red wattles. Their healthy structure, fast growth potential, and egg yield have made Australorp chickens a preferred option among farmers and pet owners.
What is an Australorp chicken?
Australorp chickens are an English breed derived from the black variety of the Orpington breed and are especially known for their combination of eggs and meat. Unlike Orpingtons, Australorps are more focused on egg yield, but their meat quality is also quite good. They have a smaller body compared to Orpingtons, black feathers, white-like colors, and single combs. Egg shells are generally light brown. On average, the live weight of roosters is between 4-4.5 kg, and for hens, it is between 3.5-4 kg. According to official Australian tests, they hold the world record with a hen that laid 364 eggs in 365 days.
Which country is the Australorp chicken from?
Australorp chickens are a chicken breed developed in Australia, from which they take their name. Therefore, it is a chicken breed of Australian origin.
Australorp chicken characteristics?
Australorp chickens can have different colors such as white and blue, although they are mostly black. Their feathers are soft and their body structures are tight; it is a large and heavy chicken breed. These chickens have high resistance to poultry diseases and have a robust body structure. Their eyes and beaks are black; hens can reach a weight of 3.5-4 kg and roosters 4-4.5 kg. Australorp chickens should be raised in a coop that is regularly cleaned and not affected by weather conditions. They can be grouped in sixes or sevens in coops. Molting periods should be followed and supplemental vitamins should be given by mixing them into the water. When high hygiene standards are observed, it is known that their annual laying rates are over 250. It is the chicken breed with the highest average annual laying yield. A well-cared-for Australorp hen can maintain its egg productivity for 5 years, and this period can go up to 7 years depending on appropriate care conditions. Australorp chickens, which became popular worldwide because they broke the laying record in the 1920s, have attracted the attention of breeders in modern poultry houses and have become known for high egg production. The Australorp chicken has an average annual yield of 250 eggs per hen.
What color is an Australorp chicken egg?
Australorp chicken eggs are generally light brown in color and can be in light brown, gray, and beige colors.
How to Identify an Australorp Chicken
Australorp chickens can be recognized because they have certain physical characteristics. To identify Australorp chickens, you can pay attention to the following features:
Color: Australorp chickens usually have black feathers, but different color variations can also be found.
Feather Structure: Their feathers are soft and dense.
Size: They have a large and heavy structure. Hens are generally 3.5 - 4 kg, and roosters are 4 - 4.5 kg.
Color in Eyes and Beaks: Their eyes and beaks are generally black.
Egg Color: Australorp chickens produce eggs in light brown color.
Productivity: Since they have high egg productivity, you can observe that they constantly produce eggs.
When all these features come together, you can understand that a chicken belongs to the Australorp breed.
Egg Yield in Australorp Chickens
Australorp chickens are among the chicken species with the highest egg yield; they can produce eggs at a high capacity continuously for 5 years. When their healthy and regular care is maintained, their high egg productivity can continue for up to 7 years. An important feature that distinguishes the Australorp chicken from other species is its egg productivity that continues for many years. To increase egg production, the following measures should be taken:
- Regular cleaning of the coops,
- Raising them in coops protected from weather conditions,
- Feeding the chickens generally in groups of six or seven,
Giving vitamins by mixing them into their water or orally during necessary periods.
When these measures are followed, it can be observed that egg productivity continues at the maximum level.
How many eggs does an Australorp chicken lay?
Australorp chickens are known for high egg productivity. On an annual average, a normally cared-for Australorp chicken can produce more than 250 eggs. With more careful care and management, it is known that this figure can go up to 309 eggs. However, the egg production of individual chickens may vary depending on various factors.
Do Australorp Chickens Go Broody?
A chicken being "broody" (gurk) means that it is ready to reproduce and tends to sit on eggs. That is, the term "broody hen" is used for chickens ready to incubate. Australorp chickens are among the breeds with the lowest probability of going broody. Therefore, special importance should be given to ensure they do not stop laying eggs. A few non-fertilized eggs can be placed under the hens you want to go broody. When the hen starts sitting on the eggs, fertilized eggs are added underneath and the previously placed unfertilized eggs are removed. The growing environment is of great importance for the egg productivity of chickens. Chickens raised in a natural environment generally start laying at 20-26 weeks, while those raised in an artificial environment start laying at 18-20 weeks. Even under standard care conditions, it is known that Australorp chickens can produce an average of 250 eggs per year, and regularly cared-for chickens can produce an average of 309 eggs.
Australorp Chicken Nutrition and Care
The Australorp chicken breed is a species preferred by novice poultry breeders because its care and nutrition are quite easy. They can be fed with standard chicken feeds, and it is important not to overdo it while feeding for egg production, because egg yield may decrease in overfed chickens. Poultry breeders should monitor molting periods and provide supplemental nutrients to the chickens. When hygiene rules are followed, it can be observed that both meat and egg productivity increase. Although Australorp chickens are adapted to hot climates, they can also be easily fed in the winter months; they can live in open areas in the summer and in the coop in the winter. Their basic food sources include grains, and various vegetables and bone meal are also given. To increase egg yield, it is possible to add a small amount of yeast to the feeds. Gravel is added to the feeds to facilitate digestion. To meet mineral needs, materials such as eggshell powder and chalk are added to the feeds. In cases where movement is restricted in winter months, a diet is applied so that egg yield does not drop. Pulp, pulp silage, and grass meal can be used for the diet. Correct feeding methods and quality feeds will help the chicken maintain its health and increase egg quality. Australorp chicks start being fed with chopped greens, boiled eggs, and grains after they are 10-12 days old. Subsequently, eggs are not given and rapid development is ensured with feeds with high protein content. Grain varieties are added according to their growth status. Drinking water should be changed daily for the health and egg productivity of the chickens. Australorp chickens have a strong immune system and are resistant to poultry diseases. For the healthy development of chicks, they should be vaccinated against diseases. In addition, ash and sand are added to the walking areas of the chickens to prevent parasite formation and ensure the cleanliness of the coop.
How Much is an Australorp Chicken
The Australorp chicken, which is preferred by poultry breeders, has prices that vary because it has different characteristics from other chicken breeds. There are various factors affecting chicken prices. The prices of Australorp chickens are generally high, and one of the main reasons for this is the high meat and egg productivity. The market prices of an Australorp chicken raised in a healthy and regularly maintained environment can generally vary between 250 TL and 300 TL. Prices differ depending on the gender of the chicken or rooster, fattening status, and general health condition. Australorp chicken eggs are known as one of the most valuable egg varieties in the market. Egg prices are generally around 35 TL. It can sometimes be difficult to find Australorp chicken eggs, but they can be obtained from various poultry breeders. Market prices and availability may change depending on the demand in the market.
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