Australorp

Looks how to spot one

Soft, close-fitting glossy plumage

A deep-bodied, upright utility bird that is a little trimmer than its Orpington ancestor. It was selected for laying and table qualities rather than show fluff. It has a single comb, white skin and lays brown eggs.13

Personality what they are like

Active but gentle. Australorps are usually friendly, tolerate handling well and are a popular choice for families and young poultry exhibitors.24

Daily activity how busy a day looks

Moderate. They are busy foragers that enjoy daily run or garden time, while being calm enough for a backyard setting.25

Grooming and care the hands-on bits

Chickens keep their own plumage in order by preening and dust bathing, so the owner's job is a dry dust-bath spot, clean dry bedding, daily flock checks and regular egg collection. Backyard hens typically lay 250 or more brown eggs a year, and some go broody.524

Home where they are happiest

Needs a secure, dry, well-ventilated coop plus an outdoor run. The RSPCA suggests roughly 1 m² of indoor space per bird where possible; veterinary husbandry guidance gives 0.37 m² per large bird as a minimum, and Oregon State University Extension advises about 0.28 m² per bird when there is a run, or 0.75 to 0.9 m² without outdoor access. Allow at least 15 cm of perch per bird (more for big breeds), about one nest box per four hens, and a patch of dry soil for dust bathing. Australorps adapt to hot or cold weather but are happiest in cooler conditions.567

Food basics what goes in the bowl

A complete commercial ration forms the base: chick starter first, a lower-calcium grower feed until laying begins, then layer feed. An adult eats around 120 g of layers pellets a day, a little more in winter. Provide insoluble grit, oyster shell as extra calcium for layers, and fresh clean water at all times. In the UK, kitchen scraps may not be fed to poultry.56

Company who they like around

A flock bird that forages, roosts and dust bathes with companions, so keep at least three hens that get along.5

The story where it all began

Australian breeders imported Black Orpingtons around the turn of the 20th century and selected them for egg laying rather than show fluff, adding touches of other utility breeds along the way. The result was launched internationally in the early 1920s under the name Australorp, reached Britain around 1921 and joined the American standard in 1929.123

Recognised by the official bits

American Poultry Association (Standard of Perfection)

Admitted in 1929; black is the only colour in the US standard.1

The Poultry Club of Great Britain

Standardised breed, classed as soft feather heavy.3

Australian standard

Black, blue and white recognised in Australia; the white was added in 2012.1

The Livestock Conservancy

Graduated from the Conservation Priority List in 2023.2