Description
Austra White Chicken
Breed Overview and Origin
The Austra White chicken is a practical hybrid layer with a nice balance of egg production, calmer temperament, and backyard usefulness. If you like the laying ability of a Leghorn but want a bird with a little more body and a steadier disposition, this cross is worth considering.
Austra Whites come from crossing a Black Australorp rooster with White Leghorn hens. That pairing brings together two useful traits: the strong egg-laying ability of the Leghorn and the calmer, heavier influence of the Australorp. Cackle Hatchery® uses its own production bloodlines of Black Australorp males and White Leghorn females as the parent stock for this cross.
This hybrid first appeared in the early 1900s and has remained useful because it fills a nice middle ground. It is not as flighty as many pure Leghorns, but it still lays well and works nicely for backyard egg flocks.
Appearance and Characteristics
Austra White pullets are mostly white, often with little black specks in some feathers. That light body color gives them a clean look in the flock, while the black flecks hint at the Black Australorp side of the cross.
This is a heavier bird than a pure Leghorn. You still get a productive layer, but with a calmer nature and more body size than many lightweight white egg breeds. That makes Austra Whites easier for many backyard keepers to enjoy.
Their white coloring can make them easier for predators to spot, especially in open pasture. However, they have good reflexes and can do well in free-range settings when you provide safe fencing, cover, and secure nighttime housing.
Austra White vs White Leghorn: Which Should You Choose?
Austra Whites and White Leghorns both work well for egg-focused flocks, but they do not feel the same in the yard.
Choose Austra Whites if you want a productive layer with a calmer disposition and a little more body size. Choose White Leghorns if you want a lighter, more athletic bird that focuses heavily on large white egg production.
Leghorns are often more nervous and flighty. Austra Whites still stay active, but the Australorp influence usually makes them a better choice if you want a more manageable backyard bird.
Austra White vs Black Australorp: What’s the Difference?
Austra Whites get part of their background from Black Australorp chickens, but they are not the same bird.
Choose Black Australorps if you want a pure breed with glossy black feathers, calm temperament, and brown eggs. Choose Austra Whites if you want a hybrid layer that blends Australorp calmness with Leghorn-style egg production and lighter egg color.
The Austra White is the better fit if your main goal is a productive backyard layer with off-white to very light brown eggs. The Australorp is the better fit if you want a true breed that reproduces more predictably and has a stronger heritage-breed identity.
Egg Production and Utility
Austra White hens are very good layers throughout the year. They lay large eggs with a shell color that can range from very light brown to off-white or cream. Cackle places them in its white egg layers category, which makes sense because their eggs often sit closer to off-white than standard brown.
This cross also has a good feed-to-egg production ratio. That matters if you want a practical backyard flock that lays well without carrying the feed needs of heavier dual-purpose breeds.
Because Austra Whites are hybrids, they work best when you want dependable egg production rather than long-term breed preservation. Actual laying can vary with age, daylight, feed, weather, housing, and overall care.
If you enjoy hatching projects, Austra White Fertile Hatching Eggs may be available at limited times of the year. Cackle notes that hatching eggs generally do not ship during the hottest part of summer because heat can reduce hatchability.
Temperament and Suitability
Austra Whites are usually calmer than pure Leghorns. That makes them a good option if you want productive layers but do not want a flock that feels too flighty or hard to manage.
They can do well in backyard coops, homesteads, and free-range egg flocks. If you let them range, they will scratch, forage, and stay alert. Even so, white birds can stand out to predators, so give them safe cover, secure fencing, and a predator-proof coop at night.
This hybrid can also work well for people who are raising chickens for eggs at home. They are active enough to forage, steady enough for many backyard setups, and productive enough to make the egg basket feel worthwhile.
Is the Austra White Chicken Right for Your Flock?
Choose Austra Whites if you want:
A hybrid egg-laying chicken
A cross of Black Australorp and White Leghorn parent stock
A calmer alternative to pure Leghorns
Large off-white to very light brown eggs
A productive backyard layer
A bird with a good feed-to-egg ratio
A mostly white chicken with small black flecks
A free-range-capable layer with good reflexes
A practical flock bird for home egg production
Overall, this is a good choice if you want steady eggs from a bird that feels a little calmer and heavier than a Leghorn. It may not be the right fit if you want a pure heritage breed, but it works well for a practical backyard egg flock.
If you are still comparing breeds, the Chicken Breed Selector and Chicken Breeds List Comparison Chart can help you sort birds by egg color, purpose, size, and flock needs.
Breed History and Preservation
The Austra White is a hybrid, not a standardized heritage breed. It was first developed in the early 1900s as a cross between Black Australorp roosters and White Leghorn hens. The goal was simple: combine dependable laying ability with a calmer, heavier bird than the typical Leghorn.
Because this is a hybrid cross, it does not carry the same kind of preservation status as a recognized pure breed. If you want predictable Austra White traits, start with the planned parent cross rather than expecting every later-generation chick to match the first generation.
That said, the parent breeds have strong histories of their own. The White Leghorn has long been one of the world’s most important egg-laying breeds, while the Black Australorp earned its reputation as a calm, productive brown egg layer. Together, they create a useful hybrid for modern backyard egg production.
Recognition and Availability
The American Poultry Association does not recognize Austra Whites as a standard breed because they are a hybrid cross. They are best understood as a practical egg-laying hybrid rather than a show breed or heritage preservation breed.
You can choose Austra White chicks when they are in season. If you prefer hatching your own, Austra White Fertile Hatching Eggs may be available at limited times of the year. Before you plan your order, check the Availability Chart for current hatch and shipping options.
Related Breeds and Helpful Cackle Hatchery® Resources
If you like Austra Whites, you may also want to compare their parent breeds: Black Australorp chickens and White Leghorns. For similar egg-focused options, browse white egg layers, hot weather chickens, and baby chicks for sale.
For hatching projects, browse hatching eggs for sale. You can also use the Chicken Breed Selector to compare breeds by egg color, temperament, climate, and purpose.
FAQ: Austra White Chicken
What is an Austra White chicken?
An Austra White chicken is a hybrid layer made by crossing a Black Australorp rooster with White Leghorn hens. The cross produces mostly white birds with some black flecks and good egg-laying ability.
Are Austra Whites a pure breed?
No. Austra Whites are hybrids, not a standardized pure breed. They come from Black Australorp and White Leghorn parent stock.
What color eggs do Austra Whites lay?
They lay large eggs that range from very light brown to off-white or cream. Cackle includes them in its white egg layer category because the eggs are usually very light in color.
Are Austra Whites good egg layers?
Yes. Austra Whites are very good layers throughout the year. Actual production can vary with age, daylight, feed, weather, housing, and overall flock care.
Are Austra Whites calmer than Leghorns?
Yes, they are generally calmer than pure Leghorns. The Black Australorp influence gives the cross a steadier disposition and a little more body size.
What do Austra White chickens look like?
Pullets are mostly white with small black specks in some feathers. The overall look is light and clean, with just enough dark flecking to make them easy to recognize.
Are Austra Whites good for beginners?
Yes. They can work well for beginners who want a productive egg layer with a calmer temperament than pure Leghorns. Like all chickens, they still need clean water, balanced feed, dry housing, predator protection, and enough space.
Are Austra Whites good for free range?
Yes. They have good reflexes and can forage well. However, their white coloring can make them easier for predators to see, so safe cover and secure housing are important.
Are Austra Whites good backyard chickens?
Yes. They are productive, practical, and calmer than many lightweight laying breeds. That makes them a good choice for home egg production.
Are Austra Whites good for meat?
They are heavier than pure Leghorns, but most people choose them mainly for eggs. If meat production is your main goal, compare dual-purpose or meat breeds.
Do Austra Whites breed true?
No. Since Austra Whites are hybrids, later generations may not look or perform exactly like the first-generation cross.
What breeds make an Austra White?
Austra Whites come from Black Australorp roosters crossed with White Leghorn hens.
Are Austra Whites heat tolerant?
They can do well in warm climates with proper care. Their light plumage can help reflect sunlight, and Cackle notes that light-colored plumage is one trait often found in hot-weather breeds.
Can I order Austra White hatching eggs?
Yes. Austra White Fertile Hatching Eggs may be available seasonally. Hatchability can vary with shipping, weather, handling, and incubation.
Where can I check chick availability?
Check the Availability Chart for current hatch and shipping options.
Dan Shelden –
Just started laying. Happy, Healthy birds. Large, off white (almost a light yellow), double yolked eggs.
Rachel Manciocchi –
I bought these girls in 2017. They were my first ever chickens along with leghorns. This breed was extremely friendly and they kept up with laying eggs just like the leg horn. I had two hens go broody, which is fine I just gave them some eggs to hatch. My one bird, her name is broody is the top of the pecking order. When other birds are getting picked on broody jumps into the air and nija kicks the bully in the face…then turns around and yells at them. I love her so much, such a protective bird and doesn’t tolerate bullying. This breed does in fact get broody.
Abigail W –
We split a mixed-breed order with our friends last summer, including the lovely Austra Whites. Cackle included an extra, and all four made it through their first eight weeks, in excellent health. These are such funny, friendly girls that we will always make sure we have at least one in our flock. As chicks, they loved to climb on top of us, and now as laying hens, still enjoy hopping up for a shoulder ride with their favorite humans. We were only able to keep one, as we have more limited space than our friends, but I wish we had kept at least another, if not all of them. Not only are they sweet to us, they are also low-drama with the rest of our mixed-breed flock. She only started laying two months ago, but out of 67 days, she has laid 63 cream-colored eggs. Absolutely stunning with the mixture of colors in our flock.
Timothy Suthard –
Broody… 3 out of 6 have gone broody for an extended period during their first 7 months. I did not want broody chickens. These are listed as non setters. Otherwise they are healthy and very active.
Timothy Suthard –
Broody… So far 3 of 6 have gone broody for a long time in their first year. Very disappointed. Otherwise they are healthy, active chickens. Just very frustrated with their broodiness.
Andrea –
Very good
Very happy to see my 25 hens get here on time. All of them seem, so far happy and healthy.
Millermcnutt –
LOOOOVE my Austra White Hen
Purchased Austra White pullet last year. I LOOOVE her, she went broody late summer, hatched 2 eggs (which I had ordered) such a good Mommy bird. Henny Penny is very friendly, she lets me pick her up and she comes running to me when I walk out the door. She is a precious bird!
Vinny –
Good
Want to say two years later they are great birds hardy and great free rangers. 5 eggs a week from my birds. Will get this breed again.
Sharon –
Thank You
Got my chicks, all alive and doing well. I had 2 setters and they adopted them as their own. So precious. Thank you, a very pleased customer.
Chad –
Austra Duds
I ordered a handful of these last spring and have to admit I am disappointed with them. When they do lay the eggs are super large and a beautiful cream color but mine do not lay often. Two of them are broody every couple months and never seem to lay and the other two only give me eggs once in awhile. My Easter Eggers, Ameraucanas, and Welsummers are by far better layers.
Alexa –
Got my Chicks!
Got my baby chicks this morning! All healthy, all doing fantastic! The tracking for my package was spot on with much appreciated detail. I got my chicks shipped to Hawaii which has additional fees and you have to have a higher minimum of birds and it was totally 100% worth it. I will be using your service in the future and will be recommending it to others. Thank you so very much!
Lori –
Nice birds!
I have 3 of these pullets and at about 21 weeks they are just starting to lay. They are large, handsome and very friendly birds. As youngsters they were always flying up on my shoulders and are very adventurous. Their eggs are still smallish and are light cream in color. I’m very happy with them.
Mike –
Wonderful Chicks
I received 4 Austra White pullets as part of an order of 16 chicks on March 1st and they have made beautiful hens. One began laying at 16 weeks of age which is the earliest I have ever heard of. I would highly recommend this breed and Cackle Hatchery as this flock of hens that also contains 4 Buff Orpingtons, 3 Turkens, 3 Cuckoo Marans and 2 Black Golden Laced Wyandottes is the nicest flock I have ever had in my 50+ years of raising chickens.
mmeyer –
Mother’s day surprise
I ordered 15 chicks at the end of November 2016. 10 EE’s and 5
Austra Whites. All 5 of the Whites survived, but I lost 5 EE in January. The white chicks were more aggrisive then my Easter eggers and separated them for a month until bigger. I kept them in a large brooder box in an enclosed porch area with an electric chicken heater until April. The whites were very hungry chicks. I’ve never had a leg horn breed type before. They are certainly more assertive than my Easter egger, RIR, and Cinnamon Queens (they lay large to jumbo eggs, but are kind of dumb birds). Today, Mother’s Day, one of my Austra Whites layed a small pretty cream egg! Looking forward to seeing how big and how many they can lay.
Kasen –
Good
Good
Raymond –
Like this bird
Love this bird. Not as skittish or as flighty as many suggest. One was bullied by a Black Sex Link however I solved the issue by removing the Black Sex Link for three days and now everything is fine. Lay some of the biggest eggs I’ve ever seen. Two within the last two weeks measuring 3″ X 2″ (that’s big my friend). Friendly at times and will eat from my hand.
rhodyray –
Good Hens
Received chicks in the middle of March and as they age have become more friendly. Guess it takes time for them to trust humans. Anyhow they have been consistent layers and one bird in particular has layed two eggs over the last month that measured 3″ X 2″. Now they are humongeous eggs. The Austra Whites share a coop with Red and Black Sex link hens are all are doing fine.
Sonia –
Adventurous birds!
We ordered 6 Austra Whites and received 7 on time and in excellent, healthy condition. We gave them water with electrolytes right away, and they were so much fun to handle as tiny chicks. They are now about 5 months old and we still have all 7. They haven’t started laying yet, but they are very adventurous and have been from the time they were baby chicks. They were the first of all 5 breeds we have to fly out of the trough we kept the babies in, they were the first to scale our fence, they were the first to find their way onto the roof of our house, and they are the only breed we have that will wander far from the house (which kinda worries us because we have had hawks get a couple other breeds, and Austra Whites are…well…white.) They definitely keep us on our toes!
Chickens R Us –
Not your ordinary personalities
Out of 4: One was very mean at one month, pecking all her siblings so I had to get rid of her. Another one escaped three weeks ago and never was seen again. Another is an escape artists and ALWAYS climbs up over the chicken wire. I have one ordinary one. Phew! This breed keeps me hopping.
Darrell –
BEST< FRIENDLY< FAST SERVICE EVER<
I am now on week number 2 with the 22 Chicks Cackle has sent me. They are all very healthy and beautiful birds. They are growing very nice and can’t wait for them to be able to move to the Big coop so they can roam around freely. More orders to come for sure. Friendly FAST Service for sure. Already made a pre-order for some Buff Orpingtons. Can not wait to get them.
Dorothy –
Yum! We used to get
Yum! We used to get green eggs all the time but my green egg layers have been on strkie lately so all we have now is rose and brown 🙂 I Love green eggs!
Jill, Indiana April 2013 –
Cackle Hatchery
Just wanted to tell you that we received our chicks midday on the 17th..and all were perfectly perfect and adorable! Thanks soooooo much for working with us on a quicker ship date:)
Michelle, New York May 2013 –
Cackle Hatchery
They all arrived yesterday in great health and lots of vigor. By far the best order we have ever received from any hatchery. Thanks
Beth Oklahoma February 2015 –
Testimonal
Last year I purchased a dozen chickens six barred rocks and six Austra Whites. i am pleased with them. All of these girls are healthy and ornery at a year old. They are just now at nearly a year old starting to lay eggs. All of the eggs i have found have been quite large, surprising for pullets. They are all loaded with personality. With the exception of a few chickens I obtained from neighbors and friends, at least 3/4 of my flock came from Cackle Hatchery. Even the mixed breeds that I hatched out indirectly came from your hatchery since the parent birds were hatched in your facility. We have 23 chickens in all and I am always getting compliments on how good they look, as well as how friendly they are. I just wanted to say thank you for these fine quality birds that I get to enjoy having around. Thank you
Michael Georgia February 2014 –
Cackle Hatchery
Just a quick thank you. Once again your company delivered a box full of live healthy and vibrant chickens. All arrived doing fine. We ordered 60 and we’re not disappointed with the chicks in the least. Thanks to Cackle sending a few more chicks for warmth than we ordered.
We ordered Egyptian for the first time. They are the most active chicks I have ever seen. The special heavy assorted was a great bargain. The chicks were even marked as requested!!!. You have earned my business once again. I have shared your catalog with friends and relatives and will continue to do so. Thanks again and keep up the excellent service.
Janie, Missouri May 2014 –
Cackle Hatchery
I received my chicks today and found all but 1 made it alive not bad odds for ordering 70 chicks. Thank you for the chicks and I am looking forward to ordering more.