Description
Austra White Chicken
Breed Development and Origin
The Austra White Chicken is a production hybrid developed in the early 1900s by crossing two high-performing breeds: a Black Australorp rooster and a White Leghorn hen. At Cackle Hatchery®, our Austra Whites come from carefully selected production bloodlines of both breeds, combining strong laying ability with a balanced temperament and durable flock performance.
Since 1939, Cackle Hatchery® has continued developing and refining its Austra White strain, focusing on egg production, feed efficiency, and birds that perform well in backyard and small farm environments.
Egg Production and Performance
Austra Whites are known for being strong year-round egg layers, producing approximately 220 to 280 large eggs per year under good management conditions. Their eggs are typically very light brown to off-white in shell color, offering a unique shade between traditional brown and white egg layers.
These birds maintain a good feed-to-egg conversion ratio, making them economical to raise for home egg production. Their production consistency makes them a reliable choice for families raising chickens for fresh eggs.
Appearance and Hybrid Characteristics
Austra White pullets are typically white with small black specks or flecks in some feathers, reflecting their Australorp parent influence. As a hybrid cross, they combine the productivity of Leghorns with some of the calmer temperament traits found in Australorps.
They are slightly heavier than pure Leghorns, with mature hens typically weighing about 5 pounds, while roosters average around 6½ pounds. Pullets generally weigh about 4½ pounds, and cockerels about 5½ pounds.
Temperament and Backyard Suitability
Austra Whites are generally considered an active but manageable breed. They tend to be calmer than pure Leghorns while still maintaining strong foraging instincts and predator awareness.
They perform well in backyard flocks, small farms, and free-range environments. Like many white-feathered birds, they may be more visible to predators in open areas, so proper protection is important.
They are typically non-setters, meaning they rarely go broody, which allows for more consistent egg production throughout the year.
Flock Management and Breeding
Austra Whites prefer roost heights between four and eight feet, similar to their Leghorn parent influence.
For breeding purposes, they typically perform best with a mating ratio of about twelve females to one male. Fertility rates commonly range between 65 and 80 percent, with chick gender accuracy typically falling between 80 and 85 percent when professionally sexed.
Availability
Cackle Hatchery® has been developing its Austra White production strain since 1939, maintaining strong production characteristics and dependable flock performance.
At limited times of the year, we also offer Austra White Fertile Hatching Eggs.
Austra White Chicken FAQs
What is an Austra White chicken?
The Austra White is a hybrid chicken created by crossing a Black Australorp rooster with a White Leghorn hen to produce a strong egg-laying bird with balanced temperament traits.
How many eggs do Austra White chickens lay?
Hens typically produce about 220 to 280 eggs per year, depending on management and environment.
What color eggs do Austra White chickens lay?
They lay very light brown to off-white eggs, which are usually large in size.
Are Austra White chickens good for backyard flocks?
Yes. They are productive layers, relatively calm for a production bird, and adapt well to backyard and free-range environments.
Do Austra White chickens go broody?
Rarely. They are considered non-setters, which helps maintain consistent egg production.
Availability
Available Low Availability Unavailable
| Date |
Available? |
| 2026-02-16 |
|
| 2026-02-17 |
|
| 2026-02-18 |
|
| 2026-02-23 |
|
| 2026-02-24 |
|
| 2026-02-25 |
|
| 2026-03-02 |
|
| 2026-03-03 |
|
| 2026-03-04 |
|
| 2026-03-09 |
|
| 2026-03-10 |
|
| 2026-03-11 |
|
| 2026-03-16 |
|
| 2026-03-17 |
|
| 2026-03-18 |
|
| 2026-03-23 |
|
| 2026-03-24 |
|
| 2026-03-25 |
|
| 2026-03-30 |
|
| 2026-03-31 |
|
| 2026-04-01 |
|
| 2026-04-06 |
|
| 2026-04-07 |
|
| 2026-04-08 |
|
| 2026-04-13 |
|
| 2026-04-14 |
|
| 2026-04-15 |
|
| 2026-04-20 |
|
| 2026-04-21 |
|
| 2026-04-22 |
|
| 2026-04-27 |
|
| 2026-04-28 |
|
| 2026-04-29 |
|
| 2026-05-04 |
|
| 2026-05-05 |
|
| 2026-05-06 |
|
| 2026-05-11 |
|
| 2026-05-12 |
|
| 2026-05-13 |
|
| 2026-05-18 |
|
| 2026-05-19 |
|
| 2026-05-20 |
|
| 2026-05-25 |
|
| 2026-05-26 |
|
| 2026-05-27 |
|
| 2026-06-01 |
|
| 2026-06-02 |
|
| 2026-06-03 |
|
| 2026-06-08 |
|
| 2026-06-09 |
|
| 2026-06-10 |
|
| 2026-06-15 |
|
| 2026-06-16 |
|
| 2026-06-17 |
|
| 2026-06-22 |
|
| 2026-06-23 |
|
| 2026-06-24 |
|
| 2026-06-29 |
|
| 2026-06-30 |
|
| 2026-07-01 |
|
| 2026-07-06 |
|
| 2026-07-07 |
|
| 2026-07-08 |
|
| 2026-07-13 |
|
| 2026-07-14 |
|
| 2026-07-15 |
|
| 2026-07-20 |
|
| 2026-07-21 |
|
| 2026-07-22 |
|
| 2026-07-27 |
|
| 2026-07-28 |
|
| 2026-07-29 |
|
| 2026-08-03 |
|
| 2026-08-04 |
|
| 2026-08-05 |
|
| 2026-08-10 |
|
| 2026-08-11 |
|
| 2026-08-12 |
|
| 2026-08-17 |
|
| 2026-08-18 |
|
| 2026-08-19 |
|
| 2026-08-24 |
|
| 2026-08-25 |
|
| 2026-08-26 |
|
| 2026-08-31 |
|
| 2026-09-01 |
|
| 2026-09-02 |
|
| 2026-09-07 |
|
| 2026-09-08 |
|
| 2026-09-09 |
|
| 2026-09-14 |
|
| 2026-09-15 |
|
| 2026-09-16 |
|
| 2026-09-21 |
|
| 2026-09-22 |
|
| 2026-09-23 |
|
| 2026-10-05 |
|
| 2026-10-06 |
|
| 2026-10-07 |
|
| 2026-10-12 |
|
| 2026-10-13 |
|
| 2026-10-14 |
|
| 2026-10-19 |
|
| 2026-10-20 |
|
| 2026-10-21 |
|
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.