Description
Black Australorp Chicken
Breed History and Origin
The Black Australorp chicken originated in Australia and was developed for strong egg production while maintaining meat qualities. It was admitted to the American Standard of Perfection in 1929 as part of the English Class and remains one of the most dependable winter laying heritage breeds available.
Known for their rich, glossy black feathering that shines with a green sheen in sunlight, Black Australorps are both attractive and productive. As a sustainable heritage chicken breed, they continue to be valued in backyard and small farm flocks across the country.
Cackle Hatchery® has been developing its pure Black Australorp bloodline since 1936, maintaining both production traits and breed character. In addition to day-old chicks, we also offer Black Australorp Started Pullets and, during select times of the year, fertile hatching eggs.
Size and Breed Characteristics
Black Australorps are considered a primary production, dual-purpose breed suitable for egg laying and secondary meat use. Mature hens typically weigh around 6½ pounds, while roosters average approximately 8½ pounds. Pullets weigh about 5½ pounds and cockerels around 7½ pounds.
They prefer roost heights between two and four feet and adapt well to backyard housing systems.
Check out our blog “Black Australorp Chickens in the Heritage Breed Spotlight” or
“Chicken Breed Spotlight: Australorp or Black Jersey Giant”
Egg Production and Performance
Black Australorp hens lay light brown eggs and are known for producing approximately 250 to 280 eggs per year under proper management. Egg size is generally large.
They are especially valued as winter layers, maintaining steady production during colder months when some breeds slow down.
Broodiness is uncommon, supporting consistent egg output.
Temperament and Flock Suitability
Black Australorps are described as active yet gentle birds. They integrate well into backyard flocks and are suitable for families and first-time poultry keepers.
While they are hardy birds, care should be taken during hot weather. Because of their dark feathering, providing adequate shade and ventilation helps prevent overheating during summer months.
Early Feathering Note
In early growth stages, some white feathers may appear during the first and second feathering phases. This is normal and typically resolves by around six months of age when mature plumage becomes solid black.
Conservation and Status
The Black Australorp is not currently listed as threatened but remains an important heritage breed. Cackle Hatchery® continues to maintain production-type bloodlines while preserving the traditional characteristics of this classic Australian breed.
Black Australorp FAQs
What color eggs do Black Australorps lay?
They lay large light brown eggs.
How often do Black Australorps lay eggs?
Under proper management, hens typically produce 250 to 280 eggs per year.
Are Black Australorps friendly?
Yes. They are generally active yet gentle and do well in backyard flocks.
What are the pros and cons of Black Australorps?
Pros include strong winter egg production, calm temperament, and dual-purpose utility. A consideration is providing adequate shade in hot climates due to their dark feathering.
Check out our blog “Black Australorp Chickens in the Heritage Breed Spotlight”
“Chicken Breed Spotlight: Australorp or Black Jersey Giant”
Availability
Available Low Availability Unavailable
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chasebrooks –
First of all, these birds appear to have grown the quickest of my flock of Australorps, Rhode Islands, Plymouth Whites, Ayam Cemanis, and Cinnamon Queens. They are super healthy, and I couldn’t be happier with them, aside from their lack of social skills. I think they hate me. I can’t prove it, but I’m pretty sure one of them is trying to break up my marriage. Will report back if marriage ends because of the passive aggressive bird’s antics.
Ruby Anne Heie-Rubley –
One year in with our Australorps and I admit, they have been the most surprising chickens we have. I honestly expected…well, not quite what we got. And I couldn’t be happier.
1. I thought they would be more docile, perhaps to the point of being unable to free/open range safely. But they are suspicious enough to do quite well here with our other animals. They do not want to be handled at all, but once you catch them, they calm instantly.
2. They are right at the top of the pecking order, and our rooster’s favorite ladies. They are not bullies, but also will not tolerate being pushed around even by bigger birds. (Note: our roo is an Aussie too, so that may explain his preference. And he is literally the perfect rooster. Cool and aloof with humans and other animals, but attentive and watchful over his hens – and very smart.)
3. We have had 100% survival of all aussies. And thats after one hen was attacked by an owl after an automatic pop door malfunction. She and her roo fought like crazy, but she survived with rather severe injuries. When we treated her for her wounds, she was perfectly docile and patient. She healed almost miraculously well – you would never know she was injured now and was even laying eggs again within a week! So impressed by fiesty Betty!
4. They are loud. I hadn’t expected the hens to be such chatterboxes. Its fine where we live, just be aware if you live somewhere with close neighbors. They are our loudest breed by far.
Otherwise, all they say is true. These gals are egg laying machines. They are not as well suited to our zone 5 winters as we would like, but they did no worse than many other breeds like RIR, BR, BO, though not as well as the Wyandottes (no surprise there). This was the breed I worried about the most for our flock, but the Aussies are tough, aloof, and fiesty egg-laying machines and are perfect for our open range flock.
Toby Coey –
I wanted to wait awhile before giving a review on my Black Australorp chicks, for those that might be a little more curious as to what this breed from Cackle Hatchery is like once they grow up. So this is my review: Chicks are now 6 months old
1. First and foremost, I’m 100 percent satisfied. Great chickens
2. All are still healthy and looking good. They have a great black color.
3. Mine started laying periodically at about 3 1/2 weeks shy of 6 months.
4. They are exactly 6 months now and egg production is picking up.
5. Eggs vary in colors of brown. Some are lighter and some are darker.
6. Don’t anticipate any problems from this breed.
7. I would definitely recommend them to friends and family.
Tuesday G. –
We Love Our Cackle Australorps!
Ordered 10 female in April 2019, and received an extra! All 11 thrived thru the summer and began laying in October. They’re consistent layers. Our egg customers rave about the quality of the eggs, and buy over and over. I think, in 2021, I’ll splurge and get some White Australorps! Thank you!
Wayne –
Very Satisfied.
Could have not expected any better. Ordered a mixture of 32 baby chicks consisting of Sussex, Black Australorps, Silver Wynadottes and a Surplus Special of Polish. Received 35 chicks a 5 days ago and all living, healthy and eating starter crumbles like they were a month old. Very Satisfied and will order from Cackle again.
Silver –
Great chickens, Highly recommend!
This breed is so wonderful and friendly. One hen in particular always wanted to fly up to my shoulder and would never mind me picking her up to hold. Sadly I lost her to a dog attack, but she was the best chicken I’ve had.
PS they are amazing layers
Karen G. –
Thank you!
I am very happy with my order. I ordered 6 Black Australorp, and 6 Buff Orpingtons and received a baker’s dozen: 7 Black Australorp! I also ordered 12 mixed guinea fowl and received a baker’s dozen as well; a lovely mix of 3 lavender, 4 royal purple, and 6 pearl gray. All babies came on time and I haven’t lost a one! Now we are finishing our run around the coop and they should be safe and happy for the rest of their lives! Karen G., Olive Hill, KY
Cackle Hatchery Saved the Day! –
Horrible start to a happy ending
so I ordered 20 chicks and 22 showed up SOAKED! The mail service failed to keep them dry. And I tried to save them but was only able to save 4. I called the hatchery in TEARS! Completely heart broken. They sent out another batch of 22 completely free of charge.
They are absolutely beautiful! And they are very appreciative. I was worried because I have having a hard time bonding with them in the brooder but once I put them in thier coops and started free ranging they became affectionate, showed thier smarts, and enjoy being under my feet when ever they see me (they aren’t big on being pet but love being close). It feels really good having my wonderful chickens prefer me over my husband like all our other animals.
E –
Princesses
Mine are getting close to three months old and absolutely gorgeous. They are sleek and alert, but they also have a princess attitude that makes them fun to be around. They are very sweet but a little prissy when you pick them up, and I even have one that sounds likes she’s complaining when she’s picked up. I love them!
Silas –
Intelligent Bird
I ordered these along with White Rock, Barred Rock, and New Hamshire. I was very impressed with how smart the australorps were. They were the first ones as baby chicks to the water and the first ones to learn how to roost. They also seem more observant for hawks and predators. Great Choice.
Hope –
THANKS for Awesome Service
Customer Service ladies cannot be more helpful, they run down to the hatchery, check on availability, work with you, whatever it takes to get a satisfied customer. I needed my chicks quick (to add to my current babies, needed them not to be too far in age), so called and asked to expedite my order. The ladies at the hatchery worked with me to switch some of the breeds up so that availability matched up to the next shipment date. They are all good to go to ship tomorrow, as per my request!!! Awesome and thank you!