The Australorp is a dual-purpose chicken breed developed in Australia from Black Orpington stock. The breed is best known for its exceptional egg-laying ability, with commercial strains capable of laying over 300 eggs per year. Australorps are productive, hardy, and well-suited to both free-range and confined systems.
The Australorp was developed in Australia in the early 20th century by selecting Black Orpingtons for enhanced egg production. The breed's name is a portmanteau of "Australian" and "Orpington." In 1922-1923, a team of six Australorp hens set a world record by laying 1,857 eggs over 365 days, averaging 309.5 eggs per bird. The breed was admitted to the American Poultry Association's Standard of Perfection in 1929.
Australorps are medium to large birds with hens weighing 3 to 4 kilograms and roosters weighing 3.5 to 4.5 kilograms. The standard variety is black with a beetle-green sheen. They have a broad, deep body with a full, rounded breast. Australorps have a calm, docile temperament, tolerate confinement well, and are cold-hardy. The breed is also broody, making it useful for hatching eggs.
Australorps are primarily kept for egg production on homesteads. Their dual-purpose nature also makes them suitable for meat production. They are excellent free-range foragers and require minimal supplemental feed during the growing season. Their calm temperament makes them ideal for families with children.