Blue Australorp Chicken

The Blue Australorp Chicken is a beautiful and unique breed that has become a favorite among poultry enthusiasts. Known for their gentle temperament and striking appearance, Blue Australorps make a great addition to any flock. Whether you are interested in their egg-laying capabilities or just looking for a friendly bird to care for, this breed offers much more than just beauty. In this article, we will explore their history, physical traits, behavior, and why they are so loved by chicken keepers worldwide.

The History and Origin of the Blue Australorp

The Blue Australorp is a variation of the original Australorp developed in Australia. The breed was created by crossing Black Orpingtons with Rhode Island Reds and Minorcas to produce chickens great for egg-laying and meat production. In the 1920s, Australorps gained worldwide attention when a group of hens set a world record for egg production.

The Blue variety, while not as common as the black Australorp, results from a genetic mutation that gives it its blue or slate-colored feathers. The breed’s popularity stems from both its excellent egg-laying abilities and calm nature, making it a favorite among poultry enthusiasts.

Unique Features of the Blue Australorp

While their physical features are similar to those of other Australorps, the Blue Australorp is distinguished by its eye-catching plumage. Here’s what makes them stand out:

Plumage: Their blue feathers range from a light steel blue to a darker slate blue. This unique color makes them a striking addition to any flock.
Size: The Blue Australorp is a medium-sized bird, with roosters typically weighing around 8-9 pounds and hens weighing about 6.5-7.5 pounds.
Head and Comb: Like other Australorps, they have a small head with a red, upright comb and matching red wattles beneath the beak.
Legs and Feet: Their legs are typically yellow or slate-colored, giving them a cohesive look that complements their plumage.

Behavior and Temperament of Blue Australorp Chickens

One of the main reasons chicken keepers love the Blue Australorp Chicken is its calm and docile temperament. These chickens are well-known for their gentle nature, making them ideal for families and first-time poultry owners. Here’s more about their behavior:

Docile Nature: Blue Australorps are less flighty than many other breeds. They enjoy interacting with humans and are easy to handle.
Curious and Social: These chickens love to explore their environment and are naturally curious. They get along well with other chickens and enjoy the company of their flock.
Low Vocalization: They are relatively quiet chickens. Unlike some other breeds, Blue Australorps tend to avoid excessive squawking.
Friendly and Tame: Blue Australorps are often friendly with their caretakers, and some even enjoy affection. They make great pets and educational tools due to their tame nature.

Egg Production and Broodiness

The Blue Australorp Chicken is an excellent layer, known for producing large brown eggs consistently. These chickens are prolific layers, typically producing between 250-300 eggs per year. Their eggs are of medium to dark brown color and are quite large in size. However, these chickens are also known to go broody, meaning they may stop laying eggs to sit on a nest and incubate them. If you’re raising chickens for egg production, you may need to manage their broodiness by removing eggs from the nest regularly.

Uses of Blue Australorp Chickens

The Blue Australorp Chicken is a versatile bird with several uses, making it a great addition to your poultry farm or backyard flock. Here are some of the key uses:

Egg Production: As mentioned, Blue Australorps are excellent layers of large brown eggs.
Meat Production: While primarily known for their egg-laying abilities, these chickens also offer decent meat qualities, making them suitable for meat production.
Backyard Flocks: Due to their docile nature and attractive plumage, they are popular in backyard flocks. They do well in both large open spaces and smaller urban settings.
Educational Use: Their friendly temperament makes them a great choice for teaching children about animal care and agriculture.

Managing Broodiness in Blue Australorps

As with all Australorps, the Blue variety may become broody. Broody hens may stop laying eggs and focus on incubating them. If you’re not looking to hatch chicks, you might want to discourage broodiness by collecting eggs regularly and ensuring your hens have cool, well-ventilated nesting areas. On the other hand, if you are interested in hatching chicks, a broody Blue Australorp hen can be a great natural incubator.

Blue Australorp vs. Black Australorp: Key Differences

While both the Blue and Black Australorp belong to the same breed, their main difference is in their feather color. Here’s a quick comparison:

Feather Color: Blue Australorps have blue or slate-colored feathers, while Black Australorps are known for their glossy black feathers.
Behavior: Both varieties share a calm, friendly demeanor, making them equally suitable for families and beginners.
Egg Production: Both varieties are prolific egg layers, producing large brown eggs year-round.
Meat Qualities: Both types have good meat qualities, but they are more often raised for eggs than meat.

Conclusion

The Blue Australorp Chicken is an exceptional breed with its beautiful blue feathers and calm demeanor. Whether you are raising chickens for eggs, meat, or simply as pets, the Blue Australorp is a reliable and friendly choice. With their impressive history, gentle nature, and excellent egg-laying abilities, these chickens make a great addition to any flock.

See Also:

Blue Australorp Chicken: Characteristics, History, Behavior, and Temperament