The Australorp is a popular dual-purpose chicken breed known for its high egg production and good meat qualities. Australorps come in several color varieties, including the common black Australorp. When it comes to broodiness, the traits of this breed can vary depending on the individual hen. In this article, we’ll take a closer look at whether black Australorps tend to go broody.
What is Broodiness?
Broodiness is the natural maternal instinct and behavior chickens exhibit when they want to hatch a clutch of eggs. When a hen goes broody, she will stop laying eggs and instead focus all her energy and attention on incubating eggs. She will remain on the nest for extended periods of time and may become aggressive if disturbed.
Some breeds of chickens have a strong natural broody tendency, while others have had this instinct selectively bred out of them over time. Modern commercial egg laying breeds like the Australorp have typically been bred to minimize broodiness. This is because broody hens stop producing eggs during the broody period, which can last up to several weeks.
Broodiness in Australorps
The Australorp was originally developed in Australia in the early 1900s from Black Orpington stock. The Orpington breed is known to occasionally exhibit broody tendencies. However, broodiness has been largely reduced in Australorps through selective breeding.
Overall, the Australorp breed is not considered to be very broody. The black variety of Australorps, in particular, is less inclined to go broody compared to other colors like blue or splash Australorps. One reason cited for reduced broodiness in black Australorps is that the color black absorbs heat. As a result, black hens may be less likely to feel the urge to incubate eggs.
Factors That Influence Broodiness
While the typical black Australorp hen does not have a strong broody instinct, there are several factors that can influence this trait in individual birds:
- Genetics – Some bloodlines may retain more broody genetics than others.
- Age – Young pullets are less likely to go broody than older hens.
- Season – Broodiness is more common in spring/summer.
- Environment – Free ranging birds may be more likely to go broody.
Even in generally non-broody breeds like the Australorp, some hens may still exhibit broodiness from time to time. Let’s take a closer look at what percentage of black Australorp hens go broody based on research and anecdotal evidence.
Percentage of Broody Black Australorps
Several sources suggest that less than 10% of black Australorp hens tend to go broody. One survey found that out of 145 reports on the broodiness of black Australorps, only 4% had brooded.
In a backyard flock, the incidence of broodiness may be slightly higher. But overall, broodiness in the black color variety of Australorps is quite uncommon.
Broody Behaviors
On the rare occasions when a black Australorp does go broody, she will display typical broody behaviors including:
- Laying eggs in a nest and then refusing to leave it
- Plucking out her breast feathers to warm the eggs
- Making deep clucking noises
- Puffing out feathers when approached
- Pecking at anything that disturbs her nest
- Sitting firmly in the nest for extended periods
You’ll know your hen is broody if she stops laying and staunchly sets up a nest that she is highly protective of. This maternal instinct will persist for around 3 weeks as long as she has a supply of eggs to incubate.
Dealing with Broodiness
If you do end up with a broody Australorp hen, here are some tips for dealing with her:
- Collect eggs frequently – Don’t let her accumulate a clutch.
- Cool the coop – Lower temperatures discourage broodiness.
- Block nest boxes – Prevent access so she can’t make a nest.
- Move her daily – Getting her off the nest helps break the broody spell.
- Use a broody breaker – Special cages limit nesting areas.
In most cases, broodiness will pass in a couple of weeks. But persistent broody hens may need these interventions to get them back to laying eggs.
Allow Brooding for Chicks
If you want your broody Australorp to raise a batch of chicks, you can order fertilized eggs for her to hatch. Or let her brood some young chicks that need a foster mother. Make sure to provide a suitable nesting area filled with clean bedding.
Australorps make excellent mothers and will diligently care for and teach their chicks. It’s a great way to increase your flock naturally if you are interested in hatching chicks from broody hens.
Summary
While the typical black Australorp hen does not tend to exhibit broody behaviors, a small percentage may still try to go broody each season. Some individual variation can occur based on genetics, age, and other factors. If broodiness does occur, it can be discouraged through various management techniques. Or a broody Australorp can be allowed to hatch and raise chicks, as they make devoted mothers. Overall, the low broody instinct in Australorps makes them ideal backyard chickens for consistent egg production.
Frequently Asked Questions
At what age do Australorps start laying eggs?
Australorps normally start laying eggs at around 6 months of age. Some may start a few weeks earlier or later than this.
How many eggs do Australorps lay per year?
Australorps are excellent egg layers. Each hen will produce 250-300 eggs per year on average.
What are the most common Australorp chicken colors?
The most common Australorp colors are black, blue, and white. More rare varieties include buff, splash, wheaten laced, and golden.
Are Australorps good cold weather chickens?
Yes, Australorps handle cold climates very well. Their large size and fluffy plumage help them tolerate winter weather.
Are Australorps noisy?
No, Australorps are a quiet chicken breed that tends to be quite docile and non-aggressive.
Conclusion
Black Australorps are an exceptional dual purpose breed that provides both eggs and meat. While not particularly prone to broodiness, individual hens may become broody on occasion. With some management techniques, broodiness can be minimized to keep hens actively laying. Or it can be allowed so Australorps can raise chicks and populate your flock. Overall, the low broody tendency contributes to this breed’s excellent productivity in backyard flocks.