Heritage Chicken Breeds for Australian Backyards

The Australorp: Australia's Own BreedThe Australorp was developed in Australia in the early 20th century from Black Orpington stock imported from England, bred specifically for Australian conditions and commercial egg production. An Australorp hen set a world egg-laying record in 1922–23 of 364 eggs in 365 days. Modern exhibition strains have been selected more for type than production, but quality laying strains still produce 250–280 eggs per year. The Australorp is arguably the most approp…