Black & Blue Australorp, any difference?

[Alex S]

Hello!

I'm planning out what breeds of chicks to get this year. I want an Australorp, and my local feed store has Blue Australorps. Is it any different than the Black Australorp, or is it the same bird, but different color?

(I'm also planning to get a Jersy Giant, Rhoad Island Red, and Ameraucana. Any thoughts/opinions on them?)

 

[HappyClucker7]

There is no difference besides color.

 

[Sally PB]

I think the blues are prettier, but don't tell my black ones.

Jersey Giants look very similar to Australorps, except that the bottoms of their feet are yellow, and Aussies are pinkish-white. The JGs are also bigger, and therefore eat more too. JGs also come in black and blue.

 

[MountainMarans2012]

Hello!

I'm planning out what breeds of chicks to get this year. I want an Australorp, and my local feed store has Blue Australorps. Is it any different than the Black Australorp, or is it the same bird, but different color?

(I'm also planning to get a Jersy Giant, Rhoad Island Red, and Ameraucana. Any thoughts/opinions on them?)

Ideal Poultry states on their website, Blue Australorps lay 240 eggs per year and Black Australorps lay 260 eggs per year.
Not sure why they would lay differently.

 

[Bobmc914]

Ideal Poultry states on their website, Blue Australorps lay 240 eggs per year and Black Australorps lay 260 eggs per year.
Not sure why they would lay differently.

My guess would be that in introducing the blue color they lost some egg laying capability and won't or haven't yet been able to breed the egg production back up.