If you want to start own backyard flock or expanding your existing flock, it is very important to choose the right chicken breed, which can significantly impact overall experience as a chicken keeper. Let’s compare the Australorp vs Rhode Island Red chicken breeds.
Australorp vs Rhode Island Red Chicken
Australorp and Rhode Island Red both are very popular Dual-Purpose chicken breed in the world. Both breeds are known for their hardiness, egg production and for producing good quality of meat. However, there are some key differences between these two chicken breeds.
Here is a table that comparing two popular chicken breeds “Australorp Vs Rhode Island Red“
| Characteristic | Australorp | Rhode Island Red |
|---|---|---|
| Origin | Australia | United States |
| Feather Color | Glossy black with greenish sheen | Deep, rich red |
| Size | Medium to large (Roosters: 3-4 kg, Hens: 2-3 kg). | Medium to large (Rooster: 2.5kg – 4kg, Hens: 2.5-3kg). |
| Body Shape | Compact | Muscular |
| Comb Type | Single | Single |
| Temperament | Calm, friendly | Assertive, independent |
| Egg Production | 230-260 brown eggs per year | 250-300 brown eggs per year |
| Hardiness | Hardy | Hardy |
1) Origin:
The Australorp chicken breed is originated in Australia. It was developed in the late 19th century by crossing Black Orpingtons with other breeds, such as Minorcas, White Leghorns, and Langshans. The goal was to create a breed that will be good for both eggs and meat production.
On the other hand, Rhode Island Red chicken is an American chicken breed that originated in Rhode Island in the mid-1800s. It was developed by crossing Malay with brown Leghorn birds from Italy. It is a dual-purpose breed, raised both for meat and for eggs.
2) Physical Characteristics:
A) Australorp
Australorp chickens have unique physical features which makes them different from other breeds. Here are some key physical characteristics of these chickens:
- Size: Australorps are medium to large-sized birds (Roosters: 3-4 kg, Hens: 2-3 kg). They have a well-developed body with a relatively long and broad frame.
- Feather Color: They have glossy black color feathers which is famous for its beautiful greenish glow. This unique coloration gives them an attractive and eye-catching look.
- Body Shape: Australorps have a compact and well-proportioned body shape. They have a broad chest and a moderately deep breast.
- Comb Type: They typically have a single comb, which is a row of upright, evenly spaced points. The comb can vary in size and shape, with some can have a larger comb compared to others.
- Beak and Eyes: Australorps have medium-sized, yellow-colored beak and bright, alert eyes.
- Leg Color: They have yellow-colored legs and feet. The legs are strong and well-built.
- Feather Texture: The feathers of Australorps are generally smooth and sleekie.
B) Rhode Island Red
Rhode Island Red chickens are also known for their unique physical characteristics. Here are some key features of the RIR chicken:
- Size: Rhode Island Reds are medium to large-sized birds (Rooster: 2.5kg – 4kg, Hens: 2.5-3kg).
- Body Color: mahogany red to a lighter chestnut shade.
- Body Shape: Rhode Island Reds have strong and muscular build. They also have broad, well-rounded body.
- Comb Type: They have a single comb, which is a common feature in many chicken breeds.
- Beak and Eyes: Rhode Island Reds have a medium-sized, yellow-colored beak and bright, alert eyes.
- Leg Color: They have yellow-colored legs and feet, which are strong and well-developed.
- Feather Texture: The feathers of Rhode Island Reds are also smooth.
- Feather Color: They have deep, rich red feather color on their body.
3) Temperament:
A) Australorp
Australorp chickens are generally known for their calm and friendly temperament. Here are some common characteristics of the Australorp breed’s temperament:
- Polite: Australorps are very gentle and polite in nature.
- Easy to care: Australorps are easygoing chickens. They are not high-maintenance and content with a simple life.
- Hardy in nature: Australorp are hardy chickens that they can easily survive in cold and hot weather and also they are resistant to many diseases.
B) Rhode Island Red
Rhode Island Reds are also known for being friendly, docile, and hardy chickens. Here are some common characteristics of the RIR breed’s temperament:
- Friendly: Rhode Island Reds are also known for friendly chickens. They are not known to be aggressive towards people or other chickens.
- Easy to care: RIR chickens are also very easy to care, which makes them suitable for new chicken keeper to start their chicken keeping journey.
- Hardy: Rhode Island Reds are also hardy chickens, that they can easily survive in almost every climatic conditions like cold and hot weather.
- Disease resistant: They are also resistant to many diseases.
4) Egg production and Egg Colors:
A) Australorp
Australorps are prolific egg layers. They can lay up to 260 eggs per year, but on-an-average you can get around 200 to 250 eggs per year. They start laying eggs at around 6 months of age and will continue to lay up to 7 years of old.
Australorps lay light brown eggs. The eggs are medium-sized (50 to 60gm) and have a slightly pink tint. The pink tint is caused by the natural coating that hens produce when they lay eggs.
B) Rhode Island Red
Rhode Island Reds are also a good egg layer chicken. They can lay up to 280 to 300 eggs per year, but with an average 230 to 250 eggs you can get per year. RIR chickens are start laying eggs at around 6 months of age and will continue to lay up to 7 years of old.
Rhode Island Reds lay light brown eggs. The eggs are medium-sized (55 to 60gm) and have a slightly pink tint.
5) Chicks Color, Size and Price:
A) Australorp
Australorp chicks are typically black with a greenish-purple sheen. They may have some white feathers on their underparts and around their heads. As they mature, their feathers will become darker.
Australorp chicks are relatively large chicks. They will typically weigh between 2 and 3 ounces at birth. The price of Australorp chicken chicks you can typically find them for between $5 and $10 per chick.
B) Rhode Island Red
Rhode Island Red chicks are a light red to tan color. As they mature, their feathers will darken to a deep mahogany color. Rhode Island Red chicks are little smaller than Australorp chicks, they are about 2 inches long and weigh about 2 ounces at hatch.
The price of Rhode Island Red chicks is in n general, you can expect between $2 and $5 per chick. However the cost of the chicks can vary or depending on some factors like supplier, the number of chicks you purchase, the age of the chicks etc.
6) Are Australorp and Rhode Island Red the same?
No, Australorp and Rhode Island Red are two different chicken breeds. While, they both are known as dual-purpose chicken breeds, means they are good for both egg production as well as meat production.
Both these chicken breeds have their own strengths and popularity among the chicken keepers, as they are different in terms of their origins, appearance, temperament and egg-laying and meat production capabilities.
Conclusion
Both Australorps and Rhode Island Reds are excellent choices for backyard chicken keepers, as both these chickens are hardy, polite in nature, and good egg layers. The best way to decide which breed is right for you is to visit a local poultry farm and ask the farmers who already have experience with these two chicken breeds.
Overall, Australorps and Rhode Island Reds are both great chicken breeds. The best breed for you will depend on what you want from them. If you want a breed that lays a lot of eggs and also has good meat, then either Australorp or Rhode Island Red would be a good choice.
FAQs
1) Are Rhode Island Red chickens good for meat?
Yes, Rhode Island Red chickens are good for meat. They are a dual-purpose breed, means they are good for both eggs and meat production.
2) Are Australorp roosters aggressive?
In general, Australorp roosters are not aggressive. They are known for being polite and gentle birds.
3) Are Rhode Island Red chickens broody?
No, Rhode Island Red (RIR) chickens are not typically broody.
4) Can Rhode Island Red chickens fly?
No, Rhode Island Red chickens (RIRs) are not typically good flyers, due to their short wings and heavy body weight making them difficult to take off and stay in the air for long periods of time.
