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I have a black austrolorp named Mildred. She is 7 1/2 years old and the queen of my coop. She had a birth defect. Her toes are badly curled, but she has never let that hold her back. At 4 she went broody for the first and only time in her life. We got her some fertile eggs, and she successfully hatched and raised them. She was amazing as a mother hen.
I've been planning and studying my whole life for this moment in time. I'm not what you would call a prepper per say (typo but I'll leave it for context, because f that guy) but I'm very prepared. What Miss Becky is teaching us is truly more valuable than ever "today". I will finally be realizing my own dream of simply living off the land. I'm so excited to start this journey to self sufficiency. Some would say I'm late to the party, I'd say I'm right on time. I really appreciate your honest approach, very few will discuss things like finance. That's what drew me to you. So thanks again and have an amazing day.
You start where you are with what you've got. It took me 8 years to get where I am now. I sold my suburban home where I had a 1000 sq ft garden and four illegal chickens, and moved to a larger property last year with 3500 sq ft of garden space and more chickens. I'm now 69 years old. Sometimes I get in my own way, but at least I have more sustainability where I am now. Becky was very instrumental in my decision to buy a larger property, and I've learned a great deal from her, and continue to. Learn and hone every skill you can and enjoy the journey!
@@carolavant3778I've had my land for a while. But I got caught up with work... I literally just set up my permanent camp. A Safari Tent worked best for my climate. My first structure will be a pad and steel garage/hangar then the barn.. I'm so excited. This is actually my retirement dream and I'm doing it. Some would say it's such a simple dream. I would disagree...
Homesteading has always been the best life style, you can develop useful skills and the work is very satisfying. I find if funny how now that things are changing, people are “rushing” into Homesteading and “prepping”. Homestead skills take a long time to develop and short cuts never pay off. Start by building or getting a little house. Then add the animals and gardens slowly with a lot of thought and planning. Don’t build a dump stead. ☀️❤️☀️
If you want your chickens to like you. Start feeding them out of your hand starting at about 3-4 weeks. I used cheap oatmeal every evening. Your chickens will love you.
I love my Australorps. They are not all super friendly, but most are. They are all laid back, easy to handle and my very best Mama hen is an Australorp. They are faithful layers and lay a pretty egg. Their temperament is perfect in my book, because they don't start drama in the chicken yard, but if another hen brings it, they'll stand up for themselves or their chicks. So they aren't bullies, but they aren't pushovers either.
I have Australorps (here in Australia) and love them for their friendliness, their health and their steady laying. They keep my dogs under control with a beady eye and one of them follows me around as if she was a dog!
Do you happen to know if they are all the same in every respect and just different in colour please? Referring to slash for example? Because she is referring to the black one.
Hi Becky! Gosh, I've learned so much from you since I found your channel over 3 years ago! That's when we "inherited" a small flock of chickens and a rooster who were living on the property we bought in 2019. Last year, we moved to a new state, but we brought our feathered friends right along with us. They're family! We built their coop ourselves with 2 easy access roosts, safety from predators at night, and cozy nesting boxes. We give them a little fresh salmon a few days a week (my dad fishes in Alaska every year!) and make sure they can all access their food and water. We even get while corn and not cracked since you said it stays fresh longer! They love it! But they only get a little in the summer since I know it generates heat in their bodies. They're free range in their fenced yard and it has 3 HUGE fir and pine trees to go under for shelter from sky predators. We left all the low branches on because we're in the Pacific Northwest with many raptors. Based on all the reading I've done, I believe that our birds are all Americaunas? They are tailed, not rumpless like Auracanas? They all have muffs and beards and they lay light blue eggs. I've heard them called Easter Eggers, too. I've lovingly cared for these kids for 3 years now. Cleaning their coop, feeding them treats by hand, sitting and talking with them while they study me and dust bathe. I've even learned some of their language! They run to me when I come into their yard, but try as I might, they do not want to be touched. I can lift them from the roost in the evening if I need to inspect anybody's legs for mites or see if their vent is poopy, but they do NOT freely let me touch them. I thought I was doing something wrong, but I want to thank you for this video easing my worries. I guess it's just their nature. Our rooster is a great protector and he's actually extremely sweet and gentle with us, and the girls are excellent layers. They take care of us with those yummy eggs, so we'll continue taking care of them. They've taught us so much about patience, hard work, and appreciation for nature... and so have you! Can't wait for your next video!
Great job!!! Animals with independent personalities don’t like to be picked up or over touched. Both my pony and mule don’t like to be petted and brushed much at all. I respect them and they are both super brave going down the trail, which makes them a blast to ride and or drive☀️❤️☀️
I just found your channel today and love it!! Im a homeschool mom of 6 and we acquired a homestead last spring. We've had small homesteads before but nothing as big as what we have now. Our chickens (45) turn 18 weeks tomorrow and I'm just checking to make sure providing all they need and found your chicken videos. We have nine black australorps, five gold buff orpingtons, four silver laced wyandotte, five gold laced, four or five delaware's, and the rest are Rhode Island reds. After this video I'm thinking that next year I will get a few more australorps.
I have had buff Orpingtons for years. This spring I got black austrolop chicks. I love them. They are beautiful and so friendly and they get along very well with the buff Orpingtons.
Becky I just want to tell you, you look fantastic! I haven't seen you on in a while so I am so glad to see you are still here and making videos. Whatever you have been doing, it looks great on you. Thank you for your great videos. Blessings, Patricia
Australorp derives from the words “Australia” and “Orpington,” and it is the Orpington in them that gives them their docile nature. If the Buff Orpington is the Golden Retriever of the chicken world, then the Black Australorp is the Black Lab. What I mean by this is they’re often overlooked in favor of the other breed, but those who do get them adore them! Plus, Australorps generally lay more than Orpingtons, but if you get both they will live happily together, so you get the best of both worlds😁!
Hey Becky! Return viewer after a few years! I remember when you FIRST started this channel and I was brought back to it after buying some Black Australorpes this week!
I agree! I have four Black Australorp hens who will soon be 7 months old, they each lay one egg per day, almost every day. I give the eggs away, and everyone raves about them. (Delicious pullet eggs, from my little sweet pullets.) Sweet, sweet birds, they not only follow me all around the yard, but they also love my dog. I don't think I'd ever get any other breed of chicken.
My mom and i have been watching you for years and i just wanna say how much i appreciate that your videos are never even close to clickbait. Stay beautiful and stay wonderful Becky!! We love you 💙
I ❤ my Black Australorp. She is very sweet, and was an egg laying machine for 2 years, but slowed down quite a bit in year 3. She is also very broody. My Black Stars are also very sweet, extremely good layers, and not broody.
Feed them a little meat every day and they will lay. All chickens lay good the first two years. Chickens eat bugs, worms, toads, little nice, little snakes. People will say “but I let them free range” unless your yard is damp woods with leaves. They don’t get enough meat free ranging, you have to feed them a little meat ☀️❤️☀️
We are starting backyard chickens, I selected a few varieties, and picked up chicks from my local farm store. Of the four varieties I chose, the blue australorp chicks are by far the friendliest. They come up to me without any hesitation or fear at all. I can certainly see why people like them.
Just subbed today, great information we're back in the chicken game now that kids are older and we have more free time. We hike,hunt, and even teach archery and dabble in survival. We decided its chicken time again, we have 4 hens but only 1 laying eggs. I contacted someone today thats selling 2 black astralorps so ill be picking them up.🐔👍🏾
I have had Black Australorps several times and by far I find them to be the very best layers and being so docile they are enjoyable to have plus they make good mothers.
LOVE YOUR HAT ♥️! I love the Australorps BIG EYES, 1st & best momma in the flock, but the funny thing is my 2nd generation of black juveniles look like a clutch of vultures (from a little distance) scared me a couple times I looked out a window from the house and thought we were under attack from a horde of vultures then I soon realized they were my sweet babies growing up… I figured it was a good thing because if anyone wanted to steal my chickens they would pass them up thinking they were vultures OR MY YARD WAS “something wrong in it” … You know… Protection from human predators .. I want your book ! I think I might have it .. is your picture on the front ??? Then I have it… ♥️ Australorps are the best breed even more so than Rhode Island Reds . I am totally agreeing with you. Happy to watch your video!
Hahaha when mine were fully feathered and half grown, I though they looked like crows. I have a murder of crows that hang around Homestead Park. I just love them all☀️❤️☀️
We are building a home starting next week on our dream property and we Lapland on having a mini farm. We have watched many homestead videos, but your videos are our favorite. Definitely going to get some of theses chickens. Thanks for posting such informative videos. ❤
We got some blue Australorps this year, my favourite birds so far. One of them just comes right up to me and sings sweet little songs to me 😍 I named her sweetie too! 🤣
I have in my memory the picture of my youngest son, about 8 at the time, chasing after our resident red tailed hawk that snatched up one of our Australorps hens and tried to fly away, never gaining altitude. A few hundred feet later, wood line looming, a young boy chasing it with a stick, the red tailed hawk dropped it about six feet to the ground. The hen got up, shaked the flight off, looked around stupid and wandered off to the free range flock, not a bit miffed. They are good birds. We prefer the red star and barred rock hens and a rooster or two from each variety. We have Rouen, Kacky Campbell and mallard ducks. And heritage bronze breasted turkey.
We just got 4 new chickie babies and 2 of them are Australorps! The other 2 are Sapphire Gem Plymouth Rocks! I've learned so much from you Becky, watching your channel. I was very prepared for my chickens. I have a Barred Rock, 2 Speckled Sussex (1 roo), and 2 Easter Eggers that just turned 23 weeks and just gave me my first egg on 'Labor' day! Yeeha!
Yes!!!! Thanks for saying the “petting zoo comment!” I grew up on a farm and with a family who also hunts. I get super frustrated when people tell me “oh you can’t eat your chicken, aren’t you going to be so sad?” Kinda but I worked hard to raise it got its eggs and I am enjoying it’s meat too! Otherwise all it is is a backyard ornament which I don’t feel like paying for. I austros make amazing mothers by the way, they are so broody. Love your videos keep it coming!
@@cassandrasmom thank you for sharing your knowledge! How long do roosters normally take to be of a good size? We kind of can’t keep roosters because of neighbours might complain if they’re noisy, but maybe you harvest them before they become too noisy? Many thanks!
Oh Becky one of my Australorps, Emmaline, would pop up on my shoulder like a parrot out in the garden. Seriously, they are my favourite breed, and they are the best chicken mummy's.
Too funny. We had a black Australorp and her name was "Flappy" because she was a "flighty" bird! We've had our best luck with our road island red, our buff Orpington, and now our black lace wyandotte. Our easter eggers are our jail break birds, forever finding ways to escape the coop!
Good morning Becky, will definitely be Austrolorps next breed. I have 2 Columbian Wyondottes that are obnoxious. 1 rock who is so sweet. Love your videos. Learn so much. Thank you
I've been wanting to add these to my flock. They are so adorable! I want to raise capon and these seem like the perfect breed. Side note...I have to disagree with you about Barred Rocks they are my all time favorites. So sweet and friendly.
I have Australorps and they are flighty. Want nothing to do with you. Go in the coop, they freak out. My Orpingtons, Reds, and English Game are more friendly than my Austros.
@@SacredWaves I had one Orpington roo and he was evil. Attacked everyone except me. Chickens are like any other crtitter. Each one is an individual despite their breed characteristics
Isn't this a coincidence?! I have had several different breeds of chickens throughout the years... I need to order a whole new batch of replacements, so I asked my son to pick them out...His pick after much research...Black Australorps! After watching your video, I am definitely going to order this breed! Thanks!
I enjoyed your video... I try different breeds from year to year..I agree on the Australorps...GREAT LAYERS.......ONCE AGAIN ..THANK YOU FOR THE GREAT VIDEO
These are my first of this breed. I am so excited! Ordered 10 unsexed and I do believe I have all males, they are a week old and I just Ordered 10 female🎉🎉🎉the males I have are very friendly with me and playful and seemed very smart on day 2 for a little chick.❤jeeze they are cute.😊
I had a leghorn, one of the flighty breeds, and once she started to lay she became more docile. I could pick her up and hold her for long periods of time even kiss her floppy comb. I miss my Ruthy..
I love your hair-do in the intro, pf what O can see pf it under the hat, anyhow. Your curls and hair color are really nice. There was another video I love with your hairstyle, too. I can't remember which video, but it was from 2 months ago.
Thank you Becky, for giving my wife and I good information to get started with our backyard hens. We have 5 Orpingtons which are just starting to lay.🌈😃🤙
Thanks Becky for this great information. First hand experience really helps along with the descriptions when shopping for chickens. I wondered if you had ever had Barred Rock chickens. I was looking at those along with the Black Australorps. Wanted to get just one breed and have them raise their own little chicks. Appreciate your time to do these videos for us. Jesus bless.
Well done on the pronunciation of Australorp, you did get it right at least once LOL :D We love your videos and how adorable is Sweetie?!!! I just wanted to scoop her up Xx
Hey Becky! I also Becky... and just got my own Black Australorp chicks, only 2 days ago. 🤯 How odd we seem to truly have SOOO much in common. I'm going to be selling my own chicks, next next spring. I chose this breed for all the same reasons. We have had so many other breeds, but these are my number #1 You can see new chicks, on my channel. Many blessings!
Hello Becky! I have been searching for the exact hat you are wearing in your wonderful video. Would you please tell me where you bought your hat? Do you sell this hat on your online store? Thanks!
My barred rocks and white leghorns are very well behaved. I wonder what a couple Australorps in the mix will do. I have heard good things about golden comets also
Becky, Do these birds lay crème colored eggs? I have a chicken that I think is an Australorp. She is very friendly, lovely black/greenish feathers & she has never been broody either. Mine doesn’t have the waddles I am on the fence with she’s either an Australorp or a Black Americauna. I think if an Americauna they would be blue or greenish eggs. Also I cannot believe a chicken is over 10 years old! Thank you for the video!
'Hello' back beautiful Becky! Always SUCH good and practical knowledge and tips. I will 'not' 4get' this breed of chicken, as I would like 2 have a friendly relationship with any animal I own and not feel intimidated by any 'hen pecking'! LOL! You look lovely my dear, a woman who is soOOoo content in her own skin = balanced and then soOOOoo hopeful, exuding an infectious 'joy' is TRULY a gift to know. Thanks 4 sharing. Health and God Bless! :-)
Becky, I love watching your videos, especially on chicken feed. My sister has 40 Black Australorps. She loves her chicks. I’ve been watching the feed mix from past videos. Our first time chicks are 7 weeks. Now with warmer Oklahoma weather, we’ll be moving them into the coop full time. When do I transition them from chick starter feed to your mixture? Hope to hear back soon.
3 of my first 6 were austrolorps ! They were so sweet ...a fox got one a d the other 2 I just found dead one day ...I will get more they are great chickens 🐔
Just getting started with chickens (4 hens) have to be a bit discreet not really supposed to have them per ordinance., I do have friends I can take them if need be. Do you use sand in the chicken coop or shavings I’ve heard a lot of debate? Thanks I am glad I found your channel , love the idea of “ making “ the feed....
I have australorp and buckeye chickens. I prefer the buckeyes a bit more. They are alot better at catching insects and mice wich is nice near me midwest farm fields grow lots if field mice. And the are a little more friendly the will jump on your lap if sitting. I have one hen that will stand in my hand so i can pick her up. If i tap my finger on something the come running to me.
Good morning Becky. Thanks for this interesting video on a great breed of chickens. I have a couple of questions. First, though, Sweetie is a testament to the great care and love you have for your animals. So, is 10 to 12 years a good average for how long most chickens can live? And about what age does a chicken stop laying? Is it something their bodies do the rest of their lives, or does production stop at some time? Does Sweetie still lay eggs? Thanks. I've been watching you for years and you have taught me so much about the natural care of animals. Yours are so healthy, your doing everything right. Have a great day!
Haha Thunder our pony is 30 or 31 years old and in perfect health😁 I would say chickens live 8 to 14 years with good care which includes proper feeding. Hens are like women they are born with way more eggs than they will ever use. I say they stop laying from 7 to 10 years old, again with good care.☀️❤️☀️
