Description Austra White Chicken Breed Development and Origin The Austra White Chicken is a production hybrid developed in the early 1900s by crossing two high-performing breeds: a Black Australorp rooster and a White Leghorn hen. At Cackle Hatchery®, our Austra Whites come from carefully selected production bloodlines of both breeds, combining strong laying ability with a balanced temperament and durable flock performance. Since 1939, Cackle Hatchery® has continued developing and refining its Austra White strain, focusing on egg production, feed efficiency, and birds that perform well in backyard and small farm environments. Egg Production and Performance Austra Whites are known for being strong year-round egg layers, producing approximately 220 to 280 large eggs per year under good management conditions. Their eggs are typically very light brown to off-white in shell color, offering a unique shade between traditional brown and white egg layers. These birds maintain a good feed-to-egg conversion ratio, making them economical to raise for home egg production. Their production consistency makes them a reliable choice for families raising chickens for fresh eggs. Appearance and Hybrid Characteristics Austra White pullets are typically white with small black specks or flecks in some feathers, reflecting their Australorp parent influence. As a hybrid cross, they combine the productivity of Leghorns with some of the calmer temperament traits found in Australorps. They are slightly heavier than pure Leghorns, with mature hens typically weighing about 5 pounds, while roosters average around 6½ pounds. Pullets generally weigh about 4½ pounds, and cockerels about 5½ pounds. Temperament and Backyard Suitability Austra Whites are generally considered an active but manageable breed. They tend to be calmer than pure Leghorns while still maintaining strong foraging instincts and predator awareness. They perform well in backyard flocks, small farms, and free-range environments. Like many white-feathered birds, they may be more visible to predators in open areas, so proper protection is important. They are typically non-setters, meaning they rarely go broody, which allows for more consistent egg production throughout the year. Flock Management and Breeding Austra Whites prefer roost heights between four and eight feet, similar to their Leghorn parent influence. For breeding purposes, they typically perform best with a mating ratio of about twelve females to one male. Fertility rates commonly range between 65 and 80 percent, with chick gender accuracy typically falling between 80 and 85 percent when professionally sexed. Availability Cackle Hatchery® has been developing its Austra White production strain since 1939, maintaining strong production characteristics and dependable flock performance. At limited times of the year, we also offer Austra White Fertile Hatching Eggs. Austra White Chicken FAQs What is an Austra White chicken? The Austra White is a hybrid chicken created by crossing a Black Australorp rooster with a White Leghorn hen to produce a strong egg-laying bird with balanced temperament traits. How many eggs do Austra White chickens lay? Hens typically produce about 220 to 280 eggs per year, depending on management and environment. What color eggs do Austra White chickens lay? They lay very light brown to off-white eggs, which are usually large in size. Are Austra White chickens good for backyard flocks? Yes. They are productive layers, relatively calm for a production bird, and adapt well to backyard and free-range environments. Do Austra White chickens go broody? Rarely. They are considered non-setters, which helps maintain consistent egg production.
