"David Hare-Scott" wrote in message
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FarmI wrote:
"David Hare-Scott" wrote in message
...
FarmI wrote:
"David Hare-Scott" wrote in message
...
Are pure bred Australorps 100% black or is it possible to have a
little red-brown on the front of the neck?

Australorps are pure black (including the flesh of the legs which is
one good indicator of the true breeding).

the legs are black


If there is any degree of 'colour' in the feathers it is not what
I'd call a true colour but more of a sheen if/when caught in the
light. All of my Australorps have only ever had this sheen in the
blue/green specturm (never any reddisheness at all). If viewed in
shade, a true Australorp will be all black feathers.


It isn't the iridescent shine from light interference patterns in the
feathers it's a true colour

I've just had a look at the breed standards and no red. You can
read them he
http://www.australorps.com/4.html


BTDT I wasn't so much interested in whether I have show quality
chooks but what their lineage might be, if they are pure bred but
not show birds or some crossbreed..

Regardless... those standards are still useful. They confirm to you
that your birds aren't pure breds.


They confirm my birds are not up to standard.

Indeed.

Are you saying there are no
pure bred birds that don't meet the standard?

No. But I'm sure you had already been able to figure that out for yourself.