16/08/2020
Aoa..
As a chicken fancier I have come to realize that in Pakistan black Astralorp breed is not 100% pure it is more like a hybrid breed a mix of black copper marans, black jersey giant as non of the characteristics match as per the standard that I have observed... Like
1. Under side of the feet should be white in Astralorp.
2. The tail feathers should be upright with plumage like orpingtons.
3. The face should have more red as compared with black marans which is a french breed as well as the black jersey giant which is an American breed.
The point that I want to make is that all the breeders have either mixed the stock or s*x linked stock which is being sold in the name of 100% Astralorp.
I am not saying that black or black copper marans are not good they are very good egg layers so is the jersey giant all these are duel purpose breeds but why sell them as Astralorps why fake the breed is it because of the trend as Astralorps are in demand or we are just trying to make money by faking the breed.
You can check brown or gold feathers on the neck is the charactereatics of black copper Marans .. eye color is also very significant as all Astralorps have black eye colors but here in Pakistan I have seen orange eye colored being sold as Astralorps...
To conclude I just want to say that in Pakistan it's a mix a hybrid chicken that is being sold as Astralorp. So is RIR and Plymouth rock... French barred rock which is being sold as Plymouth rock..
So in my opinion read and learn about the breeds standard online you may find a lot of links and than decide for your self.
