Descriptions and characteristics of rare breeds of chickens, rules for keeping elite birds
Today, many breeds of chickens are known, each of which is characterized by many features. Some of them may even disappear. When growing rare breeds of chickens, a number of recommendations should be followed. They are characterized by exactingness to the conditions of detention. Of no small importance is a correct and balanced diet, which ensures strong immunity of birds.
A bit of history about chickens
At present, there is no consensus among scientists regarding the homeland of birds. Some sources claim that they appeared in China or India, others confirm the appearance of chickens in the Middle East or Egypt..
The efforts of breeders have led to the emergence of many species of birds. Chickens are raised not only for meat or eggs, but also for decorative purposes. Elite breeds of birds are known today, which are quite rare.
Top unusual breeds
Today, several popular breeds are known, which differ in productivity and decorative properties.
Silky
These chickens are distinguished by a calm character and amazing plumage that resembles silk. The birds are characterized by blue skin and bones. The history of the origin of chickens is unknown. They are believed to have originated in ancient China.
Ga Dong Tao
These chickens live exclusively in Vietnam. The population does not exceed several hundred birds. The birds were bred 6 centuries ago as fighting birds. Today they are classified as decorative and meat. Birds have an average body size. Roosters weigh 3-4 kilograms, chickens - 2.5-3.
The characteristic features of birds include a dense body and small wings. There is a nut-like scallop on the head. Birds are distinguished by scanty plumage and have thick limbs with growths in the form of scales.
Ayam Tsemani
These birds are native to Indonesia. Their distinctive feature is their black feathers. The rest of the body is painted in the same color.
Birds grow rather slowly. Due to this, many vitamins accumulate in the meat. Males weigh up to 2.5 kilograms, females weigh 2 kilograms. The eggs are covered with a creamy shell. Their weight is 45 grams. A feature of the breed is the black color of the blood. The meat and bones have the same color.
Fighting breed Shamo
It is an Asian bird species. Its name translates as "fighter". There are several species of birds. They can be large, medium, or dwarf.The distinctive features of birds include a developed chest and short feathers that fit well to the body.
The birds are characterized by a unique posture. They are characterized by an upright neck and a straight back. Feathered have a small head and a predatory look.
Phoenix
The breed was bred in Japan. The birds are small in size. Roosters weigh 2 kilograms, chickens - 1.3. They have smooth and dense feathers. In this case, the color is different - white, red. There are also black and white birds. There is a large comb and earrings on the head.
A distinctive feature of males is considered to be a huge tail, which grows up to 3 meters. This is a late maturing breed. Chickens give their first eggs only in six months. They are covered with a creamy shell and weigh 50 grams. The bird meat tastes great.
Westphalian Totleggers
These chickens are distinguished by loose plumage, which covers the body abundantly. Feathers are especially pronounced on collars in cockerels. The birds are of average performance and compact size.
The males weigh a maximum of 2 kilograms, the weight of the layers is 1.5. Annual parameters of egg production reach 150 pieces.
Delirium
These birds have an original appearance. In place of the scallop, there is a symbolic crest. The legs of these chickens are abundantly covered with feathers. Roosters have beautiful feathers. Their tail is especially brightly decorated.
Layers of this breed yield 160 eggs. They weigh about 2 kilograms. The meat is distinguished by its unusual taste.
Brabant chickens
This is a decorative breed, which today belongs to the meat-and-meat direction. These birds are characterized by an upright posture. Laying hens have a helmet-shaped tuft, and males have a lush beard. A scallop has 2 halves and looks like horns.
In the first year, the birds produce 170 eggs. Subsequently, productivity parameters gradually fall.
Bald Israeli
These birds are not very attractive in appearance. They are characterized by a complete lack of plumage. Feathered are distinguished by an elongated body and developed muscles.
They have a strong neck, large crest, and red earrings. Chickens have well-developed legs. Their natural temperature is 40-42 degrees. The breed belongs to the meat direction. At the same time, it is possible to grow birds only in warm areas.
Gilan beauty
There is no exact information about the origin of chickens. Experienced breeders assure that these chickens are also called Orlovsky. One version claims that the birds are of Dagestan origin, the second considers birds to be the basis for the creation of the modern branch of Oryol chickens.
There are no purebred specimens from this family. In any case, birds have excellent decorative properties and unique characteristics.
Chinese silk
These birds were bred in the East. It is an ornamental breed with an attractive appearance. The feathers of birds are not fastened together, because they resemble fur or wool.
The head of the birds is decorated with an original fur hat.
She partially covers her eyes. The weight of the hens is 1.5 kilograms. They produce a maximum of 80 eggs per year.
Polish crested
These birds are characterized by a feathery cap and impressive size. The plumage is white or black. There are also unusual bright chickens. Productivity is notable for average parameters and reaches 120 eggs. The birds weigh 1.5-2.5 kilograms.
Dutch white-crested
This breed was bred in Holland in the fifteenth century. At first, it belonged to the meat-and-meat direction, but the efforts of breeders gave the birds and decorative properties.
The birds are of medium size. Males weigh 2.5 kilograms, females - no more than 2. Feathers on the body are black, and on the head - white.
Lakenfelder
This is a Belgian breed that belongs to an endangered species.The birds are characterized by beautiful feathers and a large, stately body.
Males have a luxurious black tail, while females have black and white. This breed belongs to the meat-and-meat direction and is characterized by good performance. Roosters weigh 2.2 kilograms, layers - 2. The annual productivity of hens is 180 eggs.
Wyandot
These birds were obtained in the nineteenth century. Today there are more than 15 species of birds. They all differ in color. Chickens are white and blue. There are also silver and golden individuals. This is not a complete list of possible shades.
Roosters weigh 3.5 kilograms, chickens - no more than 2.5. The characteristic features of birds are considered to be an elongated body and a wide back. They have a fluffy tail and a neat comb.
Rare chicken breeds have unusual characteristics. They have excellent decorative properties and require complete care..