Description and conditions of keeping chickens of the Russian White breed
The breed of chickens Russian White is considered quite popular. These birds are characterized by high productivity and strong immunity. They develop quickly, easily tolerate cold and easily adapt to external conditions. To achieve success in feathered breeding, it is worthwhile to properly organize the poultry house and walking space. A rational and balanced diet is also important.
History of the breed
Chickens of this breed have a long history of origin. They began to be withdrawn back in the thirties of the last century. At the same time, the final completion of the selection occurred by the fifties.
The famous Leghorns became the basis of the breed. To adapt to the harsh climate, they were crossed with local chickens. As a result, an interesting combination of high egg production and strong immunity was obtained.
Initially, the Russian White breed included 2 populations - Pyatigorsk and Kuchinsk. However, there are no differences today. Chickens are a single egg breed. Their signs completely coincide.
In the mid-seventies, these chickens were the most popular breed of the Soviet Union. They were grown in poultry farms and small farms. Today they have somewhat yielded positions to foreign crosses, but still belong to the most productive egg breeds.
Description and characteristics of chickens Russian white
This breed has a number of interesting features. They should definitely be studied before starting bird breeding.
Appearance
For Russian white chickens, the following features are characteristic:
- large leaf-shaped comb, including 5 teeth;
- the middle head is rounded;
- Red eyes;
- white earlobes with slight thickening;
- not very long thick neck;
- a wide rounded chest;
- a small tail located at a right angle to the back;
- stocky yellow limbs;
- white feathers that do not fade into other tones.
Productive qualities
Chickens are lightweight. Adult layers weigh 1.8-2.4 kilograms, roosters can reach 3 kilograms. The birds are raised to produce eggs. A hen can lay 200-250 eggs during the year. They are covered with a white shell and weigh 55-60 grams. The first clutch is observed at 5 months.
The eggs laid are 95% fertilized. Chick survival parameters reach 92-94%. They develop well and quickly gain weight.
Chickens are distinguished by unpretentiousness to the conditions of detention.
Character
The birds of this breed are characterized by a calm disposition. They easily endure stress - transporting to a new place or changing the chicken coop. At the same time, productivity parameters do not fall. Roosters do not show aggression. Expressed hazards are considered an exception. In this case, they rush to protect the herd.
Main advantages and disadvantages
The key advantages of chickens of this breed include the following:
- strong immunity;
- resistance to stress factors;
- rapid puberty;
- excellent productivity;
- unpretentious care;
- quick adaptation to new conditions;
- resistance to cold;
- savings on feed.
At the same time, chickens also have certain disadvantages. Since they are characterized by white feathers, it is worth keeping the chicken coop and aviaries clean. Also, the disadvantages include the following:
- small size of eggs;
- not too high taste characteristics of meat;
- increased fearfulness.
Features of maintenance and care
To achieve high productivity parameters and avoid the development of diseases, it is worth providing the birds with quality care.
House requirements
Chickens of this breed are easily adaptable to different conditions. They can be kept in walking coops or placed in cages. In order for chickens to develop normally, several features should be taken into account:
- The optimal temperature regime is + 14-19 degrees. Birds can hardly tolerate temperatures over +27 degrees.
- Chickens are able to winter in an unheated chicken coop. However, at temperatures less than -2 degrees, they can freeze scallops.
- To save space in the chicken coop, it is worth equipping the room with multi-level perches.
- It is recommended to install jacks in dark places. There should be 1 nest for 5-6 individuals.
- There should be 1 rooster for 10 chickens. It is also worth using one spare.
The use of bedding is also important. It is made from rough materials. It is recommended to disinfect the chicken coop every year. After 1.5 years, the egg production parameters decrease.
Walking yard, feeders and drinkers
The poultry yard should be protected with a high fence, since chickens of this breed fly well. When arranging a walking area, it is worth considering the following features:
- Make a frame around the patio.
- Pull the net on the outside. Its cells should be less than 5 centimeters.
- Leave the hole from the chicken coop to the outdoor yard.
- Arrange the territory. It is important that water does not stagnate on the site, and dangerous plants do not grow.
- In the warm season, put drinkers and feeders. It is recommended to cover them with a canopy to avoid rainwater entering the food.
Molting and break of egg production
During the molting period, the following symptoms appear:
- decreased appetite;
- decrease in physical activity;
- deterioration in appearance.
Also at this time there is a break in egg production. During this period, it is worth providing the birds with additional food. After 2 months, the chickens will start laying again.
Planned herd replacement
Chickens produce a large number of eggs up to 1.5 years. Then their productivity drops significantly. During this period, it is worth performing a planned replacement of the herd.
Chicken diet
In order for the birds to develop normally and rush fully, it is recommended to provide proper nutrition. It is selected based on age.
Feeding chicks
Chickens should be fed a boiled egg mixed with cereals and herbs. Chicks also need cottage cheese and yeast. A little later, they should be given vegetables. At 1 month old, birds can be fed as adults.
Control of the cleanliness of drinkers and feeders is also important. It is important to carry out preventive disinfection once a day.
Nutrition for adult layers
The feeding habits of adult birds depend on the conditions of keeping. The breed is considered to be physically active and does not tend to be obese.
However, when grown in cells, metabolic processes deteriorate and productivity decreases. Such birds require less nutritious food.
The daily amount of food should be divided into 3 doses. The average feed amount is 170 grams. The following components should be present in the diet of chickens:
- concentrates - they account for 40% of the feed;
- compound feed;
- greenery;
- vegetables;
- cereals;
- fish and meat and bone meal;
- yeast;
- flax seeds;
- vitamins and minerals.
Free-range chickens eat pasture. They are allowed to be fed 2 times a day. In winter, the number of meals is increased to 3.
Breeding subtleties
The breed practically did not retain the incubation instinct, therefore it is recommended to hatch chickens by the incubation method or use chickens of other species for this.
For breeding, you should choose white eggs weighing at least 60 grams. They can be stored for a maximum of 2 weeks in a cool place. Chickens of this breed are characterized by high survival rates. They reach 94-99%.
Frequent illnesses and prevention
This breed is characterized by strong immunity against most diseases. At the same time, experienced poultry farmers advise to carry out important activities:
- timely vaccinate chickens;
- choose high-quality medium-sized eggs;
- strictly observe the temperature regime in the incubator;
- keep chicks in a dry and warm room that is well ventilated;
- avoid crowding, as this causes the development of various diseases;
- to provide birds with adequate nutrition, which contains many vitamins, minerals, greens.
Where can you buy in Russia?
You can buy birds of this breed in different places. They are sold at the Maryinskaya and Adler poultry farms. Chickens are also sold by the Moscow VNITIP and the Pushkin Gene Pool, located in St. Petersburg. The price of eggs ranges from 30 to 90 rubles apiece. The average cost of chicks is 400-500 rubles.
Chickens of the Russian White breed are distinguished by high productivity, resistance to low temperatures, and strong immunity. That is why many poultry farmers grow them. To achieve success in breeding birds, you need to provide them with normal conditions of detention.
