Description of the Russian crested chicken breed and features of the content
The breed of chickens Russian Crested differs not only in temperament, but also in appearance. Proper care increases egg production and reduces the risk of disease. For proper breeding, it is important to follow the rules for keeping birds and diet features.
The history of the origin of the Russian crested chicken
This breed was first seen in the 19th century. The breed was developed specifically for breeding in the regions. Russia is considered the birthplace of the bird. However, there is evidence that similar chickens were previously seen in Asia. This breed, in contrast to the usual layers, is resistant to disease. Also, the advantage is frost resistance without harm to health. Birds independently breed chicks, which are distinguished by strong immunity.
Description and characteristics
Chickens have external differences that distinguish them from other breeds. Among the distinctive features should be noted.
Exterior
A distinctive feature is the exterior. Outwardly, a kind of a hat of feathers is formed on the head of the chicken. More often this hat is called a tuft. This hat is observed not only in layers, but also in males. In laying hens, the crest is more developed and fluffy, while the cocks have a poorly developed crest, but in the nape it increases. The color of the cap can be varied depending on the main color of the bird.
Chicken temperament
The birds are docile in nature. Not aggressive to other bird species. The chicken quickly makes contact with humans. Birds quickly get used to humans and can remember the owner.
Productivity
The breed of chickens does not differ in high productive indicators, it has an average egg production. When raising poultry for meat, there are also no strong excess in the norm.
Mass of chicken and rooster
On average, a rooster weighs 4 kg, a chicken 2.5 kg. In order for the birds to have high egg production, it is necessary to feed them correctly and introduce all the necessary nutrient minerals and components into the diet.
Egg production
On average, one healthy hen can produce up to 150 eggs. The shells on eggs are white, strong. Egg size is greatly influenced by the age of the hen. Young chickens lay small eggs. The chicken begins to lay at the age of 5 months. After the hens reach the age of 2 years, egg production gradually decreases. The eggs become small.
Mass of eggs
The average egg weight is 60 grams. They can be large, but these are rare cases.
Important. The eggs can be light beige in color. Laying hens often become brood hens and breed without compromising the basic characteristics of the breed..
Advantages and disadvantages
The chicken breed has many advantages. These positive aspects are taken into account by poultry farmers and are used for mass use.
Advantages of the Russian Crested Layers breed:
- unpretentious to care and type of feed;
- birds are distinguished by a calm disposition and goodwill towards people;
- do not require a separate poultry house, can be grown with other breeds;
- they lay eggs with good taste;
- the appearance of hens, which is decorative;
- the meat of birds is juicy and soft;
- hens breed easily at home without preparing eggs.
Disadvantages:
- the need to regularly trim the crest, which can reduce vision;
- the period of laying eggs is short, with age the brood hen produces fewer eggs.
The life span of a bird is 5 years, after which the adult must be removed from the common chicken coop.
Features of maintenance and care
In order to extend the life of layers and increase egg production, it is important to follow proper care. It is also of great importance to observe the peculiarities of keeping birds in the poultry house.
Perches
For perches, wooden beams are used, which are placed at a short distance from the floor. The bird should comfortably roost.
In the area where the perches are located, the floor covering should have a special grate so that feces do not linger in the chicken coop.
Chicken coop
The presence of comfortable conditions in the chicken coop is a guarantee of the health of the bird. The following requirements for the poultry house are highlighted:
- A poultry house is being built in a dry place, protected from drafts.
- In spring, groundwater rises are often observed. Birds do not tolerate dampness and moisture poorly, so the place where the chicken coop should be built should be on a hill.
- The coop should be made of concrete or other durable material.
- The coop should have a floor and nests. Nests should be filled with fresh hay and placed in an accessible location. There should be up to 3 chickens per nest.
- The chicken coop should have ventilation and a window.
- It is important that there is light in the room; special lamps are used for this.
- The litter in the coop is changed every week.
The chicken coop for laying hens should be large and not oppress the birds.
Important. The house should have a foundation that protects birds from pests and retains the necessary heat. The flooring is recommended to be made of wood so as not to harm the paws of chickens..
Microclimate
To maintain the required microclimate, it is important to regularly monitor the humidity. Straw or peat is used as bedding. A special fiber is also used. The advantage of the fiber is the absorption and absorption of odor. This fiber is easy to clean. For additional heat and light, infrared lamps are used, which must be turned on at night.
Diet
The diet of adults and young animals has some distinctive features that must be observed.
For chickens
To strengthen the bones of chickens in the early days, it is necessary to use fat-free cottage cheese for feeding. After hatching, boiled eggs and herbs should be added to the diet. This is necessary for saturation with beneficial vitamins and minerals.
For adult birds
The diet of adult birds should consist of whole grain feed, which contains all the necessary components. Also, cottage cheese, greens should be introduced into the diet. It is recommended to mix grain feed with fish oil, which saturates the animal with additional minerals.You can use a special compound feed that contains all the minerals and vitamins.
Breeding the breed in the household
Chickens incubate chickens at home. Such offspring are distinguished by strong immunity and adaptation to the environment.
Breeding chickens by hen
Birds sit in nests for breeding. In spring, the air warms up, and chicks do not need additional use of lamps. The laying hen incubates eggs on the nest for 21 days. After hatching, the chicks should be kept in a warm room for 3 days, after which they can be released for a walk with the chicken.
During the incubation period, it is necessary to introduce useful minerals and vitamins into the diet. This will reduce the risk of dehydration and weakness in the chicken.
Incubation
When using incubators, the eggs are set in spring and tested. Eggs are laid in early spring. Chicks appear after 21 days. During the period of nestling, it is important to observe the temperature regime. After hatching, the chicks are under special lamps throughout the day, which not only disinfect, but also provide a sufficient amount of heat.
Important. After hatching, the chicks are vaccinated. Such actions reduce the risk of disease and develop immunity..
Diseases and their prevention
The advantage of chickens is the degree of exposure to viral and infectious diseases. However, if sanitary methods for caring for chickens are not followed, diseases can appear that affect the entire chicken coop.
Most often, the following diseases can occur:
- Diarrhea.
- Pasteurellosis is an infectious disease that affects the entire house in a short time. The disease does not respond to treatment. Birds that are infected with the infection die quickly.
- Lack of vitamins - manifested by a lack of appetite and loss of feathers. To combat the problem, regular vitamin supplements should be made to compensate for the lack of nutrients.
- Coccidiosis is a bacterial disease that most often affects young individuals. The bacterium enters the body of the bird with food or water. After infection, the bird becomes weak and quickly dies. When infected with these diseases, chickens lose their immunity and may be exposed to other types of diseases.
In order for Russian hohlushki not to be exposed to diseases, it is necessary to follow the rules of prevention. First of all, regularly clean the chicken coop, clean the feeders and drinkers. Roosts should be treated with a special antiseptic twice a year to prevent fleas and other parasites. The chicken's diet should contain all the necessary nutrients to strengthen the immune system.
Conclusion
Growing the Russian Crested allows you to have a decorative bird at home, which is distinguished by its appearance and strong immunity. Such birds are capable of breeding a healthy generation, which adapts to new living conditions in a short time. Birds are rarely affected by disease and do not require special care and nutrition. It is enough to follow the standard care measures and keep the chicken coop clean.
