Decorative chickens are the result of centuries of work by breeders. Designed for aesthetic enjoyment and breeding at home. Most species originate from ancient China. In Russia, over two hundred years ago, poultry farmers also began to engage in the cultivation of decorative species. To date, the popularity of this poultry industry is low due to the low productivity of decorative chickens.
Breeds of ornamental chickens
There is an extensive list of breeds of these beautiful birds. Each has its own list of features, advantages and disadvantages.
Brahma
Characteristics of the breed. Brahma is one of the largest breeds of ornamental chickens. Favorite among poultry farmers for their appearance, size and character. The birds of this breed of dark colors are statistically large. Laying hens can grow up to four kilograms, roosters - up to six.
Advantages:
- unpretentiousness, endurance and vitality;
- Do not need a large chicken coop and a large walking area;
- possess a non-aggressive character - they are calm, even phlegmatic.
Disadvantages:
- Brahma chickens are extremely sensitive to food. Improper selection of feed and nutritional supplements makes meat coarser, worsens its taste.
- Layers are quite late-ripening - puberty occurs at the age of about 8 months.
Wyandotte
Characteristics of the breed. Hens of this breed are not too large, compact, moderate. Their feature is a pretty appearance while maintaining productivity at a high level. The appearance of Wyandotte can be divided into a dwarf and standard line.
Advantages:
- high productivity due to good hatchability and chick survival;
- frost resistance - chickens perfectly survive Russian winters;
- not only poultry meat, but also their eggs are distinguished by their excellent taste;
- Wyandotte is friendly, easily coexists with other breeds of chickens and does not require separate accommodation;
- good egg production, which does not fall even in winter.
Disadvantages:
- a rather rare breed, in connection with which it is quite expensive to acquire;
- often suffer from obesity.
Kokhinhin
Characteristics of the breed. Kokhinhin is a large and massive breed. The plumage of hens can be of different colors, the characteristic features of feathers depend on the subspecies. However, regardless of the line, the plumage of birds is magnificent and loose, making the chicken look like a ball. Peculiar feather pants protect chicken legs during the winter. A rooster of this breed can reach a mass of up to 5 kilograms, and a chicken - up to 4 kg. The taste qualities of meat are at a high level, however, with intensive fattening, a large fat layer is formed.
Advantages:
- the breed is hardy and unpretentious for maintenance;
- hens do not require large walks;
- have a beautiful appearance with high flavoring characteristics of meat;
- instinct of incubation is well developed;
- egg production does not suffer in winter cold;
- poultry is highly productive in the meat direction.
Disadvantages:
- in industrial production, Kokhinhin is a rarity, which makes them quite expensive;
- birds are prone to obesity;
- preservation of breed characteristics at home is a rather complex and time-consuming process that requires special knowledge and skills;
- Kokhinhin chickens mature late and poorly feather.
Curly
Characteristics of the breed. This is a decorative breed bred in Southeast Asia. Roosters, as a rule, weigh about three kilograms, and hens - about two kilograms. The appearance of curly hens is very unusual: the feathers are curled into amazing curls. Due to its curl, this breed does not know how to fly at all.
Advantages:
- unusual and remarkable appearance, one might say unique;
- birds have good meat-egg potential;
- well-developed instinct of incubation.
Disadvantages:
- poor health - birds get sick quite easily and are difficult to treat;
- they are demanding care due to the inability to fly;
- the breed is rare, which is why it is expensive.
Milfleur
Characteristics of the breed. Milfleur chickens are a variety of dwarf birds in great demand. A small neat body with a dense plumage attracts attention and captivates with its harmony. The presence of various bright colors gives the breed a stunning decorative effect. But especially the owners like the luxurious "panties" that are retained by adults with proper care. With the miniature size of this breed, “panties” give the chicken a touching and memorable look.
Advantages:
- Milfleur chickens are characterized by lightness and increased mobility, but at the same time the birds do not need large areas for breeding;
- they get along easily in relatively small rooms;
- this breed has good egg production, taking into account their miniature size;
- birds have an amazing talent for hatching eggs, which allows them to be used as living incubators, so many people use laying hens of this breed to hatch eggs of quails, pheasants and breeds of the rarest birds.
Disadvantages:
- Milfleur is one of the most choosy to the conditions of the breed. In case of non-compliance with the requirements, chickens quickly lose their decorative effect, in particular, their beloved “panties” disappear.
- In the absence of proper care, chickens completely cease to rush.
Oryol dwarf
Characteristics of the breed. Until recently, hens of the Oryol dwarf breed were popular only among enthusiast poultry farmers. Now this unique bird, bright and unusual, began to appear in the yards of farmers and private farms. The breed is outwardly cute and unusual, it belongs to the meat-egg species. Chintz birds are genetically adapted to our climate.
Advantages:
- chickens of this breed grow quickly enough, while they are unpretentious to the conditions of detention;
- although there is little meat in Oryol dwarf chickens, it has excellent palatability;
- Despite their modest size, laying hens are distinguished by good egg production even in winter.
Disadvantages:
- the small size of the roosters does not prevent them from being strong and aggressive;
- although the breed is productive, still the chickens mature quite late;
- chickens grow and feather for a relatively long time.
Paduan
Characteristics of the breed. Chickens Paduan is a decorative breed that was bred by English breeders. Although these hens are decorative, they show quite good productivity. The average egg production of Paduan chickens is about 120 eggs per year. Roosters of this breed reach up to three kilograms, and hens - up to two.
Advantages:
- Chickens of the Paduan breed are distinguished by a good disposition - they are peace-loving, leisurely and graceful;
- not prone to excessive activity;
- despite their tiny size, chickens have high viability - they quickly grow stronger and lean;
- Paduans are unpretentious in nutrition - the lack of certain nutrients will not affect their qualities and appearance as much as other breeds.
Disadvantages:
- Although Paduan is fertile, the eggs received do not particularly feed. On average, the mass of eggs is about 50 grams.
- Breeding of this breed is possible only with the participation of the incubator - the instinct of incubation is not developed in the Paduan themselves.
- Despite their good survival rate, the chicks are gaining mass very slowly.
- Paduan is too sensitive to cold and damp - chickens easily catch a cold and even easier to catch viral infections.
- Birds of this breed molt quite long. In some individuals, this process is delayed throughout the winter, so it is extremely important to keep them warm, because any hypothermia can lead to negative consequences.
Russian crested
Characteristics of the breed. Russian crested chickens have a double type of orientation - meat-and-egg and decorative. They are distinguished by a magnificent crest on the head. The average live weight of a rooster can reach up to three kilograms, and hens - up to two. This breed is one of the most prolific. Layers bring up to 160 eggs in one year.
Advantages:
- Russian crested chickens are distinguished by their endurance and resistance to negative weather conditions, in particular, to the harsh Russian winter;
- beautiful and interesting appearance, where you can find many colors;
- meat of this breed has a delicate taste;
- high hatchability - healthy and viable chickens appear from almost all eggs;
- hens are also distinguished by a calm nature, willingly make contact with a person.
Disadvantages the breed is practically not observed. Poultry farmers distinguish only one main thing - increased aggression of roosters in relation to each other.
Ukrainian scruffy
Characteristics of the breed. This is a local breed of chickens in Ukraine, known for a very long time. It belongs to the meat-egg type. The breed received its name according to its main decoration - a forelock on its head. Because of him, at the roosters, the leaf-like crest falls to one side, resembling a famously broken hat. And the hens have a crest of rounded shape and developed so much that it looks like a magnificent hairstyle.
Advantages:
- Birds are extremely unpretentious. This applies to both their content and feeding.
- The original appearance.
- Well-preserved instinct of incubation.
Of disadvantages farmers single out only one thing - a love of exploring the surroundings, especially gardens. As a result, part of the livestock will inevitably die (dogs, cats, cars).
Faverol
Characteristics of the breed. Faverol chickens are extremely appreciated by poultry farmers, because they combine the excellent taste of meat, good egg laying and a beautiful appearance that can decorate any compound.
Advantages:
- early maturity - the reproductive age in birds comes fairly quickly;
- excellent taste qualities of both meat and eggs;
- quick and easy adaptation of chickens to almost any climatic conditions, except for the most extreme;
- the breed is characterized by high egg production even in the cold season;
- birds of this breed are extremely rare;
- chickens are capricious and picky.
Disadvantages:
- mild maternal instinct - an incubator will be required to remove the chicks;
- when crossing with birds of other breeds, Faverolle easily loses its productive qualities;
- prone to obesity, which entails an extremely responsible attitude to nutrition.
Uheilui
Characteristics of the breed. Chickens with this unpronounceable name are very easy to distinguish from any other. Uhayilyuy is completely black - this applies not only to plumage, but also to the skin of a bird. Another unique feature of this breed is the green color of the eggs.
Advantages:
- the peaceful nature of Uheiluyu’s character allows you not to fear spikes and conflicts with other poultry;
- unique appearance of chickens;
- unpretentiousness - birds are able to take root in almost any conditions, with the exception of severe frosts;
- a relatively high level of egg production;
- eggs and poultry meat have outstanding taste comparable to a delicacy.
The only disadvantage Breed is the high cost of chicken and hatching eggs due to their rarity.
Ayam cementi
Characteristics of the breed. Ayam cementi, like Uheyilyu, has a resinous shade of plumage. However, in their case, not only feathers, but also bones and internal organs are also black in color. Although the blood of such chickens is red, even it stands out in a much darker shade.
Advantages:
- chickens are not only attractive and unique in appearance, but also tender, delicious meat;
- excellent care of chickens about their offspring;
- resistance to many diseases.
Disadvantages:
- poor cold tolerance;
- high cost due to the rarity of the breed.
Galan
Characteristics of the breed. The mass of black bearded roosters is up to 5 kilograms, hens - up to four. Birds have been flying since 6 months, and after only 3 years there has been a drop in productivity. This breed is characterized by unpretentiousness and good health, as well as the ability to rush year round at a temperature of 5 degrees indoors.
Advantages:
- Thanks to the dense plumage, black bearded chickens calmly tolerate even severe frosts. Therefore, the room where these birds are kept can not be insulated for the winter.
- They have an even character, chickens behave calmly in a chicken coop, getting along with all the birds, and cocks do not sort things out with others with the help of a fight.
- Eggs have a strong shell, so chickens never peck them.
Main disadvantage breeds - young growth does not feather long enough (about 4 months). In addition, the summer heat has a bad effect on their well-being. On such days, chickens lose their appetite, become lethargic.
Shabo
Characteristics of the breed. The main distinguishing feature of the appearance of chickens of this breed is a miniature, squat body with disproportionately short paws. The contrast of the body and paws is so significant that from the side it seems as if the birds do not walk, but crawl along the ground. Shabo is a calm, inactive breed, characterized by amazing patience and equanimity.
Advantages:
- the appetite of chickens is fully consistent with their size - minimal feed intake;
- a pretty, touching appearance;
- calm, good-natured character;
- developed maternal instinct.
Disadvantages:
- intolerance to subzero temperatures;
- a high percentage of death of young animals;
- exactingness to the conditions of detention and nutrition.
Spanish white-faced
Characteristics of the breed. Spanish white-faced can not be confused with chickens of other breeds due to the characteristic white muzzle. Birds are medium in size.
Advantages:
- huge productivity - up to 200 eggs per year;
- unpretentiousness to food;
- developed instinct of hatching.
Disadvantages:
- intolerance to low temperatures;
- susceptibility to disease.
Pavlovskaya
Characteristics of the breed. At first glance, the bird of this breed seems small and quite light, has a unique posture. The exotic appearance of the Pavlovsk chicken gives a crest in the form of a helmet, a horizontally placed body and a large beard.
Advantages:
- hens of this breed give relatively large eggs;
- laying layers mature quickly enough - up to six months;
- resistance to poor conditions and viability of young animals;
- well-developed instinct for hatching eggs.
Disadvantages:
- low productivity;
- high cost due to the rarity of the breed.
Hungarian giant
Characteristics of the breed. This breed was bred for many years and is considered one of the most interesting in all respects: for meat and egg products, aesthetically, quickly adaptable to climatic conditions. Chickens of this breed can weigh up to 7 kilograms.
Advantages:
- resistance to adverse climatic conditions, quick adaptation;
- high rates of egg production;
- a large amount of meat from one individual;
- males have a well-developed maternal instinct;
- the breed is resistant to disease, has low mortality rates;
- chicks grow quickly and intensively.
Disadvantage the breed has only one - a short duration of reproductive age. Chickens are able to carry eggs only for one year, after which their ability to procreate is rapidly declining.
Chinese silk
Characteristics of the breed. Chinese silk hens can boast of unusual plumage and a variety of colors, therefore they are considered one of the most spectacular decorative species of poultry. The birds have black bones, dark gray skin and meat, which, out of habit, can cause fear.
Advantages:
- meat of Chinese silk chickens - tender and dietary, rich in vitamins;
- silk fluff, like sheep wool, can be used in industry;
- the eggs of the birds are quite large, despite the modest size of the laying hens;
- chickens are calm, do not fly and happily make contact with a person;
- This breed is not whimsical to the conditions of detention, its representatives can easily breed in the Russian climate.
Disadvantages:
- low degree of productivity;
- the high cost of the breed - both adults and chicks.
Minorca
Characteristics of the breed. Minors have high egg production rates, and their meat products are of the highest quality. The average meat yield for each large individual starts at 3 kilograms. The egg production of the first year is up to 180 pieces, over a year - up to 150 eggs. Dwarf subspecies are less productive - up to 120 eggs.
Advantages:
- good safety and rapid maturation of chicks;
- laying hens are able to bring offspring from 5 months, not stopping even in winter;
- a large number and pleasant taste of eggs;
- white meat of excellent quality;
- peaceful character in relation to other residents of the compound.
Disadvantages:
- sensitivity to cold and damp weather - birds need to provide warmth and comfort;
- Minors are timid, do not seek contact with a person;
- the maternal instinct in chickens is poorly developed, you will need an incubator or chickens with a more developed instinct of incubation.
Araucana
Characteristics of the breed. Their main feature is the color of the eggshell, which can vary from light blue and greenish to turquoise. External data of the chicken also does not go unnoticed. Some subspecies are tailless, but they may have various “ornaments” on their heads: feather whiskers, beards or whiskers.
Advantages:
- unpretentiousness, easy adaptation to almost any conditions of detention;
- low sensitivity to temperature fluctuations;
- early maturity and good oviposition;
- young animals have good preservation and high vitality;
- aesthetic beauty of birds, their unique appearance.
Disadvantages:
- roosters are too warlike and pugnacious;
- chickens lack instinct for incubation;
- due to the rarity and unusualness of the breed, young animals and adults are expensive to acquire.
Bentamka
Characteristics of the breed. The bird contains a unique “Bentham gene” of dwarfism. It is famous for a variety of colors and shades. Individuals rarely exceed a mass of 1 kilogram. The main features of the breed can be called an unusually rich plumage, low landing and pubescent paws of most species.
Advantages:
- high egg production in dwarf breeds;
- chickens have a fairly strong immunity and rarely get sick;
- can be carried throughout the whole year, even in the winter season, if the appropriate temperature conditions are observed;
- eggs with high taste;
- undemanding and economical in nutrition;
- well-developed instinct of incubation in laying hens;
- can live well even in the cold Russian climate;
- stable egg production for 3-4 years.
Disadvantages:
- need a mandatory closed walk;
- demanding litter in the chicken coop and soil at the place of walking.
Phoenix
Characteristics of the breed. The breed got its name in connection with a magnificent tail - this is a visiting card of the phoenixes. Since the genotype of chickens does not have a gene that activates annual molting, the tail of these birds continues to grow all its life, extending by about a meter per year and reaching almost three meters in adulthood.
Advantages:
- refined, unique appearance of birds;
- not picky about food;
- loving, kind disposition.
Disadvantages:
- require non-standard conditions of detention in connection with its main feature - the tail;
- inconvenience in the process of walking;
- low productivity and late onset of fertilization;
- difficult breeding.
Dwarf New English
Characteristics of the breed. This is a rather small and graceful individual native to England. Dwarf New England chickens do not exceed half a kilogram in weight and carry eggs of appropriate sizes - their average weight is 30 grams. Laying in the region of 90-110 eggs per year.
Benefits:
- despite their mobility, chickens do not need large areas;
- this breed has good egg production for both its miniature size;
- laying hens are distinguished by a well-developed instinct of hatching.
Disadvantages:
- very capricious about the conditions of detention - this applies both to nutrition and to hygiene of the place of sleep and walking;
- lack of proper care does not allow chickens to rush.
La flash
Characteristics of the breed. According to some external features, La Flèche is very different from other breeds. For example, the features of the crest of a rooster allow you to distinguish it from all the others - it is bifurcated, resembles horns that grow together together closer to the beak.
Advantages:
- good taste of poultry meat;
- quite high productivity;
- a large percentage of chick survival due to their viability;
- the laying instinct is well developed in layers.
Disadvantages:
- the cost of birds is quite high;
- they can be kept only in well-insulated chicken coops, otherwise the chances are good that all the hens will die;
- birds love and know how to fly, which can also be a problem.
Dutch white-crested
Characteristics of the breed. The most famous and oldest chicken breed of Dutch origin. The impressive appearance reckons this chicken to decorative breeds, although it has quite decent egg laying and meat of excellent taste conditions.
Advantages:
- good looks;
- good egg production;
- very tasty, tender meat.
Disadvantages:
- sensitivity to frost;
- incivility with other breeds of chickens;
- low immunity;
- exactingness to the conditions of detention;
- fastidiousness in food;
- the need to maintain cleanliness of plumage.
Seabright
Characteristics of the breed. Seabright chickens are miniature, elegant and extremely picturesque. Their consumer value is not so great, but it is more than compensated by the aesthetic pleasure received when observing birds. This breed is presented in two variations: golden and silver. And silver is more capricious in growing.
Advantages:
- beauty that does not leave anyone indifferent;
- unpretentiousness of adults to food;
- highly developed maternal instinct.
Disadvantages:
- increased demands on temperature;
- weak immune system;
- susceptibility to disease;
- difficulties in growing young animals;
- the ability of miniature chickens to fly well, which obliges the keeping of birds in closed enclosures.
Content Features
All decorative breeds are extremely whimsical, require special conditions of detention. Therefore, the maintenance of beautiful chickens will cause many difficulties to a person who does not have experience.
Nutrition
In order for decorative hens not only to please their impeccable appearance, but also to be able to give healthy, viable offspring, increased attention should be paid to their diet. In the daily menu of birds there should be a sufficient amount of B vitamins and easily digestible protein. Yeast is a great source of these nutrients. To introduce them to the diet, farmers apply yeast - adding yeast prepared in a special way to ordinary chicken feed: steamed, gingerless and starter.
It is important to remember that ordinary fodder is not enough for proper nutrition of decorative birds. It is necessary to take care of their appearance, as a result of which the diet is supplemented with special vitamins.
When creating a menu for chickens, follow these recommendations:
- Every day, to one degree or another, the birds need to provide succulent food: cabbage, carrots, beets.
- For better egg production, vitamin E should be included in the diet, which is contained in sufficient quantities in the sprouted grains of oats and barley.
- For the natural intake of proteins, you can include herbal flour in the diet. Harvested nettle and young grass flour is best.
- Do not forget about mineral supplements. To provide birds with minerals, you can add shells, chalk, gravel and eggshells to the menu.
Care
Decorative chickens more than others are demanding on the conditions of detention, which can vary from breed to breed. However, in general, caring for them implies:
- Temperature condition. Heat-loving breeds need favorable conditions in the cold season. In addition, it is necessary to ensure that there are no drafts in the chicken coop, it is dry, and ventilation is also equipped.
- Floor. In winter, spread the litter layer thicker. Hens with feathered legs need a regularly updated litter, which should be loosened as often as possible so that the beautiful plumage on the legs does not fray and does not get dirty. It is recommended to fill the floor with a mixture of bitumen and crushed stone to remove moisture, and top up with litter of dry foliage and peat.
- Shine. The lack of lighting in the autumn and winter season can significantly aggravate egg production. In this regard, it is necessary to set the backlight so that the daylight lasts at least 14 hours.
- Purity. Decorative breeds of hens are in great need of cleanliness. Beautiful long tails, mustaches, crests, feathered legs and other features for which hens are so valued will quickly lose their appearance if elementary hygiene is not observed in the chicken house and cleaning is not carried out.
- Perches. Buildings are erected individually depending on the needs of each particular breed: dwarf chickens and birds with poorly developed wings need low perches, large breeds with long tails or magnificent plumage need high.
- Freedom and leisure. Most of the breeds not only have an outstanding appearance, but also character. Many decorative hens are extremely temperamental and need free walking. In addition, some birds are not indifferent to personal hygiene, and they need places for "swimming" - basins or pits with sand, clay or ash.
Possible problems and difficulties
Decorative chickens require a lot of attention and breeding experience. The novice lover of these beautiful birds may have some difficulties.
The main content problem is the winter season. So, only a few decorative breeds are able to tolerate the conditions of the Russian winter. As a rule, decorative hens are extremely thermophilic. In addition, most breeds are in dire need of natural nutrition from the ground. The breeder will have to provide all such conditions, otherwise the birds may simply die, not to mention the appearance of normal offspring.
Of course, the financial issue plays an important role. Expensive not only the content of decorative chickens, but also the birds themselves.
In addition, most breeds have a fairly magnificent plumage. So that it does not lose its attractiveness, chickens need a lot of space, that is, a large house. Not every poultry farmer, especially a beginner, has the ability to provide birds with the necessary level of freedom.
With proper care, decorative chickens can become not only a source of delicious meat and eggs, but also for a long time to please the owner’s look. The main condition is the selection of a suitable breed, because each of them has its own requirements. Responsible attitude to the choice of species, nutrition and maintenance - and the yard will be able to decorate not only ornamental plants, but also beautiful birds.