Hens of the Spanish breed of Minorca were introduced into Russia in 1885. Until now, it has not been met in large chicken poultry farms. They are used only by breeders as genetic material for breeding. The breed is considered very clean, without impurities and mixes. It is distinguished by extraordinary beauty and grace.
Breeding History
The breeding of black hens started in Spain. On the island of Minorca there were many specimens of these birds. Breeders began to work actively on this genetic material. Researchers from Britain continued their research, further cultivating the breed of chickens in the minor. The description of the course of the experiment shows that they wanted to breed the breed rather obese, but the breeders' expectations did not materialize. But they were not very upset, because both the eggs and the chicken meat were of high quality. The egg production rate of this breed was also high.
American scientists conducted a review of the breed of chickens minor, a complete description of these birds met their needs. They proved that hens justify their content in the winter. An incredible number of eggs are laid during the year.
Breed appearance
The breed of chickens of Minorca differs in description of appearance from other breeds. She is extremely attractive. It would seem that the plumage is just black, but in sunlight it shimmers with a green tint. Unfortunately, it is impossible to discern this in the photographs. Brightness is present in the color of the crest, and in amazing white earrings. In appearance, they are a beautiful smooth oval. The scallop of the rooster leans slightly on its side. The tail is well developed, has a rather elongated appearance. The chicken is small in size, has a small, elegant head with a red muzzle in front. The eyes are brown. The wide chest and back, as well as powerful wings give this small breed a certain grandeur and pride of posture. The legs are strong and long.
These birds are very mobile. They are rather timid and are wary of everything new. She does not want to contact a person, in any case, the owner will not succeed in taking her in her arms. You will have to admire and observe from afar. But the fact that they get along well with other breeds and behave peacefully in the paddock will please the breeders.
Another fact is interesting that, in addition to the black color, individuals with white and motley colors are also found. Although they are quite rare. In the minor breed of chicken, the white description of appearance is exactly the same, only the front of the head is yellow, not red, and the beak is yellowish.
Conditions of detention
Before buying, you need to familiarize yourself with the conditions of detention and carefully prepare the chicken coop for the breed of chicken minor. Content specifications can be read in advance. The chicken coop should be insulated, dry, without drafts. The enclosure for walks should also be free, it is better to make a canopy from the rain and cover from a strong wind. The weak point in the winter is scallops. Experienced breeders are advised to grease them with fat in the winter. This will save them from frostbite. The chicken coop is also equipped with high perches (75 cm from the floor level).
Breeding
Professional poultry farmers believe that minor is a breed of chickens, breeding and keeping of which can be very difficult. But it’s worth a try, as the hens rush well, their eggs are beautiful, large, shine like polished. Buyers really appreciate eggs of this breed. And the meat is distinguished by its pleasant taste, and the structure of the body suggests that the chicken has a large brisket and long large legs.
In order to choose good laying hens, selection of chickens is done very early. The next selection is made already in appearance. In males, a scallop grows at the age of 5 months. Then they select all the females that already from this age begin to lay eggs. The first year you can collect up to 180 eggs. Egg weight reaches 70-80 g, they are white and shine beautifully. Under good conditions and proper nutrition, laying hens can bring eggs in the winter.
For breeding offspring, eggs are selected only from those hens that give eggs for the second year. But their hatching instinct is poorly developed, so the best option would be to purchase an incubator. Chickens grow very quickly, at an early age they are covered with feathers, unpretentious in food.
Breeders use the Minorca chicken breed, its description and advantages, to breed and improve new breeds such as leghorns. In specialized breeding institutes they are kept as a breeding reserve. Scientists continue to work with them on selection.
Feeding Features
When planning a diet for chickens of the Minorca breed, a description of the content can be found in the specialized literature. However, it can be noted that they do not need a special diet. Babies are fed with grated grain, adding, as usual, a finely crushed egg. Then, chopped greens are added to the chicken diet. Yeast is also added for fast growth. It is useful for them to give vegetables, for example, beets, potatoes, carrots. From cereals, wheat bran can be included in the diet. Bone meal or finely ground bones are useful. Thanks to this feed, chickens quickly add to growth.
Adult chickens, especially laying hens, are supplemented with vitamins. They need food with easily digestible protein. Use ready-made, correctly selected compound feeds for feeding. They are bought for farm birds. The content of this finished feed includes many trace elements and vitamins, which are selected by the best specialists. In order for the food to be better absorbed in the stomach, like other breeds, small pebbles or sand are added to the minor. It helps grind hard grains.
Breed subspecies
This breed has three subspecies: Spanish, British and dwarf. The Spanish breed of hens of the Minorca description has a standard, that is, black color, white earrings, a red front of the head and a light beak. The British breed of chickens has a different appearance. It is white with white earrings, but the front of the head is yellow and the beak has a yellowish tint. The dwarf breed of chickens minor is bred long ago as a result of selection. During the experiment, a small breed was obtained. Breeders decided to correct the mistake and increase the size of the chicken, but were afraid that the quality of poultry meat would deteriorate and the effect on the egg production of the breed would affect. Dwarf breed is very rare, is considered an almost lost species.
Minors also have a lot in common with black chickens Plymutroks , longshans. With the Spanish white woman, it has the similarity of earrings, but the Spanish has a larger size of white ovals. Chickens also have differences. White plaque on the front of the head is considered the norm in the Spanish white woman, but if this happens in the minor, then this already indicates a deviation from the norm. In terms of the number of eggs laid per year, Minors resemble another prolific breed that is more common in our country - Leghorn.
Quantitative data
If you are looking for beautiful laying hens, then you need to purchase a breed of chicken minor. Description, reviews of private owners containing this breed, only confirm this. Up to 200 eggs can be collected from one layer per year.
This is a very high rate. With proper maintenance and good feeding, they are carried both in summer and winter. The weight of the chicken reaches 3 kg, the weight of the rooster is more, up to 4 kg. The cleaner the standard chicken form, the breed is not mixed, the more eggs the chicken produces.
Advantages and disadvantages of the breed
The main advantages of the breed, of course, in fertility. Early begin to lay eggs, from 5 months. They are large and nutritious. Layers give eggs year-round. The meat is white and quite tasty. And in the yard they do not quarrel with other birds. Chicks are born strong enough and quickly develop. Have a good percentage of safety.
Among the shortcomings, one can emphasize her caution, timidity and unwillingness to communicate with people. Also in winter they are very afraid of the cold. And it’s hard to call them good mothers. Since this is an artificially bred breed, they have no maternal instinct. Chicks have to be raised in incubators.
Reviews of Russian scammers
According to the experience of our breeders, minor are sensitive to moisture. In rainy and foggy weather it is better not to let them out of the house. Also in dark and dimly lit rooms, roosters get thin ridges. For minor, it’s bad when it’s cold and when it’s warm. During the selection, it is advised to find fault with the color so that there are no spots, plaque of other shades. Experienced breeders even carefully examine the color of the claws. It is also advised to have a great walk. The larger the space for walking, the better the egg production.
But, despite all the pros and cons, minor minor chickens are worthy of the attention of private breeders. Decorative and beautiful birds will decorate your yard, and the number of eggs will delight you.