Chickens are the most popular poultry. They are kept in private homes and in summer cottages. Many breeds of chicken were bred. The bird is kept to receive meat or eggs, as well as to decorate the site. Decorative chickens possess not only productive qualities, but also an unusual appearance. At exhibitions near aviaries, many visitors always gather with them. Chinese downy chickens are in high demand among farmers. Learn about the features of the breed and grooming from this article.
Historical reference
Chinese downy chickens, the content and breeding of which are of interest to many farmers, were bred many centuries ago. Aristotle mentioned this unusual breed. He was delighted with the unusual chicken plumage, which he compared to the hair of cats. Described a fluffy breed of birds and Marco Polo. Information about Chinese chickens is also contained in the writings of the Tang Dynasty. In ancient China, this breed was called snake.
The bird not only decorates the site, but also carries delicious eggs. In ancient times, Chinese healers treated various diseases with the meat of downy hens. It is especially effective for tuberculosis, kidney problems, and migraines. The spectacular breed was very popular with the Chinese aristocrats. They raised strange birds in their gardens.
Rumor has it that the Chinese breed was obtained by mixing rabbit and chicken. This legend was supported by European bird breeders in order to popularize fluffy birds. Thanks to this myth, many people bought strange hens. Naturally, this is just a beautiful legend.
Breed description
Due to the unusual plumage, Chinese down chickens have become very popular in many countries around the world. Roosters weigh about a kilogram and are very richly dressed. The hens look more modest and have a lower weight. Feathers of birds of this breed are fluffy, and not smooth, this explains the unusual appearance.
The hen’s head is small and round. The beak and skin near it are painted in dark color, regardless of the shade of bird fluff. On the head of Chinese chickens there is a small crest and a well-marked crest.
The wings do not fit snugly on the body. They are wide and somewhat short. The legs are well developed with abundant plumage. The paws themselves have a dark shade, on each of them the chicken has 5 fingers. The chest is well defined, deep, rounded in shape.
The body of the Chinese breed of chickens is wide. The neck is short, but well developed. The back is wide. In general, Chinese chickens make a harmonious impression. The feathers are very soft and pleasant to the touch. Outwardly, they resemble the hair of a cat or a fluffy dog.
How are hens different from roosters?
In the Chinese breed of chickens, like in many others, there are differences in birds of different sexes. Roosters have a more massive body, more weight, less neat head. If you look at the photo of Chinese downy chickens, then the females can be recognized by rounded shapes and a small crest. Earrings they also are not too large. Chicken legs are shorter, as is the neck.
In roosters, feathers and mane are often very developed, and females are very fluffy in the lumbar region and legs. The color of chickens is more calm, without overflows. Roosters are usually more elegantly dressed, their plumage seems richer. Wild and blue colors look especially interesting on males of the Chinese breed.
Productivity
The meat of Chinese downy chickens is distinguished by excellent taste. It contains vitamins and amino acids that are beneficial to human health. Farmers claim that Chinese-made chicken meat is more tender than that of another bird. It is perfect for preparing any dishes, both boiled and fried. The constant use of poultry meat of Chinese down breed prolongs a person's youth, strengthens his muscles and bones. Healing products contribute to the proper functioning of the spleen and urogenital system. In China, biologically active additives are made from chicken meat of this breed.
The bird begins to lay eggs from 6-7 months. On average, up to 100 units of products per year can be obtained from each chicken. They rush well until 3-4 years, then their productivity begins to decline. The eggs of Chinese downy chickens are light-shelled.
An unusual bird can be sheared in the same way as sheep. For several months from 1 individual, you can get up to 150 grams of beautiful fluff. How many years do Chinese white down chickens live? Decorative birds in this matter can boast of good performance. The average life span of a bird is up to 10 years, and sometimes longer.
Character of Chinese Chickens
The bird of this breed is submissive. They are wonderful hens, often Chinese chickens lay eggs of others. The bird is not picky and perfectly adapts to any climatic conditions.
Asian chickens are often used in breeding pheasants. Thanks to the developed maternal instinct, the Chinese bird will be happy to receive thrown chicks of any breeds. Therefore, farmers who breed this breed of poultry do not have to buy an incubator at all. Caring Chinese hens themselves will sit out their chicks and even raise strangers.
Varieties
The breed is divided into 2 variations: bearded and standard. There are no particular differences between the varieties. Bearded down chickens have a slightly different head shape. In addition, their color is yellow, which outwardly makes them more elegant. Bearded Chinese downy chickens have fluffy tanks that cover their lobes. Earrings in this species are almost invisible.
Bird care
If the farmer previously kept hens, then he should not have problems with the Asian breed. Chinese fluffy birds are picky and adapt perfectly to any climate, so they do not need any special care. Keeping Asian birds as easy as Russian.
Before buying young animals, the farmer must build a room. Chinese crested downy chickens cannot stand damp. Therefore, the roof of the structure must be reliable. It is also advisable to protect from the rain and a walking patio. The bird should have a place where it can hide from water or from the scorching sun. Do not keep Asian birds in the same pen with geese or ducks. Waterfowl in its places of origin creates dampness, which is harmful to Asian chickens.
Typically, farmers create families consisting of a rooster and 5-6 females. They need a little space, and individuals can comfortably coexist. If there are too many roosters, they will unnecessarily annoy the females. Because of this, chickens can carry badly and even hurt.
Feeding
Without proper nutrition, the bird's egg production decreases, the weight gain falls, and his health worsens. If the farmer plans to get the maximum income from Chinese down chickens, then he must develop a balanced diet for them. You can make a grain mixture yourself, or you can buy ready-made feed. It is very important that the food offered to the bird is fresh. Giving mold stale feed is strictly prohibited.
If the farmer plans to independently compose a diet for his chickens, then he must purchase vitamin premixes. Chickens can be given boiled yolks, green onions, cottage cheese. Grain is better to acquire several species, for example, barley, oats, wheat. To improve the quality of plumage, Asian chickens can offer nettles. Sometimes a bird is pampered with sunflower. This treat also improves the quality of fluff, but it can lead to the appearance of excess weight. Therefore, sunflower seeds give infrequently, 2-3 times a week. In a separate bowl, the farmer must put a shell rock, it improves the digestion of the bird.
Breeding
If the farmer decided to tackle the Chinese breed, then he should purchase unrelated chickens and a rooster. If the bird is from the same parents, then, most likely, the offspring will be very weak. In spring, hens are divided into families. If desired, the farmer breeds very quickly.
Chinese downy chickens are very careful about the offspring, so you can do without an incubator. Asian birds have a strong instinct for hatching chicks, and at home they often lay pheasant eggs in their nest . In this case, Chinese chickens not only raise their own offspring, but also take great care of the foundlings.
Chickens are born very small, babies of ordinary breeds are much larger at birth. On the first day of their life, a temperature of at least 30 degrees is set in the brooder. Then it is very gradually reduced, no more than 1 degree per day. By the month of life, chickens feel great at a temperature of 18 degrees.
Breed diseases
Chinese downy chickens are extremely resistant to most ailments. These birds have excellent immunity, so they usually do not cause problems. The biggest nuisance for owners of Chinese fluffy chickens is parasites. To prevent helminth infection of the herd, the bird must be prophylactically treated. The schedule of procedures for the farmer is preferably agreed with the veterinarian. The choice of drugs is also better to entrust to the doctor, since different types of helminths parasitize in different regions.
Another problem for farmers raising Chinese down chickens is external parasites. Ticks, poohoedy, and also fleas quite often annoy the bird. Getting rid of such parasites is sometimes quite difficult. Experienced owners of chickens recommend in this case not to self-medicate, but to consult a veterinarian. There are frequent cases when the owner tried to help the herd with folk methods, which led to a partial or complete death of the livestock.
Farmer Reviews
The owners of Chinese downy chickens conquered their unusual appearance. Birds look aristocratic, they are very pleasant to the touch. Some people keep Chinese downy chickens at home instead of cats.
A beautiful bird has a very flexible character. Farmers are happy to keep a Chinese breed with a gentle and calm disposition. Asian birds are not noisy, friendly to the person. They do not carry many eggs, but their meat has healing properties.