Leningrad cotton breed of chickens: description and care, breeding rules

Farmers are trying to raise chickens that are versatile. Such birds produce high-quality eggs and are considered a source of tasty and lean meat. Such features are characteristic of the Leningrad cotton breed of chickens. In order for birds to develop normally and not suffer from pathologies, it is recommended to strictly follow the recommendations of care and feeding specialists.

History of Breeding

Selection work on breeding cotton chickens was carried out in Leningrad. These unique birds were created from the black-and-white Australorps. Poltava clay chickens and New Hampshires also participated in the selection.Chickens were added to the State Register in 1985. The breed belongs to the decorative-egg-meat category.

Appearance and characteristics of the Leningrad calico breed

Calico chickens are somewhat inferior to other breeds in weight. Golden-gray roosters weigh 3.3 kilograms, Leningrad - 4, and chintz - only 2.7-2.8. However, this breed has an excellent taste of meat. In addition, birds are characterized by a decorative appearance. Each feather contains 3 shades - black, brown-red, white. Thanks to the combination of shades, the chickens have a colorful plumage. This breed is characterized by the following features:

• compact torso with developed chest;
• small head with a pink crest - it is characterized by a leaf-like shape;
• yellow-pink beak;
• medium wings that are tightly pressed against the body;
• light red earrings and earlobes;
• straight back;
• long neck;
• straight legs;
• short tail;
• light yellow skin;
• thick and dense plumage.

The carcasses of this breed are characterized by an excellent presentation. Chickens are rapidly gaining body weight. At 2 months they already weigh 1.5 kilograms. This is a good option for universal birds.

Good and bad sides

The advantages of the breed include the following:

• resistance to low temperatures;
• excellent survival parameters and the ability to breed in any climate;
• strong immune system;
• high survival rate of chickens - is at the level of 95-96%;
• unpretentiousness - birds normally adapt to different conditions;
• rapid puberty;
• high productivity settings;
• excellent decorative qualities.

The main disadvantage of birds is not widely distributed. Therefore, farmers are having difficulty buying hatching eggs.

Subtleties of maintenance and care

Leningrad chintz chickens do not require specific care. By following simple hygiene recommendations and maintaining an optimal temperature, a high survival rate can be achieved.

Feathers need a dry room without drafts. It is recommended to insulate it with high quality and provide a complete ventilation system. The optimum temperature regime is + 23-25 degrees.However, birds are able to adapt to a hotter or, conversely, cooler climate.

In order for chickens to rush better, they need to provide at least 12 hours of daylight hours. To do this, use artificial light sources.

To avoid conflicts between birds, there should be no more than 5 chickens per 1 square meter. Also, when organizing space, it is worth building nests for eggs and placing them in a secluded place.

What to feed chickens?

The birds of this breed are undemanding to the diet. They eat ready-made compound feed or mixtures prepared by the farmer. At the same time, food should be varied. It is important to include the following in your diet:

• different types of cereals;
• boiled fish - it should not contain bones;
• cottage cheese;
• legumes;
• greens;
• vegetables;
• cake and sunflower meal;
• mineral supplements - eggshells, yeast, shells, bone meal are considered important sources.

Bird Breeding Rules

The period of puberty in birds occurs at six months. It is forbidden to stimulate the onset of oviposition, as this provokes salpingitis. To breed birds, it is worth starting a family.

It should consist of 1 male and 10 females. He althy birds with high productivity are suitable for breeding.

You don't need to use an incubator to hatch chicks. Birds of this breed are characterized by a pronounced incubation instinct. It is permissible to lay a maximum of 7 eggs under the hen, since the birds of this breed are characterized by small sizes.

Possible diseases

Despite a strong immune system, birds of this breed periodically encounter unpleasant pathologies. Violations often occur when containment conditions are not followed. At the same time, the following pathologies develop:

• salmonellosis;
• coccidiosis;
• bronchopneumonia;
• worm infestation.

To avoid the appearance of diseases, you should do the following:

• vaccinate birds on time;
• keep the chicken coop clean;
• change flooring and disinfect;
• remove uneaten wet food in time.

Leningrad chintz chickens are considered a universal breed that has many advantages. For breeding birds to be successful, it is important to provide them with proper care.

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