Dwarf leghorn B-33: description and characteristics, content rules

Description of the B-33 pygmy leghorn has many features. These birds are small in size and at the same time are characterized by high egg production parameters. Birds are characterized by the presence of a recessive gene for dwarfism. In fact, they are a smaller copy of leggorns. To be successful in raising chickens, they need to provide the right conditions.

Origin story

This new breed was bred by scientists by inserting a special dwarfism gene into Leghorn DNA. The standard variety of chickens was obtained back in the nineteenth century in Livorno. Subsequently, scientists from different countries tried to improve it.

The B-33 dwarf breed was bred at the All-Russian Research and Agricultural Institute of Poultry. At the same time, the new variety of chickens differs from the standard only in appearance. Productivity parameters are almost identical.

Description and characteristics of the pygmy leghorn breed

This breed has a number of characteristics that make it surprisingly popular with poultry farmers.

Exterior and color

This breed is practically no different from the original. The key difference lies in the smaller size of the body and paws. The breed standards include the following features:

• small rounded head;
• small leaf-shaped scallop;
• white or blue earlobes;
• long neck with curve;
• wide ponytail;
• wedge-shaped body;
• thick feathers;
• white color birds.

Eyes change color with age. Young birds have bright orange eyes, mature birds have light yellow.

Specific character

Dwarf birds are characterized by a friendly disposition. Birds almost never fight each other. The exceptions are cock fights, which defend leadership positions.

In general, birds are active and inquisitive.

Productivity Metrics

With small size and small stature, birds of this breed produce large eggs that weigh 63 grams. They have an even white color. The live weight of chickens is 1.2-1.4 kilograms. Roosters weigh a little more - 1.4-1.7 kilograms. Egg production parameters reach 210-240 pieces per year.

Main pros and cons

The main advantages of birds include the following:

• high egg production parameters;
• big eggs;
• excellent chick survival;
• great acclimatization;
• need for a small area;
• no specific pathologies;
• minimum feed intake.

At the same time, dwarf leghorns also have some disadvantages:

• loss of incubation instinct;
• decrease in egg production with an unbalanced diet;
• low palatability of meat.

Features of maintenance and care

In order for chickens to develop normally, they should provide quality conditions. At the same time, it is important to properly equip the chicken coop.

Coop conditions

Dwarf birds can be safely kept in cages. Small chicken coops are also suitable for them. In this case, it is worth observing the following rules:

• The house should be warm. Temperature - be at least +5 degrees;
• the room should not be drafty - good ventilation is important;
• The poultry house should be placed in a quiet place - birds are afraid of loud sounds;
• you will definitely have to organize bedding - it is permissible to make it from hay, sawdust or straw;
• it is important to clean once a season;
• it is worth disinfecting every year;
• Ensure at least 12 hours of daylight.

Playing yard

A small area is enough for walking birds. It should be borne in mind that birds can fly. Therefore, you will have to make a roof or a fence at least 1.5 meters high.

Shelt and lay break

Birds are able to rush during molting. In this case, it is worth reducing the duration of daylight hours. As a result, the productivity of birds will decrease, but the chickens will be able to overcome the molting process faster.

Planned stock replacement

The maximum productivity of birds is observed in the first year. After that, it gradually decreases. Therefore, the herd should be changed when the parent turns 1 year old.

Diet

Pygmy leghorns do not need specific nutrition. At the same time, they require high-quality and balanced food. Sometimes you can notice that the fingers of the chicks are twisted. The reason for this phenomenon is considered to be an excess of protein components in the diet. To avoid such problems, birds should be provided with quality feed.

If it is not possible to use industrial feed, it is recommended to give chickens dry and wet food.To get dry food, you can mix cereals. Oats, corn, barley, wheat are suitable for this. Boiled potatoes and other vegetables are used to make wet food. However, it can only be a third of the total diet.

Birds should definitely be given vitamins and minerals. To do this, chalk, s alt, shells are introduced into the diet. It is also permissible to use ready-made vitamins, premixes. In summer, birds should receive a sufficient amount of greenery. In winter, they should be given boiled vegetables. In the open, birds should always have clean water, and in winter it should be heated.

Breeding B-33

The chicks of these hens are usually born strong and he althy. Their survival rates reach 95%.

Features of incubation

This bird has almost lost its brooding instinct. Therefore, for breeding chicks, it is worth using an incubator. Experts do not advise crossing these chickens with other species. This will negatively impact breed standards.

Incubation steps

When carrying out incubation, do the following:

1. Examine the eggs. They must be intact, without stains or streaks.
2. Be sure to check the eggs with an ovoscope. It allows you to review the content and remove bad material.
3. Clean eggs from dirt with a weak solution of potassium permanganate.
4. Place the eggs in the incubator with the blunt end up. Bookmarking should be done in the evening.
5. First, it is worth laying large eggs, after 6 hours - medium ones. After the same period of time, small specimens are laid. This will allow the birds to hatch at the same time.

Diseases and their prevention

Feathers have excellent immunity. However, sometimes they still encounter diseases. This is facilitated by severe crowding, malnutrition, violation of conditions of detention.

Most often, pygmy leghorns suffer from the following pathologies:

1. Salmonellosis is an infectious pathology associated with infection by bacteria. At the same time, chickens become lethargic, lose their appetite. They develop lacrimation, purulent discharge from the eyes, swelling of the peritoneum, lameness. Antimicrobial agents are used for treatment. The chicken coop must be disinfected.
2. Pulloros is an infectious disease that affects the intestines of birds. At the same time, the birds lose their appetite, become lethargic. Their body temperature rises to +44 degrees, loose stools are observed, and motor activity decreases. Sulfonamides are used to treat the disease.
3. Avitaminosis - a violation due to a lack of minerals in the diet. At the same time, weight loss, loss of feathers, weakness, inflammation of the eyes are observed. There is also a risk of bowel dysfunction. The comb and earrings take on a pale hue. To cope with the problem, mash, vitamins and minerals are introduced into the diet of birds.

Dwarf leghorns are very popular with poultry farmers. These chickens are small in size, but have high productivity parameters.

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