Fluffy chickens: names and descriptions of the best breeds, content specifics

Fluffy breeds of chickens stand out for their original appearance. A distinctive feature of birds is considered to be high frost resistance. However, they have certain growing characteristics. In order for chickens to grow well and not get sick, they are advised to provide the right diet and suitable conditions in the house. It is also worthwhile to vaccinate birds in a timely manner.

History

Today there are more than 800 breeds of chickens, which belong to different areas of productivity. Some birds give a lot of eggs, others actively increase their mass. Ornamental breeds are also very popular.Such birds are also considered productive, but they are inferior to other breeds in terms of weight gain and egg production.

Down chickens with hairy legs can hardly be called rare. The first attempts of scientists to breed birds were recorded in the nineteenth century. Today, farmers breed a total of more than 100 original chicken breeds. A third of them are distinguished by furry paws. At the same time, it is worth choosing a breed taking into account the climate.

Features of hairy breeds

Already from the name it is clear what is the key difference between the shaggy breeds. Their main feature is considered to be fluffy pants on their paws. In many species of feathered metatarsals, they are bare, while in shaggy ones there are many feathers on them. This makes them look very funny.

Among the bushy-legged chickens there are birds of regular size and miniature birds. They differ in origin. Such breeds were bred in Turkey, China, France. Russian breed lines are perfect for growing in harsh climates.

Pros and cons

The advantages and disadvantages of hairy chickens depend on the breed. The universal advantages include the following:

• attractive appearance;
• frost resistance;
• unpretentiousness to the conditions of detention;
• useful properties of eggs and meat.

At the same time, decorative birds also have some disadvantages. These include the following:

• not very good productivity;
• high cost of hatching eggs and birds.

Popular species

Shaggy chickens have an original appearance. They include many varieties. Each of them is characterized by certain features.

Ushanka

Chickens of this breed are considered very stately. It was based on the genes of the Pavlovskaya and Orlovskaya breeds. Ushanka is distinguished by light brown plumage. The limbs are covered with small feathers. Under the beak is a beard. Due to the magnificent plumage, a small chicken seems huge. The mass of females is 2.5 kilograms, males weigh 3 kilograms.

The head is decorated with a beautiful neat scallop. Birds have strong beaks. Sideburns are considered a distinctive feature. The hen starts laying eggs at 6 months. Annual productivity parameters reach 160 pieces.

The breed does not require specific conditions of detention. Birds of this species are covered with a large number of feathers. It is recommended to systematically carry out preventive treatment in order to avoid the infestation of birds with parasites.

Dominant chickens

These birds are large in size. Adult roosters can grow up to 3 kilograms. Males are light in color, while females are darker. Birds of this breed are considered unpretentious and hardy.

At the same time, birds are distinguished by a squat body and tight-fitting wings. Earrings and scallop have a rich red tint. Short legs are yellow in color. Egg production parameters are considered high and reach 310 large eggs per year.

Brahma

These birds are popular all over the world. They have many advantages. These include strong immunity and excellent endurance. Birds are distinguished by unpretentiousness in maintenance and average productivity parameters.

Thick plumage is located on the legs of these birds. Feathers belong to the meat and egg breed. Egg production parameters reach 140 pieces per year. The eggs are white in color and covered with dark dots. Chicken carcass weighs from 3.5 to 5 kilograms. The meat stands out for its excellent taste and slight stiffness, which is not typical for most domestic chickens.

Chinese Silk Chicken

This shaggy hen has a unique look. Her entire body is covered with fluffy plumage that sticks up. Therefore, birds are usually bred for decorative purposes. At the same time, many experts claim that their meat has medicinal properties and benefits the human body.

This chicken has grayish meat and black bones. It is characterized by relatively low productivity, which reaches 100 eggs per year. They are mainly used for breeding chicks.

Chicken is unpretentious in food and tolerates cold well. Birds practically do not know how to fly, because they are not able to reach high perches. A distinctive feature is the delicate plumage, which is recommended to be cleaned periodically.

Cochinchin

These birds are characterized by a decorative appearance. In addition, they are undemanding to feed, give a lot of eggs in the winter, do not require long walking. Also, birds are gaining weight well.

The breed is also characterized by certain disadvantages. The main disadvantage is the high cost. In addition, the slow maturation of chicks remains a breed characteristic.

These birds are massive in size. That is why they are classified as meat. Birds are characterized by a small head and bulging eyes. The head is decorated with a coarse crest of scarlet color. The plumage may have a different shade. There are black, white, brown birds. There are also two-color chickens.

Sultanka

This is a rare variety that is difficult to breed. It was obtained on the basis of the Russian breed of Pavlovian chickens. The birds are characterized by a lush tuft and beautiful white feathers, which make chickens very elegant.

The bird has brown-red eyes and a horn-shaped comb. Chickens are characterized by a short body and a large belly. It gradually turns into wings of medium size. The tail is fluffy in height. Hens have a more rounded body than males. They are not characterized by high productivity. Every year, chickens give no more than 60 eggs. At the same time, the weight of the carcass does not exceed 2 kilograms.

Pavlovian breed of chickens

This is one of the oldest breeds, which was obtained in the village of Pavlovo, located near Nizhny Novgorod. This happened back in the seventeenth century. Birds are characterized by the original color of plumage. Pavlovsk chickens are used to produce eggs. Every year they give 170 eggs weighing 60 grams. Chickens weigh 2-2.5 kilograms. The body shape of the birds is a bit like pheasants. Roosters of this breed are hot-tempered and love to fight.

Pavlovian chickens are often used to obtain new species, as well as to participate in various competitions and exhibitions.

Faverol

These birds have excellent decorative properties. They are characterized by an elongated body and a dense neck. Also, birds are distinguished by a raised tail. Chickens are characterized by a powerful beak, a raised fifth finger and a slightly flattened head.

Birds have lush gray feathers. From meat, you can get an excellent broth that has excellent taste.

Siberian tufts

These birds are distinguished by high egg productivity. It can reach 180 eggs per year. The carcass is of medium size and reaches 2.5-3.5 kilograms in weight. Also, eggs are characterized by high fertility. These chickens are easy to care for. Birds of this breed have a long and thick beard. The head is decorated with a small comb, which is almost invisible under the tuft. Shaggy plumage protects birds from severe frosts.

Which is better to choose?

When choosing a particular breed, it is recommended to take into account the climatic conditions of the region. It is worth remembering the tasks that the poultry farmer sets for himself. Fluffy chickens can be meat, egg or mixed. Some farmers even breed birds for decorative purposes.

Specific maintenance and care

Most breeds of fluffy chickens are unpretentious to care for. For their cultivation to be successful, it is recommended to follow these rules:

• provide a spacious house;
• make low perches;
• organize a place for walking.

Other criteria differ depending on the breed. The basis of the diet should be cereals. Be sure to give the birds vitamins and minerals. In the summer, they should be given free access to greenery.

Fluffy chickens are very popular with farmers. They are distinguished by attractive appearance and high productivity. For bird breeding to be successful, they should be provided with quality care.

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