High Line chickens: description of the breed and characteristics, rules of keeping

High Line chickens are very popular with poultry farmers. Such birds bring a lot of eggs, quickly adapt to external conditions, and are unpretentious in care. A standard diet is perfect for such birds. To achieve success in growing chickens, it is worth vaccinating them in a timely manner and properly equipping the house. Equally important is a quality and balanced diet.

Origin story

The history of this breed began at the company "Hy-Line International". Scientists have set themselves the task of obtaining a cross that combines many advantages. These include excellent egg production, strong immunity, unpretentiousness in the diet.

The result is a Heinlein hybrid. During the breeding period, several types of chickens were obtained, which differ in the color of the shell. It can be white or brown.

Characteristics and description of High Line chickens

To succeed in breeding chickens, it is worth familiarizing yourself with their basic characteristics.

Appearance of the breed

These chickens are not gigantic. By 4 months, their weight reaches a little more than 1.5 kilograms. The birds are characterized by a proportional physique and a neat head, on which a large red comb is located.

Feathers are distinguished by pomp and beautifully fit a small body. The wings are close to the body. Chickens are distinguished by excellent decorative properties and can become a decoration for a poultry house.

Bird Character

Such birds quickly adapt to the conditions. They are characterized by resistance to stress, therefore they are distinguished by a calm disposition. American crosses are moderately curious. However, they do not tend to conflict.

Productivity

Before you start raising such chickens, you should familiarize yourself with their productivity.

Weight

Chickens are characterized by a small mass - 1.5-1.8 kilograms. Cockerels weigh 200-300 grams more. Usually birds do not lag behind in development. If such a problem is observed, this may indicate violations in the diet.

Eggs

Active egg production of laying hens is a period of 1.5 years. For a year, a bird can bring 340-350 eggs. They weigh 60-65 grams and are covered with a strong shell. The hue of the eggs is determined by the color of the feathers of the chicken.

Survival of young and molting

Shedding occurs once a year. At the same time, the egg production of birds does not decrease. After the end of the molt, the eggs increase in size. Young growth is characterized by high survival parameters. They reach 98%.

Pros and cons

Chickens of this breed have certain advantages and disadvantages. The key advantages of the breed include the following:

high performance;
unpretentious care;
quick adaptation to new conditions;
standard ration.

At the same time, chickens have certain disadvantages:

lack of incubation instinct;
a short period of high egg production.

Varieties of crosses

American scientists managed to develop several types of Hy-Line hybrids. The key differences are in the color of the feathers and the shade of the shell. Brown birds are large. Their reproductive period comes later by 1 week.

High Line Brown

This breed is characterized by a brown shade of feathers and the same eggs. Bird subtypes include Sonya and Silver Brown. Birds are characterized by active growth for 18 weeks. During this time, they eat 6-6.7 kilograms of feed.

With the onset of puberty, the mass of chickens reaches 1.5-1.6 kilograms. By 74 weeks, the bird grows to 2 kilograms. To increase egg production, chickens need to be given 115 grams of compound feed per day.

High Line White

These chickens are smaller. The first time they bring eggs a week earlier than the brown ones.By 4 months, birds reach a weight of 1.3 kilograms, at 74 weeks their weight reaches 1.65-1.75 kilograms. During active development, birds eat 6 kilograms of feed. Subsequently, they should receive 100-105 grams of food per day. Birds lay 330 eggs a year.

Content Features

In order for chickens to develop normally and bring a lot of eggs, they need to provide normal conditions.

Coop Requirements

American crosses are recommended to be grown in floor sheds. These birds easily fall on perches, so there should be poles in the chicken coop. The floor should be treated with clay. It can also be made from tightly spaced boards. There should be a bedding on top.

Washed baskets or wooden boxes can be used as nests. 1 nest is enough for 4-5 chickens. There should be a 0.3 meter hole in the door of the poultry house through which the birds can go for a walk.

Temperature indicators must be at least +10 degrees. It is recommended to ensure that there are no drafts.

Chicken coop is recommended to be aired periodically.

Place for walking, drinkers and feeders

These birds can do without a yard. However, experienced farmers advise making a small aviary for chickens. In spring and summer, it is useful for birds to walk in the fresh air and eat fresh grass. In winter, birds are allowed to go outside for a short time. In this case, there should not be strong winds and severe frosts. Birds need constant access to drinkers and feeders.

What to feed chickens?

For feeding birds, ready-made or homemade food is suitable. When feeding High Lines at home, they should be given the following foods:

Cereals. Birds need grains of wheat, barley, oats. They can also be given rye and corn. Grains are given whole or in crushed form. In winter, they need germinated crops.
Soya and peas. They include many plant-based proteins, vitamins and minerals.
Greens. In winter, it can be replaced with grass meal or hay.
Mixers. They may include vegetables, cereals, whey.

Chickens need mineral components. To do this, it is worth adding meat and bone and fish meal, egg shells, and chalk to the feed. You can also give the birds ready-made vitamins.

Chicken rearing

There are many things to consider in order to raise chickens.

How to breed and keep offspring

You cannot breed birds of this breed at home. Chicks that were obtained by crossing representatives of this species do not adopt the characteristics of their parents. Hatching eggs are sold at poultry farms that specialize in breeding birds of this breed. An incubator is required to hatch the chicks.

Maintenance in the brooder

When chicks appear, their weight is 25-30 grams. Feathers may be pale yellow or light brown. Day-old chicks are recommended to be kept in a brooder. The floor should be covered with hay or straw. You can also use pieces of paper.

During the first 3 weeks of bird life, it is worth maintaining a temperature regime of + 30-35 degrees. Humidity parameters should be no more than 80%. Light sources are also needed. It is necessary to light the chicks within 21 hours.

Chickens grow rapidly for 17 weeks. By the end of this period, they reach 1.15 kilograms. Young individuals should be planted with adults at 14-16 weeks.

Settlement of young animals in the poultry house

Purchased chickens should be vaccinated, treated for worms and other parasites. If there are other hens, new chicks should be quarantined for 30 days. Before settling young birds, it is recommended that the chicken coop be cleaned of debris and disinfected.

Diseases of chickens and their prevention

Birds of this breed have strong immunity. To protect them from diseases, it is worthwhile to vaccinate them in a timely manner. The vaccination scheme is selected taking into account the epizootic situation in the region.

To protect birds from viral and bacterial microorganisms that provoke salmonellosis, mycoplasmosis, coccidiosis, contact with pets and rodents should be excluded. Maintaining the optimum temperature is essential. It is recommended to control the cleanliness of bedding and equipment.

Where can I buy in Russia?

These layers are grown in different regions of Russia. People who breed birds note that they are quite popular. Therefore, it is recommended to book in advance.

Hi Line chickens are distinguished by high productivity, unpretentiousness and strong immunity. To achieve success in their cultivation, it is worth ensuring a normal temperature regime and proper nutrition.