Breed of Minorca chickens: description and characteristics, rules of keeping and care

The Minorca chicken breed is considered quite common. It is characterized by several varieties, each of which has certain features. Chickens of this breed are characterized by high productivity and calm character. They are distinguished by tasty meat and produce large eggs. At the same time, it is worth considering the high sensitivity of birds to cold and high humidity.

Origin

The breed was named after the Spanish island of the same name. It was in this region that farmers managed to cross representatives of local black chickens for the first time. In 1708, the island was captured by Anglo-Dutch troops.The British also appreciated the taste of these chickens. Thus, they ended up in England, where they continued their development.

In the 70s of the nineteenth century, chickens came to Germany. After 15 years they ended up in the USA. Birds came to the Russian Empire in 1885.

Description and characteristics of the breed

For chickens of this breed is characterized by a number of features. They should definitely be studied before breeding.

Exterior chickens

The appearance of birds directly depends on the variety of the breed. Today, there are several options that have characteristic features.

Black Spanish

These birds are characterized by a jet black color with a slight greenish tint. The head is relatively small in size and is decorated with a leaf-shaped crest with 4-6 teeth. Bright red earrings can be seen under the beak.

The beak and claws are black. The eyes may be black or brown. Birds are characterized by a rounded chest, long neck and powerful wings. Birds have an elongated trapezoidal body.

White British

These birds are characterized by a white color with a slight silvery sheen. The scallop has a flat shape and a less saturated red tint. Also among white chickens there are birds with a pink comb.

This category of birds is characterized by pinkish eyes. The beak and claws are yellow or pinkish in color.

German Dwarf

In appearance, dwarf chickens are the same as British birds. Dimensions are considered a characteristic feature. Adult chickens weigh no more than 800 grams. The mass of a rooster can be 1 kilogram.

Productivity of Minorca chickens

Spanish and British chickens are raised for meat and eggs. The German dwarf breed is distinguished by its decorative purpose, since it cannot boast of high productivity.

Meat

On average, Minorca chickens weigh about 3 kilograms. The meat of these birds is characterized by excellent taste and high nutritional value. The product has a white tint and fits easily into the diet.

Egg

In the first year, hens are capable of producing 160-170 eggs, in the second - 140. Dwarf varieties produce no more than 120 eggs. Young hens give eggs weighing 60 grams, adults - 70-80 grams.

Dwarf laying hens have small eggs that weigh no more than 35 grams.

Character

These birds are considered quite shy. They are characterized by a slightly nervous character. Minorca practically do not fall into the hands of the owner. At the same time, they easily get along with other inhabitants of the poultry yard.

Benefits

The key advantages of the breed include the following:

• high survival rate of chicks;
• rapid development;
• early start of egg production;
• lots of eggs;
• high nutritional value of meat;
• calm character;
• attractive appearance.

Flaws

The disadvantages of the breed include the following:

• high sensitivity to cold;
• high humidity intolerance;
• shy disposition;
• lack of incubation instinct.

Specific content of the breed

To achieve high productivity of birds, it is worth providing them with favorable conditions.

Chicken coop

These birds are demanding on the conditions of detention. Birds need enough free space. In close quarters, they will not be able to develop normally.

Perches should be located 75 centimeters from the floor. The room needs to be insulated. It must be provided with high-quality ventilation. In winter, the bedding should be thick enough to keep the birds warm.

Temperature

The breed is considered to be very thermophilic. To avoid problems, the chicken coop should be insulated. Experienced poultry farmers are advised to treat sensitive areas of birds with fat. This will help prevent frostbite.

Without damage to he alth and productivity, birds can withstand temperatures of +8-10 degrees. It should be borne in mind that there should be no drafts or high humidity in the house. It is worth warming the room with mineral wool or polystyrene.

Place for walking

If there is not enough space for walking, the birds should be fed with less fatty food. If the area allows, the yard should be fenced with a net or slate. The height of the fence should be 1.5 meters. From above, the walking yard can not be covered, since these birds do not fly. The only exceptions are dwarf breeds.

The walking area should be sown with field grasses or cereals. Thanks to this, it will be possible to provide the birds with fresh herbs. It is advisable to pour chalk, gravel, shells on the site. In winter, it is worth making a shelter with perches on the site.

Drinkers and feeders

To keep your chicken coop dry and clean, you need to properly organize your drinkers and feeders. It is recommended to follow these rules:

1. Capacities for drinking and feeding are selected depending on the number, size, age of birds.
2. Dishes should be easy to clean from food and dirt. It is also recommended to systematically disinfect it.
3. For dry food, use wooden feeders. For wet food, plastic or metal containers are more suitable.
4. Drinkers should also be in the yard.
5. There must be enough water in the drinkers. She must be clean.

Shelt and lay break

Minorkas shed from 2 weeks to 6 months. During this period, their productivity drops to 80%. At the same time, egg laying does not stop completely. After the end of the molt, productivity is restored or even increased.

Planned herd replacement

The productive period can last from 8 months to 2-5 years. Then a scheduled replacement is required.

In order to breed a strong breed that will produce many eggs, the chicks must hatch in early spring.

Feeding adult chickens

It is recommended to feed the birds three times a day:

• in the morning they give food that contains a lot of proteins and vitamins;
• during the day they use mixers with sand included;
• Give whole grains in the evening.

In addition, grains, chopped raw or boiled vegetables, and whey may be present in the daily diet. Birds need greens, protein products, sunflower oil. They can be given fish and meat waste.

Separate feeders must be present in the house or aviary. They are filled with clean river sand, crushed chalk or shell rock.

Breeding

For hens of this breed, a weak maternal instinct is characteristic. Therefore, an incubator is required to breed chicks. To do this, it is worth selecting the eggs of chickens aged 1 year or older.Chicks can hardly tolerate the cold. Therefore, it is important to maintain a constant high temperature in the brooder, taking into account the age of the chickens.

Diseases and methods of dealing with them

Birds of this breed are highly susceptible to low temperatures. If kept in unfavorable conditions, the likelihood of colds is high.

In this case, you can see mucous secretions, an increase in temperature, increased breathing. Birds can lose their appetite and still feel very thirsty. To cope with problems, special medicines are used. The doctor may prescribe Biomycin or Furazolidone.

To avoid the development of infections, it is recommended that chicks be vaccinated in a timely manner. Of no small importance is the observance of sanitary and hygienic standards. In this case, it is worth following the following rules:

• systematically change bedding - at least once a year;
• clean up leftover food and pour fresh water daily;
• maintain stable temperature and humidity;
• avoid crowded chicken coop;
• systematically inspect birds and isolate sick individuals.

Minorca is a common breed of chickens, which are bred by many poultry farmers. To achieve great success in this matter, it is necessary to ensure optimal parameters of temperature and humidity. Equally important is a rational and balanced diet, as well as the prevention of dangerous diseases.

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