Chinese silk chicken: breed description and characteristics, cultivation, maintenance

Poultry breeding is connected with the choice of a suitable breed. In addition to the usual varieties, there are unique breeds. Many breeders are afraid to experiment, preferring the usual options, some believe that exotic species of unusual bird breeds require special care. When buying Chinese silk chicken, you should consider that it differs from conventional breeds in several ways.

Origin of the breed

The breed of Chinese crested natives has been known since the beginning of the 8th century. China is considered the birthplace of this breed. Chickens appeared on the territory of Europe after the 18th century, at the same time scientists identified the main reasons for the appearance of the variety:

• mutation of the gene responsible for the production of melanin;
• mutation of the gene responsible for the growth and formation of feathers.

Description and characteristics of Chinese silk chickens

Chinese Aborigines differ significantly from related breeds. The main differences relate to appearance.

Appearance of birds

Chinese silky hens are classified as decorative domestic. Outwardly, hens differ from roosters in several ways:

• combs of hens are black, those of roosters are purple;
• skin of chickens and roosters is black, the meat has a gray tint;
• on paws with 4 or 5 fingers;
• roosters weigh up to 3.1 kilograms, hens can weigh up to 2.2 kilograms.

The peculiarity of the plumage of silky chickens is explained by the fact that the feather has no hooks in its structure. Feathers do not connect, remaining soft, creating a downy coating. The color of the feathers can be different: from golden to light, white.

Productivity

Egg laying chickens start from 5-6 months. Every year they bring from 80 to 160 pieces. Eggs weigh about 35 grams. Shell color - light, creamy.

When shearing one chicken, you can get up to 150 grams of fluff, but this process is carried out on the eve of molting, so as not to deprive the chicken of natural protection for a long time.

Character and temperament of birds

Chinese silky chickens are often kept in petting zoos. They are friendly and get in touch with children. Birds do not show aggression, do not start fights with each other.

Pros and cons

Among the advantages of the breed are called excellent taste of meat, spectacular appearance. Many breeders note the friendly nature of the birds. The disadvantage can be considered the high cost of specimens, the unusual color of the meat, low egg laying rates.

Conditions and care

There are no special conditions for Chinese silky chickens. Particular attention is paid to the purity of the cells.

Information! Chinese chickens are very clean.

Chicken coop

Chicken coops are equipped with low perches, this is due to the fact that the breed does not fly. Nests are low, making them spacious and warm. For a comfortable stay, daily double cleaning is carried out.

Running space requirements

Walking for silky aborigines is arranged on any site. For fluff cleanliness, a place with stocks of green grass, without unnecessary objects, will be an advantage. In addition, the paddock must be protected from predators so that the chickens feel safe.

Advice! To avoid fights and brawls that other breeds can provoke, Chinese chickens are walked separately.

Installation of feeders and drinkers

Feeders and drinkers for chickens are washed daily. No food residues should accumulate at the bottom. Feeders and drinkers are set at a low level so that chickens have free access.

Frost resistance of the breed

The breed is resistant to low temperatures, however, to maintain he alth, birds need warming for the winter. Chickens do not like drafts, so the gaps in the winter racks are carefully sealed.

Seasonal molt

Chinese silky hens molt annually in the spring. There is a natural change of the pen, this period lasts up to 4 weeks. It is characterized by:

• stop laying eggs;
• slowness, weakness of chickens.

At this stage, breeders recommend increasing the amount of vitamins for chickens.

Planned herd replacement

Rooster lives in a flock for about 3 years, it is customary to change chickens after 4.5 years. The replacement of the herd is carried out in stages. To do this, choose one of the methods: crossbreeding is carried out, where there are from 7 to 10 hens per rooster. Or purchase chickens, which greatly simplifies and shortens the replacement process. Chickens of this breed are prone to incubation, so there are no problems with feeding and keeping chickens.

What to feed the birds

Feeding birds is of great importance, the egg laying rate, as well as the taste of meat, depend on it. The daily rate is divided into 3 meals, the diet includes:

• concentrated feed;
• potatoes and peels (50 grams per chicken);
• bread crusts soaked in water;
• green and juicy food;
• protein feed (buttermilk, whey).

Chickens are often given leftovers, but make sure they are small enough to chew on. During the summer season, chickens get worms, small insects, on the run.

Warning! Overfeeding or underfeeding has a negative effect on the general condition of the hens.

Selection and crossbreeding options

Selective crossing is carried out to improve the performance of parental qualities. When crossing white meat chickens and silky Chinese natives, the mutated gene will dominate. Home conditions are suitable for crossing, the only requirement is the separate keeping of crossed birds.

Information! Crossbreeding closely related chickens results in weak offspring.

Features of breeding

When raising chickens, the basic rules are observed:

• after hatching from the egg and in the first weeks of life in the house, the air temperature is maintained high - up to +30 degrees, then gradually reduced to +18;
• feeding regime includes frequent feeding: up to a month, chickens are fed every 2 hours, after 1 month - every 3 hours;
• the diet is gradually being expanded: yolk, cottage cheese are introduced, concentrated feed and special vitamins are being given.

Hatching instinct

The best option for raising chickens is to hatch a hen. In silky Chinese chickens, the incubation instinct is highly developed. Other chickens are often planted with chickens of this breed, they show patience, constantly take care of future offspring.

Chickens from the incubator

Hatching eggs are selected from the morning laying of hens, while not taking too large or too small eggs.It may take 15 to 20 days to hatch in an incubator. The period before hatching is related to maintaining the correct temperature and humidity. If the regimes are violated, biting may not occur. After the appearance of the chickens, they are cleaned under the lamp, for drying and adaptation, then they start nursing.

Main signs of a he althy chicken:

• stands steadily, moves independently;
• reacts to sound or light;
• developed pecking instinct;
• wings pressed to the body;
• tummy is soft and smooth.

Advice! Weak chicks are marked with brilliant green to be able to closely monitor their development.

Feeding young animals

For young animals, a special diet is provided. It should be 60 percent grains and vegetables.Young chickens are given boiled carrots with pounded boiled egg yolk. Gradually add cottage cheese. After reaching the age of one month, begin to add grain.

Diseases of silk chickens

Moisture in the poultry house is a particular danger for silk chickens. It often provokes the development of numerous diseases that lead to death.

Adults affected:

• pulmonary inflammation;
• poisoning;
• intestinal infections;
• rickets;
• coccidiosis.

For chickens, the danger is the invasion of fleas, ticks.

For the prevention of diseases, the necessary measures are taken to help prevent complications.

1. To increase immunity, be sure to include vitamin complexes for chickens in the diet. A preventive course is carried out in autumn and spring.
2. Controlling the purity of water matters. Drinkers must be free of debris, clean and filled with fresh water.
3. The house should be insulated in winter and ventilated in summer. Chinese chickens do not like drafts and temperature changes.

Information! Danger for chickens is high humidity. Also, they should not be left wet overnight.

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