Today, the number of chicken breeds adapted for breeding on poultry farms is an impressive figure. Each of them has its own advantages and disadvantages, but at the same time many are quite similar, since they descended from the same wild chickens, having changed in the process of evolution.
Let's take a closer look at one of the most exotic types of laying hens, the history of the origin of which is still a topic for discussion by zoologists. How is the Chinese silk chicken different from its feathered relatives?
Silk breed of chickens
Origin story.
The silk chicken breed has a very rich history, because it has been known for a long time. Modern mankind is already accustomed to the fact that most interesting things come from China. This also applies to chickens. They have been known for about 1000 years. Ancient philosophers and travelers mentioned its existence in their writings.
This exotic was brought to the territory of Russia in the 18th century. It is still most widespread in Asia. Notes about it can be found even in the writings of the famous traveler Marco Polo.
For all the time of its existence, the nest has been overgrown with myths. Some argued that it was game at all, while others said that the tender plumage was the result of the "marriage" of rabbits to the nest. People are used to finding some kind of supernatural explanation for what they do not understand, but often this has no scientific, but even logical, justification.
Among scientific theories of the origin of the species, so far none have found sufficient evidence to be recognized as the only true one. Some scientists are inclined to argue that the snare is a consequence of involutionary gene changes fixed by selection.
Others claim that it is one of the species of mountain Himalayan wild birds that has been domesticated and subjected to breeding activities.
Origin
Chinese silk chickens are one of the oldest breeds in the world. Chickens with black skin and amazing plumage have been known since the early Middle Ages, from the moment Europeans reached China.
In the land of the rising sun, the breed was bred as decorative and industrial. However, traditional Europe and America, where the birds came in the 18-19 centuries, for a long time considered the bird as a decorative, exhibition and developed in this direction.
And to this day, European breeders do not attach much importance to the productive qualities of Silks (as this breed is abbreviated in Russia). Meanwhile, in their homeland, chickens are kept in factories and are used to produce eggs and meat.
External signs
- The main feature is the presence of a flexible rod in the feathers, due to which the coat is so delicate and soft. Lots of fluff. The fur coat is soft and pleasant to the touch - like a cat's fur. Because of this, they were called silk or snares (Silkie).
- Asian women have 5 toes, which are colored blue and black. Also, the legs are dressed in feather pants.
- Bones are black, skin and even muscle tissue are dark gray - this is the work of a natural pigment called eumelanin.
- The body is medium-sized, has a round shape, with a wide back and a developed chest.
- The neck is medium, the head is small, graceful.
- A fluffy feather cap flaunts on the head, slightly thrown back. This knot owes its "aristocratic" appearance to its "diadem".
- The crest is warty and not too large - this is common in crested species.
- The beak is elongated and curved, painted black, with a blue tint.
- The weight of the "lady" is up to 1 kg. The leader is larger - about 1.5 kg.
- The fundamental difference is that the silk breed of chickens has a monochromatic color, and blotches are considered a deviation from the standard. Except for the cuckoo and wild varieties.
There are several different color options for "fur coats". It can be white, blue, black, yellow, orange, etc. White is considered to be the main color.
Description
Chinese silk is formed according to the egg type of chickens - a lean, but strong and dense body, well-raised chest. The legs are of medium length, the metatarsus are feathered. The neck is short.
The main difference in the description of the Silk chicken breed is the color and structure of the feather and skin. Plumage - silky, long soft feathers do not have a coarse shaft, puff. The tail is short and almost completely hidden under the feather of the back.
They have a pom-pom-shaped tuft on their heads, sometimes covering their eyes. In roosters, plaits stand out and the tuft is thrown back. The presence of a beard and tanks is possible (in this case, there is no tuft).
The skin, bones, metatarsus, beak, crest are bluish-black, gray in color. Any shades of red, crimson and pink are unacceptable. Earrings are gray or gray-gray with a white glint, turquoise.
The eyes are black or dark brown. The scallop in chickens is practically absent, in roosters it is nut-like, with underdeveloped processes. Sometimes it has a clear horizontal division into two parts.
Farmers describe Silk Chickens as small birds. The rooster reaches 2.5 kg of weight, the chicken - 2.1 kg. There are dwarf Silks that match the characteristics of the bantams. But the native bird is usually larger.
The eggs are small, on average 35 gr., Egg production 80-180 pcs. per year, the beginning of the ovipositor - from 5-6 months. Meat and egg, according to reviews, are delicious, although they look unusual. The carcass is low-fat, slightly different from poultry in a thicker skin.
Acceptable colors
There are many colors of Chinese silk chickens. Most popular:
The basic "native" variety is white.
Silk character
Not only their appearance, but also their soul is unusual for these quads. They are very calm, friendly and helpful. They love affection and gladly climb the owner's arms to be stroked. Very quickly get used to the owner.
They behave moderately actively, even restrained - as befits aristocrats. The ladies are a little awkward, which makes them look even funnier.
Roosters are lively defenders of their family, but they will never attack without a real reason. But nevertheless, it is better to keep furry peasants separately - they can arrange duels among themselves for the primacy and attention of beautiful ladies.
If the chickens are frightened by something or someone, they huddle together and snuggle up to each other. Ordinarily, they value personal space and like to "rest" from each other in the nooks and crannies of the poultry house.
Interesting Facts
- Black meat of this bird is served as a rare delicacy in elite restaurants of Europe and the world. In some Asian restaurants, chefs use it to prepare their signature dishes with secret recipes.
- In the Chinese pharmaceutical industry, snares are used to obtain powerful stimulants, dietary supplements and other drugs, the effectiveness of which has been scientifically proven. Even in ancient times, meat, unique in its chemical composition, was used for the treatment of serious diseases.
Growing up and the first eggs
Puberty in fluffy beauties proceeds at the usual pace - they can not be called either early or late. They reach full sexual maturity by 6.5-7 months.In the same period, already matured layers begin to lay small eggs - each weighing no more than 35 grams. The shell of such "crumbs" is light, delicately creamy.
In terms of their egg production, Chinese women cannot compete with other breeds, but nevertheless, for a decorative type, 100 pieces per year is not such a bad result. These cute creatures rush for a long time - about 3-4 years.
Selection
Separate mention should be made of the results of crossing the Chinese silk with other breeds. Often this allows you to maintain the dark color of meat and skin, but increase weight and egg production.
In addition, in this way, breeders avoid imbreeding, using the method of absorption crossbreeding, when there is a lack of stock. At the same time, the generation of the first crossing is subsequently crossed only with Silks, which restores the typical feather cover.
Crossing options
- with Brahms, Orpingtons (weight gain);
- Yurlovsky, Leghorns, Rhode Islands (egg weight increases);
- Araukanami (the egg is larger and green);
- Sussex (autosex chickens).
Many poultry farmers are motivated by curiosity to start Chinese silk chickens. However, the bird is so good, affectionate to the owner and original that it fully justifies this choice.
Incubation instinct
Owners of Chinese furry are also fortunate in that they have a well-developed maternal instinct. Like no other bird, the black Asian takes care of her chicks and also accepts foundlings.
Hens are attracted to perform parental duties in breeding pheasants and other wild birds, and are also invited to incubate eggs of other breeds that have lost their maternal qualities in the process of breeding.
If you want to breed Chinese women, it is best to do it with the help of a brood hen, not an incubator. Under the brood hen, they will always be in optimal temperature conditions, which is very important for fledgling squeaks.
Fluffy chicks
Asian mothers hatch up to 85% of the eggs, and babies are born with high survival rates - up to 90%. Babies are born very tiny and need warmth. After drying, you can see a small fluff in the place of the future crest. They can be of different colors depending on the variety.
Already in daily crumbs, a special round structure of the body, the color of the beak and metatarsus are guessed. Closer to 1.5 months, it is already possible to distinguish boys from girls. Future leaders are larger, have a more developed crest.
Children fledge for a long time, and at this time it is important to maintain optimal temperature readings so that they do not overcool, because this will affect their health and vitality.
The fact that children belong to an exotic species does not in any way affect the diet and care. They, like all other crumbs, need clean bedding, balanced nutrition, disease prevention and warmth. Here are some tips for caring for the younger generation.
- For the week after birth, keep the temperature in the chick room at 30 degrees. With each subsequent one, you can lower it by 3 degrees.
- Feeding is traditional, according to age. In the diet of the 1st week, eggs, herbs, ground cereals. Then add ground shells, vitamin supplements, fermented milk products and preferably a little fish oil. It is beneficial for the immunity and plumage of babies.
- The water should be purified with the addition of potassium permanganate in a small amount so as not to damage the digestive tract of babies.
- Half of the daily ration of young animals should consist of greens and boiled vegetables.
- Hygiene requirements are the same as for growing chicks.
- At a very early age, cubs already need preventive measures in order to get protection from unwanted infections to which young and immature organisms are susceptible.
Breeding nuances
The first thing you should pay attention to is the tendency to hatch. The only way to completely artificially incubate is by keeping the Chinese silk chicken in a cage.
Otherwise, most females become brooders, and then caring mothers. Some poultry farmers use this for their own purposes, breeding rare breeds of birds and even ducks under them (in the latter case, the eggs must be sprayed).
For breeding, the bird is kept separately from the rest, dividing by color. Roosters are very active, therefore it is not recommended to keep more than one male (and one spare) for 7-10 females. The spare with the main male needs to be changed after 1-2 months.
Layers of Silks can be operated for up to five years. At the same time, egg production decreases, but the percentage of fertilization does not. Males are rejected earlier, after 2-3 years of work.
It is quite difficult to form families, since the sex of a bird can be reliably distinguished only by secondary characteristics. They develop by the time of puberty, most often after 4 months.
Caring for offspring in the blood of these chickens.
Incubated Chinese silk hen chicks can be added to a brood hen that has recently raised its own chicks, and she will look after them and protect them. This is best done in the dark.
The survival rate of chickens depends on the conditions of detention, but most often the Silk babies are tenacious and active, with good immunity. When hatching in crested birds, a fontanelle (cerebral hernia) is visible on the head, which overgrows over time.
From an early age, chickens need large grains of sand for digestion, feeding with bifidobacteria and high-quality compound feed appropriate for age. Greens can be added to the diet starting from the second week.
Adult silk chicken menu
Adult laying hens are unpretentious in their diet and gladly absorb the diet of traditional chicken cuisine. But, based on the breed characteristics, there are still several nuances. Here are the nutritional rules.
- The menu should consist of 55% of dry grains, it is better if there are several types of it. Wheat, rye, barley are excellent food staples.
- To maintain the beauty of the "fur coat" 2-3 times a week, give hens seeds of nettle, sunflower and oatmeal. Just do not overdo it - these are fatty foods, and because of them, problems with the "figure" can begin, and then with health and productivity.
- The winter diet should be rich in dried grass (nettles, alfalfa), hay, and vitamin supplements.
- Fish, egg and shell flour - at least 4-5 times a week.
- Wet mash with boiled vegetables is served warm in winter, but only in small quantities so that the food does not ferment.
- In the summer, give the hens the opportunity to get vitamins while walking - nibbling greens, eating insects and other bird delicacies.
Productivity indicators
Unusual meat just looks weird. It tastes quite tender, soft and juicy. Moreover, the fibers of the muscles of the snare are the richest in nutrients, easily digestible protein, minerals and vitamins. The carcass is characterized by the absence of a fat layer, the skin is quite thick.
Chickens begin to lay early enough - by the age of five months, the young are ready to give eggs. The taste of the product is excellent. The eggs themselves are not too large, up to 35 grams, one hen annually is able to provide the production of 80-180 pieces.
An unusual property of Chinese silk chickens is the ability to shear, which makes it possible to obtain an analogue of sheep's wool, suitable for spinning. For two treatments of a chicken, you can get up to 150 g of a fleece.
Features of keeping silk Chinese chickens
Unlike most decorative and exotic breeds, Asian beauties are not at all finicky, they easily adapt to any climatic conditions, are frost-resistant and hardy. They can only be kept in an unheated room during mild winters.
Chickens tolerate frost up to 5 degrees easily, without sores and reduced productivity. Their comb and earrings do not suffer from this temperature, but at lower values, problems can arise.
In addition, they will not take offense at the owners for the cellular content, and will also gratefully delight them with their testicles. Although birds with the ability to walk show a higher survival rate.
Chinese beauties need the same conditions as everyone else. But, there are still several nuances - Asian women have 2 problems. It is parasites and solar activity that spoils the beautiful fluff.
Productivity
The meat and eggs of the Chinese silk are considered delicious and healing at home. The medicinal properties of meat, according to doctors, lie in the presence of a large amount of eumelanin, which is an effective antioxidant, enterosorbent, and microflora regulator.
At the same time, the carcasses of a purebred bird are small, but well muscled. At seven months, the net weight of males reaches 0.7-0.8 kg.
If you plan to use eggs for food, it is worth considering that the number of chickens per rooster must be reduced, then the probability that the hen will sit on the nest is less. With the cell content, egg production increases by 20-30% compared to the floor.
On the left in the photo - a silk chicken egg against the background of a tape measure, on the right - in comparison with a conventional meat and egg breed for size estimation.
Molting, break and completion of egg production
The hen has no juvenile molt. But every year in the spring season, she renews her beautiful clothes, like most of her relatives. A pronounced molt indicates the egg-bearing qualities of layers. During this period, the hosts are temporarily left without testicles.
But, after a month, the fur coat, like the egg-laying, are restored. This is a special period when the blackbirds are most vulnerable and in need of human help. Do not rush to worry about the drowsiness and lethargy of chickens - this is a normal state for them during the moulting period. Just give them more vitamins to end this nightmare as soon as possible.
Time is inexorable even for chickens, and after 3-4 years they will not be able to be as effective as in their youth. Therefore, take care of a new generation that can replace the diligent layers.
disadvantages
- Silk chickens are expensive (an adult is $ 50, and children are $ 7).
- Low productivity.
That's all there is to know about fluffy Chinese women. Good luck and success! Share the material on social networks with your friends!
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How to feed the young?
From the moment the chicks emerge, they need to be fed regularly. Until the age of one month, they are fed every two hours, and then gradually, for 5-10 minutes, the time between meals is increased to three hours. Low-fat cottage cheese, yogurt or kefir are gradually introduced into the diet of the chicks, and then boiled root vegetables and fresh finely chopped knotweed, nettle or dandelion greens. It is important to gradually include grain in the diet of chickens, starting with finely ground corn, semolina or millet. The diet of growing poultry should consist of 50-60% of cereals, fresh herbs and boiled vegetables.
