The breed of Russian Crested hens: description, productivity and reviews

The breed of chickens Russian crested - one of the oldest and best of all, bred in our country. In homesteads it is contained mainly as a poultry meat-egg direction of productivity. Since the appearance of the Russian crested is very beautiful and original, some owners of suburban areas contain it, including as decorative.

History of the breed

The Russian crested hen was bred as a method of folk selection. In the XIX century it was held practically on all peasant farmsteads. There is also a version that the birthplace of this bird is Central Asia. But anyway, the word "Russian" was fixed in the name of the breed, apparently for good. At present, the experts of the club of lovers of the Khokhlatka and the Pavlovian hen are reviewing its standards. The fact is that over the course of a century the exterior of this bird underwent rather serious changes.

Description of the breed

Looks Russian crested breed of chickens (the photos presented on the page, clearly demonstrate this) is quite unusual. The main distinguishing feature of this bird is the presence on the head of a large crest. Also to the peculiarities of this age-old Russian breed include:

• Short legs. In males, they are slightly longer than in chickens.

• Strong beak. And laying hens, and males, it is slightly curved.

• Straight broad back.

• Straight, well developed tail. Poultry usually have braids.

• Strong, slightly lowered wings.

The Russian crested breed of chickens also has such a distinctive feature, like a scarlet face. The earlobes and earrings of this bird are bright red. Khokhol in chickens is better developed than in cockerels. In poultry, it usually has a spherical shape. At pawns, the crest is more like a mane and hangs to one side. This characteristic "cap" grows on the visceral hernia. This is called a hillock on the head of a chicken, which is a skin formation filled with the brain. The size of this hernia can be different. But thanks to its presence, the brains of the Russian crested are larger than those of other breeds.

With regard to the color of the bird, no special standards have been provided for by standards so far. However, more often on suburban farmsteads one can see white hens of this breed. There are also blue, black, golden-horned and cotton hottles.

Performance Indicators

In addition to high decorative qualities, the breed of chickens of the Russian Crested, as already mentioned, has economic value. In the XIX century, at a time when this species was most common, the weight of the males was about 2.7 kg, the chickens 1.8 kg. Today, the breed standards have changed a bit. Modern crested chicken weighs about 2.2 kg, cockerels - 3.5 kg. That is, this original bird can be successfully grown, including meat.

Good indicators regarding the number of eggs laid is also what distinguishes the Russian crested breed of chickens. Productivity of a bird in this plan makes 150-170 pieces. in year. The shell color of the eggs from the layers of this breed is usually creamy with a pinkish tinge. Sometimes there are white versions, as well as dark beige. The weight of one egg is usually 56-58 gr.

Fertility of eggs in these chickens is very good - almost one hundred percent. Approximately 20-30% of chickens are excreted without crochets. The overall safety of the young is 91%. There is also no large drop in adults on farms. In this case, the safety factor is approximately 93%.

Features of behavior

In the content of the breed of chickens, the Russian crested is very unpretentious. This bird is characterized by calm disposition and goodwill. The Khokhlatki are completely tame, but they are inquisitive and quick-witted birds. With other breeds of chickens, ducks, geese, etc., they get along very well. Even adult cocks with respect to each other aggression is extremely rare.

How to maintain

The withdrawal of the Russian crested breed of chickens, the description of which was given above, should receive about the same as any other poultry meat-egg direction of productivity. The only peculiarity of the contents of these chickens is the need to trim the crest in some individuals. The fact that an adult bird, he often closes his eyes. As a result, the chicken does not see food and drink, and in some cases may even go blind.

Cold, these birds are not afraid - can easily walk on the street, even in winter. However, it is better for them to build a shed warm. Otherwise, in the winter, they can reduce egg production. Previously, the Russian Crested, as already mentioned, were kept on common farmsteads. This contributed to the development of their good immunity. Viral diseases, these chickens are not sick almost never.

Of course, for Russian crested, as for any other poultry, good lighting and ventilation should be installed in the shed. You also need to install roosts and nests. The first is easiest to make from poles or from a bar 5x7 cm. Arrange the roosts at an altitude of about 60 cm from the floor. Nests are usually nailed to the wall of a house. Place them best in front of the roosts at the same level with them. Do not install the sockets next to the window. Nases are also usually filled from the opposite side. The floor in the henhouse should be covered with sawdust or straw.

Feeding

In the first weeks of life chickens of Russian crested breed are usually given a grated egg mixed with grain. In the subsequent fed with mashed bread, bran, wheat. Of course, chickens should receive all the vitamins and trace elements they need. In barnacles should be added special bait, chalk and a little salt. Also very useful for these chickens can be fish or clover flour, dairy products, corn, shell. In the mushrooms, you should always put root vegetables: grated carrots and beets.

Forage feed the Russian crested breed should receive three meals a day. In the morning, the bird is given a little grain, a mashed bread with bran for dinner and wheat in the evening. In the hen house, it is necessary to put a cup with small pebbles or large sand. Water should be changed more often.

What can be the shape of the crest

Breeding chickens of this breed in many farms, as well as poultry. The shape of the tuft is usually spherical. However, individuals can also be found with other types of "caps". The pappus in these hens is:

• Protruding;

• Spreading (in the form of a fountain);

• Sheaf-like;

• Round;

• Helmet-shaped.

All these varieties, without exception, give Russian crested chickens an absolutely unique original appearance. Combs in the standards of representatives of the breed are allowed both pink and leafy. The second species is more common.

Russian crested breed of hens: reviews of owners of household plots

Opinion about this breed among farmers was not bad. As noted by many poultry farmers, this chicken for good care is very responsive. With the proper feeding of eggs from it, you can get even more than is stipulated by the standards. Some owners of chickens carry an average of 200-210 pieces per year.

The critters themselves are considered smart chicken. Many owners of household plots at specialized forums talk about the fact that they understand the owner from a half-word and behave very obediently. The males show a lot of care about chickens. Nesushki at the same time show just excellent maternal qualities.