The origin of many breeds of decorative chickens leads to ancient China, India, Egypt and Malaysia. Breeding such birds for exhibitions, like thoroughbred dogs or cats, for aesthetic purposes, as well as beautiful parrots or to preserve the species, because some of the most beautiful breeds of these birds have already disappeared or are on the verge of extinction.
Shabo
One of the oldest breeds of chicken, which became the property of Asian culture. Such a chicken can have a different form of feathering and color, which makes the species very diverse. Nestlings are born small and require special attention and care. A distinctive feature of the bird are short legs. However, when breeding decorative chickens of this breed, it should be borne in mind that if you cross a cock and a chicken with short legs, then the chicks will not be viable. For this, parents are chosen in such a way that one bird has legs of medium length. However, chickens are selected from the offspring only with short legs - the requirement of the breed standard.
Shabo refers to dwarf decorative chickens and is one of the most hardy species.
Silk Chickens
The plumage of Chinese decorative chicken reminds a little hair, the silkiness of which is provided by a fragile stem of the feather. The bird has a round, chunky shape, a withered comb on its head, a red-blue crest and bluish lobes. The decorative Chinese chicken differs from the others in the presence of five fingers and dark blue skin. The color of the feathers can be black, white or yellow.
Bentamki
The name "bentamki" has united in itself many breeds of ornamental hens, which can be divided into 2 types:
- directly bentamki;
- miniature copies of large birds, such as: Hamburg, Kohin, Oryol, Langshan and others.
In turn, each group can be divided into subgroups: with feathers on legs and leg-throated. Each subgroup includes its varieties and breeds. The content of decorative chickens of this breed does not require much effort. Bentamka is not whimsical, has a cheerful cheerful character. Chicken is resistant to diseases, but it does not tolerate cold temperatures. Well rushes and is an excellent hen. Often it is used as a mother for other breeds of chicken, goslings and ducklings.
Phoenix
One of the most beautiful ornamental hens is, undoubtedly, Phoenix. It is derived in Japan. A distinctive feature of the breed is a long, chic tail. Its length can reach 10 meters! Contain such chickens on perches in tall narrow cells. For this bird have developed a special cage, which as much as possible could show the beauty of the bird. Is called a cell tomebako. However, that the bird does not sit too long, three times a day it must be strolled, winding the tail on a paperclip or laying on a trolley. While breeding Phoenix eggs, other birds are hatching, because this breed is extremely capricious.
Pavlovsky Chickens
There is no clear information about which breeds were used to create this type of decorative chicken. The breed is perfectly adapted to the severe Russian climate, and is also not whimsical for feeding. A hen can have a golden or
Padown
This breed was bred in England. A distinctive feature of these chickens is a large crest and a thick beard. The body has an elongated shape, covered with thick plumage. The color of the bird can be white, silvery, black, white-golden, golden, cuckoo and blue.