Phoenix chickens: description of the breed, maintenance and care, reviews

Advantages and disadvantages

Before you start breeding chickens of this breed, you should consider all the advantages and disadvantages of these birds. Phoenixes are a breed of chickens that require careful care.

• The long tail of the rooster needs to be cleaned daily, as during the day it collects all the dirt and small debris;
• In the warm season, chickens need fresh air and walks. Therefore, it is absolutely impossible to keep them in a locked room;
• Roosters with a long tail (more than 2 meters) are not able to walk independently without help from a person. For a comfortable walk, the cockerels should be installed with a special holder or walked on your hands, which is not very convenient for both.

It is because of these disadvantages that many farmers prefer dwarf bantams to the phoenix. Chickens of this breed have small beautiful tails, but in terms of beauty of appearance they are in no way inferior to the phoenix. They are not only more economical to maintain, but also tastier. Phoenix eggs are also inferior in taste to many other chicken breeds.

All about young animals

In 90% of cases, phoenix chicks survive. They have good immunity and appetite, thanks to which they grow quickly.

Chickens should be kept at an optimal temperature of 25 degrees. To do this, turn on infrared lamps.

Diet plays an important role in raising phoenix chicks. How to feed them correctly for 40 days can be found in the table:

The diet is presented in grams per head.

If it is not possible to balance the diet, then from the tenth day the chickens are given special feed additives according to the instructions.

Where to buy the breed

It is difficult to buy the breed in Russia; this variety is popular only with experienced poultry farmers. It is better to buy Phoenix chickens abroad in clubs for connoisseurs of the breed. A certificate of conformity must be required.

In Japan, the sale of phoenix birds is prohibited by law. The only possibility of acquisition is participation in annual agricultural exhibitions and exchange for chickens of other breeds. All actions must be legally recorded. At exhibitions you can purchase breeds that have more than 95 points according to the 100-point evaluation system.

Recently, communities of phoenix breed connoisseurs have emerged among domestic farmers. You should look for current information on specialized websites and forums. Amateurs do not provide documents, but they also have purebred breeds with very high performance.

Dwarf phoenixes are bred in Germany. The ring size of a hen is VIII and that of a rooster is VII; in ordinary breeds this figure is V and IV, respectively.

How did this breed appear?

These birds were bred in China about two thousand years ago. Then the breed was given the name “Fen-Huang”; it was a symbol of the feminine principle in the animal world.

Then these birds were brought to the Japanese Islands, and it was there that they began to intensively breed these beautiful ornamental individuals. But there are descendants of these chickens in various provinces of China. They are distinguished by the purple color of their plumage, as well as their long tail.

According to Feng Shui, it is necessary to breed phoenix chickens in the southern half of the plot, and then wealth awaits the family. The poultry house, which is built in this part of the yard for these chickens, will help the family get out of poverty and live in prosperity in the future.

White phoenix rooster in a cage

Probably, this lucky guy with a long tail is where the saying came from: “Catch your luck by the tail.” These chickens were also attributed a relationship with the phoenix bird, which is regularly reborn from the ashes (hence one of the names of the breed). And in Japan this breed was called “Onagadori” (the second name is “Yokohama-tosa”). Japanese breeders have put a lot of effort into improving the appearance of these individuals. And thanks to their efforts, some individuals “grew” a tail longer than 10 meters.

In the Land of the Rising Sun, these birds were considered a symbol of the state, and only the emperor and the nobles close to him could keep them. And to this day, it is simply unrealistic to take representatives of Onagadori out of this country, since it is considered a shrine of Japan and cannot be sold; it is also impossible to kill it for moral and ethical reasons. Such a violation is subject to a large fine.

Phoenix chicken and rooster

The only way to obtain a Yokohama Tosa is to make an exchange, but such a transaction is also fraught with a lot of difficulties. Males of this species are always present at all poultry and agricultural exhibitions. And only there it is possible to exchange Onagadori individuals for other purebred chickens. The spread of the Japanese branch of phoenixes is possible only in this way.

Therefore, representatives of another branch of this breed, the Germanic, are currently widespread in the world, and this article will talk about them.

Features of keeping Phoenix chickens

Considering all the exterior features of the described breed, it is not surprising that the conditions of keeping and caring for birds will differ from similar actions when breeding chickens of other breeds

First of all, you should pay attention to the arrangement of the poultry house and walking yard, but do not forget about a suitable diet and other aspects of care.. Did you know? Interesting! The Japanese attribute a lot of supernatural abilities to phoenix chickens, in particular, attracting good luck and great wealth

It is believed that with a responsible attitude and increased attention to birds, they will definitely thank their owner.

Did you know? Interesting! The Japanese attribute a lot of supernatural abilities to phoenix chickens, in particular, attracting good luck and great wealth. It is believed that with a responsible attitude and increased attention to birds, they will definitely thank their owner.

Conditions and arrangement of the poultry house

Phoenixes require a spacious, clean and warm room in which, even in the coldest winters, the air temperature will remain at +8...+12°C, and the humidity will not exceed 70%. In addition, we should not forget about the need for a constant flow of oxygen, which will be ensured by properly functioning ventilation systems.

It is advisable that the floor in the chicken coop be wooden, since the concrete base is not capable of retaining heat. Perches are arranged at a height of at least 120 cm, always taking into account the length of the rooster’s tail. The bedding can be straw or made from wood shavings, but in any case you will have to constantly monitor its cleanliness.

In the chicken coop, it is also useful to set up an area for caring for the feathers of chickens, with the obligatory presence of a wooden box filled with ash and dry fine sand.

When choosing a place to build a chicken coop, give preference only to elevated areas, well protected from gusts of cold wind, and when choosing the material for the structure, take care of its sufficient insulation (wood would be a good option).

To maintain cleanliness in the chicken coop, you will have to clean it every day, promptly removing parts of food and excrement stuck in the litter.

Important! Keeping phoenixes without walking is possible for no longer than five days (for example, due to bad weather), but in the future, for the birds’ good health, they will have to be taken out for a walk.

Walking yard

The design features of the walking fence also largely depend on the length of the birds’ tail. For young individuals that have not yet grown three-meter feathers, you can arrange special perches in the walking area, and cover the soil in the fence with mown grass, hay or other similar material (if grass does not grow there).

Also, do not forget about the flight qualities of phoenixes, which allow them to easily overcome obstacles about two meters high. For this reason, when arranging perches or installing perches, do not forget about the “roof” in this place - for example, in the form of a mesh.

If there are few birds, and they all have breeding value, you can walk them like any other small animal, that is, in your hands. To fix excessively long tail feathers, they are wound on special holder perches.

In winter, birds can be released directly into the snow without fear for their health. With moderate walks and even eating snow, the birds should not get sick - of course, if after walking they are sent back to a warm chicken coop.

Feeders and drinkers

Due to the length of the phoenix's tail, it is inconvenient for them to eat directly from the floor, so drinkers and feeders are installed on a hill next to the perches. This way, decorative chickens can eat without straining their body or bending their long tail.

Important! Phoenix chickens lay their first egg at the age of 6-7 months, and sometimes even later, which is explained by the late onset of reproductive age.

Seasonal molting and break in egg production

As mentioned above, the plumage of phoenixes changes in stages throughout life, so owners will not encounter seasonal molting and cessation of egg laying in chickens. A decrease in egg production may be due to other factors and, above all, improper living conditions or an unbalanced diet, which, in addition to the lack of egg laying, will be evidenced by the appearance of the birds: the feathers will not be so shiny, and growth and weight gain may stop completely.

Keeping adult birds

These large birds love a lot of space; it is advisable to provide them with a good place to walk, good nutrition and exceptionally good living conditions.

Kurnik

The Bress Gallic bird is not adapted to harsh climatic conditions, therefore, when kept in northern and middle latitudes, you will need to carefully insulate the chicken coop and ensure a good microclimate inside it.

1. The room is cleared of debris, all surfaces are whitewashed, and dried.
2. For insulation, the floor is covered with boards or tin. It will protect the chickens from hypothermia and prevent the entry of any rodents.
3. Containers for food and water are installed at the bottom. There must be enough for everyone, otherwise the birds will begin to fight for food, showing aggression and cannibalism towards each other.
4. Place a basin with sand, clay or ash in a place convenient for the chickens. Dry baths are necessary to protect against various feather and skin parasites.
5. Additionally, they set up perches at a height of 40-50 cm; in secluded places they place boxes filled with straw or hay (nests) at the rate of one nest for five laying hens.

The optimal amount of space in a chicken coop per individual is at least 1 m². With greater crowding, birds begin to get sick and behave aggressively, which leads to fights, slower growth and decreased productivity.

Walking yard

One head requires less than 10 m² of area. The walking area is fenced with a net, slate or fence. They do not cover it from above, since birds of this breed have poor flying abilities and there is no need to be afraid that they will fly away.

The pasture for chickens is sown with cereals or clover. Feeders with gravel, shell rock and chalk are placed in the corners. They also install drinkers - preferably nipple or groove ones, because... they keep the water clean and fresh longer.

Feeding rules

The basis of feeding this breed is compound feed - a mixture of different grain crops and nutrients.

You can purchase it at a specialty store or prepare it yourself by mixing wheat (barley), corn, meat and bone (fish) meal, sunflower meal and minerals in a ratio of 4:3:1:1:1. Consumption per individual per day - 120 g.

The food during free range is more varied - in addition to the main food, the birds are given fresh greens, grass, mash of grated vegetables, fruits, and root vegetables.

In the winter season, grass meal, chopped pieces of cabbage, and beets serve as a substitute for succulent feed. They give boiled mashed potatoes, but in moderation. They also offer shells, chalk, and powdered eggshells mixed into the food.

To compensate for the lack of vitamins and minerals, premixes, sprouted wheat, barley, rye or oats are added to food.

Molting and break in egg production

Chickens molt in spring

Usually this process in laying hens begins in the spring - the loss of almost all feather cover occurs. During molting, Bresse Gallic chickens stop laying eggs.

The breeder should provide increased and proper feeding, keeping them in a place separate from other individuals, and clean, fresh drinking.

During the period of feather change, reduce foods with increased amounts of vitamins A, E and fish oil. Chickens are given corn, wheat, and other foods enriched with fiber and protein daily.

Molting lasts from 2.5 to 3.5 months, after which the bird returns to normal and restores its productivity.

Care

Given the large length of the tail, roosters need a high perch, the optimal height of which should be 130 cm. The chicken coop needs to be cleaned regularly, this is especially necessary in the cold season, when the birds spend most of their time there. The most comfortable place for birds to walk is considered to be an aviary, the size of which is 5 m2 per phoenix family. Also, when arranging a chicken coop, you need to take into account the characteristics of the bird’s tail. It is best to place the water bottle and feeder directly next to the perch so that they can eat without leaving it.

Phoenix chickens need daily walks.

Roosters with a tail less than two meters walk around the enclosure without outside help. A tail of more than 2 meters interferes with the rooster when walking, so it needs to be twirled around a curler or held in the hands.

It is not recommended to keep chickens in an incubator all the time. They, just like adults, need daily walks. Fresh air and sun have a beneficial effect on the health of young animals and also strengthens the immune system.

Features of caring for Phoenix chickens

The very long tail of roosters makes caring for the flock difficult. The perches should be high, preferably the length of the tail. The floor requires constant cleaning and replacement of the bedding, which increases the area of ​​the room per individual.

Litter should be replaced regularly

If the length of the tail does not exceed 2 meters, then walking can be done without supervision. Longer tails require constant supervision; sometimes they are wound on special curlers.

If the phoenix's tail is less than 2 meters, walking can be done without supervision

Phoenixes fly well; it is advisable to fence the paddocks at the top with a net. The breed is frost-resistant, but is afraid of drafts indoors. The speed of air movement in the room during natural ventilation should not exceed 0.5 m/s. Perches should be located in “dead zones” with no air movement. Ventilation in these areas should occur only through air convention.

Phoenix chickens fly quite well, you need to remember this when sending birds for a walk

Content Rules

This breed of chicken requires special attention. Keeping birds includes a certain microclimate in the chicken coop. Very good ventilation is required. The room temperature should not fall below +5 C in winter. And ideally, the average temperature should be approximately +12 C (maybe a little higher).

It is allowed not to let the bird go outside for several days if weather conditions do not permit. The main thing is that on those days when it snows outside or is severely frosty, the room is dry and warm. Don't forget that the barn must be perfectly clean.

These birds rarely molt, so they require special conditions. Place a wooden box in the chicken coop, fill it with sand and ash. In it, your chickens will independently disinfect their feathers. When creating a poultry house, consider the height of the perches. Since the rooster has a very long tail, the height of the wooden installations should be sufficient to ensure that the males' tail does not reach the floor.

If you decide to make concrete floors, then they should only serve as a base for the bedding. Unfortunately, bare wood floors encourage mice and rats to breed. Therefore, choose the best option

The presence of a large amount of natural light in the room is very important, and the room itself should consist of wood and be insulated. This will make it easier for you to maintain the temperature and desired humidity.

The presence of drafts is unacceptable.

Cage keeping of this breed is also unacceptable. Otherwise, the plumage may deteriorate. Place perches very far from the front door, windows and vents. The perch should be approximately 35cm wide and placed in the darkest part of the coop.

Considerable attention should be paid to those individuals that are intended for exhibitions. A rooster with a tail not exceeding 2 meters can walk in the fresh air on his own

If the tail exceeds this threshold, then it is necessary to monitor such an important pet and wind specialized curlers around its tail. This breed of chickens flies well, and therefore the walking areas need to be fenced with a net around the entire perimeter and even on top. It is quite difficult to buy young animals for breeding the Phoenix breed in Russia. Therefore, buy specimens for breeding abroad and ask for a certificate confirming the purity of the breed.

Chicken coop for Phoenix

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The peculiarities of keeping the bird come from the fact that it has a large, beautiful tail. So not every chicken coop is suitable for Phoenixes.

Chicken coop photo

• The size of the room must be significant. Of course, mansions are not needed, but for one tailed rooster you need at least a square meter of free space. As for chickens, up to 3 individuals can be housed per square area.
• Perches are located at a height of 1.2-1.4 meters from the floor. They make stairs, special steps, if necessary, but the main thing is that they are not low!
• The poultry house is maintained to exemplary cleanliness. The reason is the same tail. If it is dirty, it will start to get very dirty and even regular cleaning will not help. This will lead to feather damage, possibly discoloration, not to mention the development of microbes and insects in the bird's feathers.
• There must be a walk outside. Phoenix chickens love to walk. It may be inconvenient for some individuals to move due to the length of the tail, but for them it is extremely important! It is advisable to make a spacious enclosure, fenced not only from the sides, but also from the top, and plant low trees inside. Then chickens and roosters will be able not only to walk, but also to climb higher so that their tails hang beautifully and decorate the yard.

Important!

Walking not only lifts the bird's spirits, but also has a positive effect on the feather color and immunity of Phoenix chickens.

• Insulation of the chicken coop is done to reduce the risk of colds and frostbite of the legs, comb and earrings. But it is worth noting that the bird is practically not afraid of cold weather. She easily walks through the snow and pecks at it. You can only let Phoenixes outside in winter only in dry, sunny weather.

Origin of the breed

The birthplace of the Phoenix is ​​China, where they are still protected and honored. Birds are believed to represent the feminine principle. There is also an assumption that the mystical bird “Phoenix” is distant relatives of chickens, and this is what the modern name is associated with. Phoenix chickens were bred in the imperial palaces, but they were not used for food. Birds were raised only by very wealthy people; even now not everyone can afford to keep this breed.

Purchasing poultry is problematic, since it is prohibited to sell them in China, and there is a fine for this. You can acquire a decorative chicken only by exchanging it for some other equally valuable individual. Over time, breeders became interested in the breed, and they managed to remove the gene responsible for seasonal molting. Therefore, the plumage of birds changes evenly over five years.

A distinctive feature of unusual chickens is the tail; in just one year it can grow by 90 cm. In roosters of Japanese selection, it can reach a length of ten meters. According to Feng Shui, birds bring good luck and prosperity to their owners; it is better to keep them on the south side of the farmstead. The Phoenix breed gained enormous popularity in Japan, where it was given its name - Onagadori. The value of roosters depended on the length of the tail; the longer it was, the better. Even the work of scientists was aimed at increasing this indicator. Breeders continue to work to improve the breed; research is taking place in Nagoya.

Selection work was carried out not only in Eastern countries. The breed also attracted the attention of the Germans; they are more practical, which is why roosters of German selection have a tail length of only three meters. There is also a dwarf variety of birds, they are incredibly beautiful, but their tail grows no more than 1 m.

Features of feeding

The standard poultry feeding regime is 2 times a day. They are fed using a simple method, although Japanese Phoenix chickens eat in cages, where they live. Food is served to them in special feeders, because it is inconvenient for them to eat from the floor - there are no such problems with German species.

Rare and elite breeds of chickens photo

In the morning, soft food is usually given - mash. In the evening they feed concentrated food - grains, mixed feed. There are no nutritional requirements for poultry, these are not broilers and they don’t need a lot of eggs, the main thing is that the food is fresh. During the day, if the bird wants it, it will find succulent food on the walk.

Breeding rules

As already mentioned, phoenix chickens are not able to hatch chicks on their own. Therefore, their eggs are placed in incubators or placed on the roost of chickens of a different breed. Remember that you need to observe the temperature regime when it comes to an incubator.

To do this, place no more than 12 eggs in it (do not be greedy, otherwise the chicken will not cope with the task). Check their viability when the hen is “away” on her business (under no circumstances drive her out of her place). It is better to remove spoiled eggs approximately 3 days after the main part of the chickens hatch. It is advisable not to touch them with your hands (otherwise the hen may abandon the nest, and you will have to deal with the brood yourself).

After all the chicks have hatched, dried out and warmed up, try to carefully lower the perch lower so that the hen removes the chicks from the nest on her own. The first walks in the fresh air will be possible on day 4 (the weather should be warm and sunny outside). Until this time, the quonka will have time to teach her brood the rules of behavior. Those chickens that were hatched in an incubator are kept in a warm box for approximately 8-10 days (at an optimal temperature of + 25-30 C). For heating it is best to use infrared lamps.

Their survival directly depends on a properly selected diet. Dishes must be clean and in the same place. Availability of water is required. For this you need special drinking bowls. Do not add manganese to water. Natural immunity disappears from it.

How to feed chickens (per chicken per day).

• The first 5 days: cottage cheese – 1-2 g, greens 1 g, egg 1-2 g.
• Days 6-10: cottage cheese – 2-3 g, egg – 3 g, grains – 3 g, greens – 5 g, mineral feed – 0.5 g.
• From 11 to 20 days: cottage cheese – 5 g, greens – 10 g, grains – 10 g, mineral feed – 1 g.
• From 30 to 40 days: cottage cheese – 6 g, greens – 12 g, grains – 12-15 g, mineral feed – 1.5 g.

When feeding adults, it is necessary to take into account the fact that this breed is not characterized by high egg production. Therefore, their diet should not be very high in calories. It is better to add more mineral supplements to your food, which improve the condition of the plumage. It is necessary to feed according to the following scheme (how much feed is required per head per day): succulent feed - 40 g, grain feed - 40 g, protein feed of animal origin - 10 g, bone meal - 1 g, salt - 0.5 g.

Various infectious diseases pose a great danger to chicken flocks. If you notice symptoms such as inactivity, diarrhea, loss of appetite, or croaking sounds, contact your veterinarian immediately. Invasive diseases pose no less danger. They manifest themselves in restless behavior, loss of plumage and weight. These diseases are caused by various parasites. Specialized treatment will help avoid the death of the entire livestock.

For more information about Phoenix chickens, see the following video.

Maintenance and care

Japanese roosters are kept in special narrow and long cages; the roost is placed in them so that the tail hangs completely down. They are also fed in cages. Walk the bird 3 times a day. While the length of the tail reaches up to one and a half meters, the bird is able to move on its own; with a longer tail, the rooster is carried in the arms or the feathers are wrapped in special papillots.

The Germanic branch of Phoenixes, which grow smaller tails, are kept in poultry houses.

When setting up a chicken coop, adhere to the following rules:

• Choosing a location. For construction, choose an elevated place protected from the wind, with sufficient sunlight.
• Material of construction. It is best to choose a tree for this purpose. This ensures natural regulation of humidity in the room.
• Space. There should be 1 square meter per rooster. m of space. The same area can accommodate up to 3 chickens.
• Ventilation system. Phoenixes do not respond well to low oxygen levels. Provide a ventilation system that will provide ventilation to the room, but will not create drafts. The movement of air masses should not exceed 0.5 m/s.
• Floor. A concrete floor can only be used as a base for bedding. The tree will attract rodents and is therefore not recommended for this purpose.
• Litter. It should always be dry, warm and clean. Choose sawdust, straw or peat as bedding.
• Perches. Position them so that the birds' tails hang over them without touching the floor. Place the poles in remote, dark areas, away from doorways and windows. There should be 35 cm of space per chicken. Build ladders or steps to the perches.
• Dry baths. Set up a box of sand and ash (1:1) to clean the feathers. An insecticide can be added to the mixture.
• Regular cleaning. When keeping Phoenixes, maintaining perfect cleanliness is a necessity. This is the only way for roosters to maintain the attractive appearance of their feathers.
• Annual cleaning. Held in the spring. Clean the poultry house, wash all equipment, disinfect the walls with lime. Lay down new bedding.
• Feeders and drinkers. Secure it at the height of the perch, directly next to it. This way you can avoid injury to the roosters and damage to their feathers. How to make drinking bowls yourself is described here.

Standard cage housing for Phoenixes is not recommended to avoid damaging the tails.

Walking arrangement:

• Walking yard. Choose a dry place so that water does not stagnate in the area after rains.
• Coating. Plant your walking yard with thick grass. Plant several trees or install special devices for roosters to sit on.
• Fencing. Take care of a high fence, or stretch a net over the top - Phoenixes fly very well.
• Feeders, drinking bowls, baths. Install in a walking area during the warm season. How to make a feeder with your own hands is written here.

Walking has a good effect on the health and color of the feathers.

Climatic requirements

The Phoenix is ​​a frost-resistant bird; it loves to go out into the snow and peck at it, but such walks are only allowed in sunny, windless weather.

It is permissible not to let the chickens out of the house for several days during snowfalls, gusts of wind, severe frosts and rains.

The poultry house must be insulated, as the birds cannot tolerate drafts. In winter, do not allow the temperature to drop below +5 °C. Optimal conditions would be to maintain heat within 10-12 °C. Otherwise, the bird will begin to suffer from colds, and at very low temperatures, the earrings, combs and legs may freeze. For the normal well-being of laying hens, during short daylight hours, install lighting in the chicken coop.

Read the article on how to make a chicken coop yourself.

Nutritional Features

The main feature of the nutrition of Phoenix breed chickens is the low calorie content in the feed, but increased vitamin and mineral complexes aimed at growth and quality of plumage.

The diet of adults must include:

• yeast;
• oats;
• barley;
• vegetables (potatoes, beets, cabbage, carrots);
• bone meal as a source of protein;
• minerals in the form of egg shells and shell rock;
• gravel or sand - for digestion.

The feeding regimen does not differ from other breeds: 2 times a day, in the morning - soft food, in the evening - grain.

Phoenixes do not have any special dietary requirements.

Table of approximate diet for 1 individual per day:

Growing

Sexual maturity in chickens occurs at six months; individuals are considered adults only at two years of age. It is at this age that roosters grow the tail length required by the standard. Once the roosters reach two years of age, they can be distributed. Rejected roosters are removed, the rest are used for breeding. Phoenix chickens begin to lay eggs very early, usually by six months.

For a family of 8-12 hens, you will need one rooster.

In this case, the fruit will be very tall. Raising chickens with chickens of this breed is quite problematic. This is because laying hens are very capricious and have an unstable character. Due to her weak maternal instinct, she can leave the roost at any time, thereby leaving the eggs unattended. Therefore, eggs have to be hatched in incubators or placed under a hen of a different breed.

Raising Phoenix chickens

Phoenix chickens are poor hens and hens; eggs should be kept in an incubator or placed on other hens. In the first two to three days after the start of pipping, the hen can be given new chicks at night. First walks in the fresh air on days 2–4 in warm sunny weather. If chickens are raised without hens, then the temperature in the chicken coop should be between +18–20°C. In the first 5–10 days, chickens are kept in small boxes at a temperature of +25–30°, heating is carried out with infrared lamps.

In the first days, the chicks are kept in a box with infrared lamps

A correctly selected brood hen nest has a significant impact on the yield and health of the chicks. No more than 11–13 eggs are placed under the chicken; a larger number complicates the turning of the eggs and causes a violation of the temperature regime. Checking the eggs is done only if there is no hen in the nest. Food and water should be available for her at all times; it is better not to touch hatched chicks. The remaining eggs should be discarded on the third day after the first chick hatches. At the same time, the perch moves lower to the ground. The hen should leave the roost on her own and hatch the chicks; there is no need to engage in forced removal.

mother hen

For the first 3–5 days, the hen is not allowed out of the chicken coop; during this time, the chickens are trained, they get used to the signals and quickly respond to them.

Advantages and disadvantages of the breed

Phoenix chickens are considered exclusively ornamental birds, and therefore it is unacceptable to evaluate them by productivity. The breed often takes first place at exhibitions, which indicates that the birds are quite beautiful and attractive in appearance. Roosters are often used by breeders. Taking this into account, the advantages include the incredible beauty of chickens and good parental qualities.

The breed also has plenty of disadvantages, but this does not stop breeders. Firstly, breeding birds is quite problematic; they reach adulthood by two years, they do not lay eggs very often, and the fertilization of eggs is not 100%. In addition, chickens lack maternal instinct; to breed offspring, you will need an incubator and a hen of a different breed. Secondly, birds need careful care; they should be cleaned more often than ordinary birds, otherwise they will collect all the dirt with their gorgeous tail.

Feeding adult chickens

Since phoenixes are an ornamental breed, their calorie content will be lower than that of birds raised for eggs and meat.

More attention is paid to the presence of minerals in the diet. The beauty of plumage and the growth of birds depend on them.

The approximate daily menu for one phoenix is ​​presented in the table:

It is recommended to give grain to chickens after lunch, and everything else before. Adults should eat food twice a day. If chickens are grazed on grass, they need less feed.

Natural characteristics of phoenix chicken

Elegant in appearance, much smaller in size than roosters. The body is set low, the crest is small, erect, narrow, with small earrings. The tail is large, saber-shaped tail feathers are set horizontally, and the tail is long. Lush cover feathers, coverts with curls, some longer than the tail feathers. The formation of spurs on the legs is not considered a deviation from the breed classification.

Bird plumage color

The standards regulate the characteristics in the presence of which purebred birds must be culled.

1. Non-standard physique. Phoenix chickens must have a proportional body structure; if abnormalities are detected, eggs are not used for breeding chicks.
2. Feathers of insufficient length. Roosters are especially harshly culled.
3. The earlobes are red. The sign indicates the presence of undesirable impurities in the rock.
4. Very wide braids. Purebred birds should have narrow braids.
5. Yellow or white metatarsals.

It is necessary to distinguish between the concepts of breed, breed group and population. For the first time, breed standards began to be used in England in 1856; in Russia, standards were described since 1911, in the USSR since 1950.

1. Breed. The birds have a common history and distribution area, similar exterior features, and a population of at least 40 thousand birds.
2. Breed group. The number is smaller, exterior characteristics change as a result of targeted selection.
3. Population. Birds are bred through interbreeding.

When choosing, you need to pay attention only to the characteristics of the breed; these chickens are most valued and are respected by poultry farmers. Culling of phoenixes is done at the age of three years, by which time phenotypic signs should appear

How phoenixes are bred

It is better to buy Phoenix chickens from experienced foreign poultry farmers. The seller must provide a certificate of conformity. It is worth remembering that in Japan the sale of these birds is prohibited.

You can become the owner of a phoenix if you visit the annual exhibition. It is advisable to purchase an individual that has received at least 95 points out of a possible 100.

Another option: exchange a chicken of another decorative breed for a phoenix. However, such actions must be legally recorded.

Phoenix roosters are considered adults at the age of 3 years. By this time, their tail has grown in accordance with the standards. At the same time, the male is culled or left for breeding production.

Females lay eggs from the age of 6.5 months. If there is one rooster per family of 7-10 hens, you can count on high clutch fertility - up to 95%.

The brooding instinct of phoenixes is weak. They are characterized by their capriciousness and fickle character, so they can abandon a nest with eggs at any moment. Therefore, to prevent the embryos from dying, they are placed in an incubator.

What is it like?

It is believed that purebred representatives of this breed do not incubate eggs themselves. And in order to continue breeding, breeders place their eggs under chickens of other breeds. Maybe the unusualness of these chickens is due to the fact that they were bred in Eastern countries. It is not for nothing that these birds have a bushy tail (there are specimens with 10-meter tails, their plumage is not subject to molting, it only changes within 5 years), a low standing comb (resembles a nut), an ash-blue beak, a regularly shaped head and dark orange eyes.

The plumage of this representative is smooth and very dense. Due to the long tail, the male can hardly move independently, and the females lay cream-colored eggs. According to the teachings of Feng Shui, the phoenix is ​​believed to bring great luck to the home where it is fed and nurtured.

To have a correct understanding of this bird, you need to know the standards and its description.

The main difference is the narrow feathers (cover) of the tail. It is flat and long. There are German standards. They are slightly different from the Japanese ones (the German phoenix has a tail that reaches 3 meters).

• The rather small head has white lobes, the earrings are of medium size, and the comb keeps its shape well.
• The shape of the chest is correct, the skin on the tummy does not show through the feathers, and they also fall down the back, and the neck is set low.
• Slender body and low silhouette, and the shoulders seem to taper downwards.
• The color is varied: there is snow-white, orange, silver, and the tail and wings have a dark shade.
• The legs are short, with thin spurs, and the lower leg is covered in dense plumage. On the lower back there is rich and dense plumage.
• The weight of roosters is 2.5 kg, and that of hens is 2 kg. Naturally, weight may fluctuate, as it depends on the quality of feed and content.
• Phoenix meat is tasty, but it is unlikely that anyone would kill such beauty for the sake of eating a small amount of chicken.
• The eggs of this breed of chicken weigh 50 g. The productivity of one chicken is approximately 50 - 80 eggs per year.

It must be added that the phoenix is ​​distinguished by its species diversity. At this stage, there is a species with the following qualities: the rooster's head is dark brown. In a chicken, it is surrounded by an oval rim, and the color of the plumage is black. However, the top of its body has brown spots, but the feathers on its tail are black.

Another trend in this breed: the chicken’s neck is golden in color and shimmers in the sun. Her body is brown and so are her feathers, and her breast is gray. The cockerel has a yellow loin, and it shimmers with gold. There are black spots along the back, head and neck. The tail is black with a green tint, and the flight wings are brown or black.

There are also such representatives: roosters have a rich orange head color, turning into red. The chicken's head is a little lighter. A greenish tint on a dark gray body is allowed. Roosters and hens that are completely white are of great interest to breeders. Another type is a white or gray head and the same color body with black spots, and a black tail with a beautiful tint.

Description of the breed

The exact ancestry of Dutch white-crested chickens is unknown. The first description of a similar breed dates back to the 15th century. At that time, in many poultry yards in the Netherlands one could see black or dark brown chickens that laid eggs well and produced a lot of meat, but they did not have tufts. Around the 16th century, birds began to be crossed with white Polish crested chickens. They acquired today's beautiful appearance, but lost in performance. The ancient breed was depicted in many paintings by Dutch artists of that time.

The most notable feature of Dutch chickens is their white crest, which looks great both in photos and in life. The feathers evenly cover the entire head, falling on both sides, but do not cover the eyes. They are black at the front and form a pattern reminiscent of a butterfly. The rest is snow-white, without the slightest sign of yellowness. The withers resemble a huge fluffy ball or an original hairstyle with styling. Otherwise, the Dutch white-crested chicken breed looks like this:

• The head is small, without a comb, with a specific convexity from which the crest grows.
• There are small red earrings that are hidden behind the feathers.
• The “face” is without feathers, covered with thin red skin.
• The eyes are small, almost invisible, brown in color.
• The beak is medium-sized, strong, gray or black.
• The body is compact, the chest protrudes forward, which is why the body has the outline of a trapezoid.
• The thighs are not too powerful, because these are not broilers. They can rather be described as skinny. The paws are medium-sized, gray-black.
• Most chickens are black in color, but now Dutch white-crested laying hens have been bred with blue (slate grey, steel) and white plumage.

You can better see what the birds look like in the photo. The description would be incomplete without talking about the character of Dutch chickens. Crested laying hens are very picky; they do not tolerate the proximity of other breeds. Birds are shy and prone to stress. At the same time, they are very active and curious, constantly scurrying around the yard, looking for midges and bugs, looking into every corner. The cockerels do not show aggression towards each other; they make contact with the owner, but hide or run away from strangers.

External features

The breed characteristics of phoenixes have well-defined sexual characteristics, therefore, when buying roosters and chickens, you should pay attention to various aspects of their appearance.

Petukhov

The most noticeable and at the same time valuable breed characteristic of males is the long, low-set bushy tail, which often reaches a length of 2-3 meters. The average weight of birds is 1.5–2 kg, but it is thanks to this addition that the bird’s body appears more voluminous.

Other characteristic body features of phoenixes are manifested in the following:

1. The head is small, complemented by a low simple crest, dark orange eyes and a blue-gray beak. Sometimes its color can be pale yellow, but this combination does not look so attractive. The size of the beak is medium, so it does not stand out much on the head. The earlobes are white, small in size, with red earrings.
2. The neck is of medium length, slightly covered with luxurious long and narrow feathers, which often extend onto the back. In the lumbar region, feathers continue to grow throughout the bird's life, so mature individuals can boast plumage that reaches the very ground.
3. The wings are always pressed tightly to the body.
4. The lower legs are medium in size, with dense feather covering. The metatarsals are thin and dark, with a bluish or olive tint. The limbs of phoenixes only reinforce the graceful image of the bird, because the place of powerful spurs is taken by graceful and long growths.
5. The belly is hidden under long feathers hanging from the lower back, so it is practically invisible from the side. All feathers of representatives of the breed are hard and narrow, regardless of what part of the body they are located in.

We advise you to read how long chickens live at home.

Chicken

The weight of a chicken is slightly less than that of a rooster, averaging 1.3–1.5 kg. On the small head of females there is a neat erect crest and small earrings. The wings are pressed tightly to the body and have smooth, dense plumage. The legs are bare, and the presence of fur on them is a breed defect (at the same time, the presence of spurs is not considered such).

The tail of Phoenix chickens is much shorter than that of males, but it still seems unusually long. The tail feathers in this zone are saber-shaped, but in general the tail is quite fluffy, with covert feathers slightly rounded at the ends (they often cover the tail feathers).

The color of chickens and roosters of this breed can be very diverse: from pure white to silver, including orange-brown and golden color. The most common females are white or off-white.

Important! One of the rarest and most attractive plumage colors of the described bird is wild, which involves a smooth transition of colors from black to red-brown, with the presence of a green-black tint on the wings.

Reproduction, brooding instinct

Despite the fact that sexual maturity occurs by six months, the final formation of a mature chicken occurs by 2 years, by this period it begins to lay fertilized eggs.

Phoenix roosters can be crossed with hens of other breeds, and these chicks will develop bright plumage and long tails.

Phoenix genes are dominant, conveying the characteristics of the breed.

Chickens have lost their brooding instinct, so chicks are raised in an incubator. The incubation period and conditions do not differ from the standard for other chickens.

Table of parameter changes when hatching chickens in an incubator:

Immediately after hatching, the chicks are transferred to a box where the temperature is maintained within 25-30 °C for the first 10 days. An infrared lamp is used for heating. Next, the temperature is gradually reduced to +18-20 °C. Place paper at the bottom of the box (covering newspapers is prohibited) and change it as soon as it gets dirty.

You can plan your first walk outside no earlier than the chickens are 14 days old. And only in a closed enclosure for chicks and good weather conditions.

Sometimes you can meet Phoenix mothers. Poultry farmers are confident that this is possible if phoenix chickens are raised by a hen of a different breed. But such cases are extremely rare. If there is a hen of a different breed on the farm, you can place Phoenix eggs in her nest, the standard is 10-12 eggs.

You can also place Phoenix chicks under the chicken in the first 2-3 days after birth. This must be done in the dark. Chicks and chicks are kept indoors for up to 5 days, after which they can be released for short walks.

We recommend that you additionally read the article about the features of incubating chicken eggs.

Feeding the chickens

For good survival and proper development, take care of a balanced diet for chickens.

Feeding rules:

• feed the chicks in a certain place;
• keep the dishes clean, after cleaning, pour boiling water over them;
• chicks should always have access to clean water;
• It is not recommended to add potassium permanganate to water, it affects the balance of microflora and lowers immunity;
• Feed the chicks only fresh food; storing previously uneaten leftovers is not allowed;
• It is useful to add greens to the diet (green onions, nettles);
• up to 10 days of age, feed chickens every 3 hours;
• From the 10th day of life, add specialized feed additives to the feed.

Table of feed standards for chickens for 1 day by age:

Phoenix chickens description and characteristics of the breed

Egg production rates range from 50–100 pcs., specific values ​​depend on diet and breeding conditions. Phoenix chickens are kept not for eggs, but for decorative purposes. Thoroughbred roosters have the following phenotypic characteristics.

Description of the breed and photographs

It is logical to begin the description of the Phoenix chicken breed with its magnificent tail, which grows up to 3 meters in some specimens. But only roosters have it. Therefore, the characteristics and standards of the breed of chicken and rooster have significant differences.

Breed standards for rooster

The weight of the rooster is 2 - 2.5 kilograms. The Phoenix rooster has a proud appearance due to its upright body. The bird's back is wide, long, with a narrow loin. The back is covered with long feathers that continue to grow throughout life.

The tail of a rooster is the main decoration and basis for the appearance characteristics of the Phoenix breed. It is located low. The tail is flat and bushy on the sides. From the age of one, the tail length should be about 90 centimeters. In an adult bird, the tail grows up to 3 meters.

The rooster's head is decorated with a neat, low comb, standing strictly vertically. The bird's eyes are dark orange. The beak is gray-blue or pale yellow, medium in size. The rooster's neck is of medium length, covered with long, narrow feathers.

Phoenix roosters have an upright body, which gives them a proud appearance.

The rooster's belly is covered with long feathers hanging from its back. Limbs with thin bones and a small spur. The metatarsus is graceful, bluish or olive.

Breed standards for chicken

The phoenix hen is more graceful and smaller than the rooster (weight 1.-2 kg). The body is squat. The head is small, with an erect crest of small height and small earrings. The tail is much shorter than that of a rooster, but longer than that of chickens of other breeds. The tail is lush, with feathers rounded at the ends.

Breed colors

The Phoenix chicken breed standard provides the following color options:

Wild – the base color is brown. Black-brown transitioning to red-brown with black streaks in the center of the feather. The rooster's tail is emerald. The bottom of the body is black. The chicken has a black head that merges into a brown body with speckled plumage. The upper part of the body is covered with brown feathers with a light shaft. The bottom of the body is gray-black.

The standard provides for 5 colors of Phoenix chickens.

White is a pure color without any yellow tints.

Orange-maned. The rooster's neck, lower back and head are orange. The wings and back are brown. The flight feathers of the first row are black, the second row is pale yellow. The wing mirrors and tail are black with an emerald sheen. The chicken has a brown head with a transition to a yellow-orange body with black specks. The top of the body is warm brown. Carrot breast. The belly and lower legs are gray. The tail is black.

Silver mane. The color of the rooster's feathers has a silver-platinum sheen. The back and wings are pure white. The undersides of the wings and tail are black. The chicken's head feathers are white with a platinum tint. The body is beige. The tail is black. The lower legs and belly are grey.

Golden-maned - the rooster has the same basic color as the orange-maned one, but the head, neck and lower back are yellow with a metallic tint. The chicken also has a color similar to the orange-mane, but not in the red, but in the yellow spectrum.

Disadvantages of the Phoenix chicken breed standard:

• red lobes;
• short feathers on the mane, loin and tail;
• wide braids in the rooster's tail;
• yellow or white metatarsals.

Color of cockerels

Of course, the feather color of phoenixes is also indicated in the breed standards. The color of such cockerels can be golden-maned, silver or simply wild. However, most often, lovers of ornamental birds keep pure white phoenixes.

A wild-colored rooster must have the following signs:

• black head;
• red-brown loin;
• dark brown flight feathers;
• tail and wing stripes are black with a green tint;
• The chest, belly and lower legs are black.

Silver roosters are distinguished by:

• silvery neck, head and lower back;
• white back and wings;
• black tail with a green tint;
• black and white flight feathers;
• black legs, belly and chest (with a green tint).

Golden-maned Phoenix is ​​a breed of chickens that has:

• golden yellow neck;
• yellow-brown wings, lower back and back;
• salmon breast;
• gray shins and belly;
• black tail.

Breeds of chickens and their characteristics

The word “broiler” comes from the English “broil” - to fry over a fire. This name is applied to young poultry that is specially raised for meat. According to the standard, broiler chickens must grow to 2.5 kg in 7 weeks, then they are subject to slaughter, most often young meat chickens play this role.

Breeding broiler chickens includes 2 fundamentally important components - meat precocity and egg production. Chicken meat is obtained mainly from young poultry, but broiler chickens are raised to adulthood only for the purpose of reproduction, that is, the main indicator for keeping a bird is its egg production.

Until the moment when specialist breeders got to work, no one talked about the special selection of chickens with high productivity for any of the traits. They kept and bred pure breeds, which were not divided into three modern main directions. Many representatives of these breeds showed a high level of egg production, quickly grew to maturity, and actively increased muscle mass. They provided the genetic basis for the creation of productive modern crosses.

At the present stage, purebred broiler chickens are kept only in small farms and backyards. Large poultry farms breed hybrid crosses, which have higher productivity.

These crosses are multi-breed, multi-line, specially bred for keeping in artificially created conditions on large farms, where the environment can be regulated (special poultry houses, certain light, heat and feed regimes). To produce broiler chicken products at home, only a very small part of hatchery hybrid chickens can be found. That is why amateur poultry farmers on their own backyards use broiler chickens of the Cochin, Brahma, Cornish, Faverolles, Langshan, Dorking and others breeds to produce meat.

Breeding young animals

Caring for young phoenixes is somewhat different from the actions performed when breeding chickens of other breeds, and the main difficulty lies in the lack of maternal instinct in chickens. They do not hatch eggs and have a bad attitude towards already hatched offspring, so in the initial stages of raising birds it is often necessary to use brood hens of other breeds or special incubators.

Egg incubation

The duration of incubation of eggs of this breed of chicken is approximately 3 weeks, but often the chicks appear as early as 17-18 days, which is due to the small size of the eggs. After the appearance of the young, on the first day the chicks are kept under an infrared lamp, and later they are “spiked” under the selected brood hen so that she teaches them the basics of chicken life.

If a hen of the same breed is chosen for these purposes, it is better not to let her out of the chicken coop for five days, otherwise she may quickly forget about her “maternal responsibilities” and abandon the brood.

Caring for and feeding chickens

Caring for newly hatched chickens of the described breed is based on maintaining sufficient temperature in their habitat (not lower than +25°C on the first day), timely cleaning and feeding according to a pre-prepared diet.

The best option at first would be the following menu (in grams per head):

• 1–5 days of life: 2 g of boiled egg, 1-2 g of low-fat cottage cheese, 1 g of greens and 2 g of grain feed;
• Days 6–10: 3 g of eggs, cottage cheese and grains, 5 g of greens and 0.5 g of mineral feed;
• Days 11–20: 5 g of cottage cheese, 10 g of greens and grains each, 1 g of mineral feed (eggs can be replaced with crushed boiled potatoes, but not more than 4-5 g per chicken per day);
• Days 21–40: 6 g low-fat cottage cheese, 12 g greens, 15 g potatoes or grains, 1.5 g mineral supplements.

Did you know? From the first days of life, chicks can remember more than 100 faces, recognize the owner from a distance of 10 m, and have excellent time orientation. If one of the birds is removed from the chicken coop and then returned back, its relatives will easily accept it back, since it still remains “theirs” for them.

If you do not have the opportunity to prepare compound mashes, it is worth considering the option of purchasing ready-made feed mixtures that can be used starting from the age of ten days for chickens. Consumption standards and distribution rules are usually indicated on the packaging.

Vaccination of young animals

Vaccination of young animals, regardless of their breed, is an excellent way to protect livestock from widespread diseases. However, in this matter it is important not to miss the right moment for vaccination: for example, only vaccination of day-old chicks will save you from Marek’s disease, and in the future the use of such a vaccine will not bring the desired result.

Other important injections that are performed only once in a lifetime are vaccinations against coccidiosis, laryngotracheitis, and infectious disease of the bursa of Fabricius. Every year, chickens are vaccinated against salmonella, atypical plague, adenovirus, and infectious bronchitis.

The method of administration of the drug depends on its type and can be performed either orally or through subcutaneous injection.

Phoenix breed of chickens from Japan

The history of the origin and subtleties of the factory.

Phoenix comes, as noted above, from the Middle Kingdom. There, at one time, the species acquired the status of a symbol of the Empire, and even treasure hunters resorted to its help. The cross was the result of the genesis of European hens with Japanese long-tailed birds: Yokohama-Tosa and Onagadori. In the first millennium, a number of individuals were brought to Japan, where the dynamics of their distribution reached feverish speed.

Getting hold of a Japanese phoenix outside the borders of the island territory of the Land of the Rising Sun is unrealistic, not so much because of the bird’s incredible sensitivity to care conditions, but because of moral and ethical principles.

Onagadori is a unique category of fauna, declared a national shrine of Japan; not a single specimen can be sold and killing is strictly prohibited - violation is punishable by a serious fine.

An alternative to buying and selling can be exchange, but it is also associated with a number of difficulties. Roosters of this family are honorary and indispensable delegates to leading poultry and agricultural exhibitions and events, and at such meetings it is possible to exchange this long-tailed elite for representatives of the chicken kingdom. Exchange is the only chance for distribution.

In the future, the presentation and descriptions will mostly concern the branch that has earned a dominant position in the world - the German one.

Breed characteristics of laying hens

Phoenix chickens, in comparison with cockerels, are smaller in size. Their body is set a little lower. The comb of phoenix chickens is also straight and small. Of course, they do not grow a tail as long as that of cockerels. However, it is still quite large and impressive. The tail of phoenix chickens is set horizontally. The tail feathers of laying hens are long and saber-shaped. The formation of spurs in chickens of this breed is not considered a disadvantage. Phoenix chickens, like cockerels, can be golden-maned, silver, or wild in color.

Bird house for phoenixes

In Europe and Russia, as already mentioned, they mainly breed phoenixes with tails that are not too long. Therefore, such birds are not kept in cages. Strong perches are installed in the poultry house for phoenixes. They are located at a height of approximately 1.2 meters. Small closed nests are built for laying hens.

Birds of this breed are not afraid of frost. But it’s certainly worth installing a couple of heaters in the barn for them. The price for such cockerels is usually very high, and losing a bird due to a common cold will, of course, be very disappointing.

Of course, a shed with phoenixes should be cleaned periodically. Any dirt in the poultry house can reduce the decorative characteristics of the bird. After all, with their long tails, phoenixes literally collect everything that lies there from the floor. Of course, among other things, these chickens in the barn should be provided with good lighting. Ventilation is also installed in the poultry house. Chickens of no breed, including phoenixes, do not like dampness.

In terms of feeding, Phoenix chickens are also relatively undemanding. There is no need to develop any complex diet for them. Phoenixes are fed twice a day. In the morning they give mash, in the evening - grain. Of course, it is worth using healthy premixes for these chickens. You can put any juicy greens, vegetables, and fruits into the mash. Regular wheat is most often used as a concentrate for these chickens.

Content nuances

The main nuances in keeping these beautiful pets are again related to the length of their plumage. A poultry house in the usual sense of the word is not very suitable for them. Typically, cages with these chickens are placed on high poles - at least 2 m in height. Betta perches should also be high so that the tails hang down rather than resting on the floor.

But food and water are served to these birds at the perch; this is the most suitable method of feeding such ornamental pets. Typically, phoenixes feed twice a day - in the morning and in the evening. More often, birds are fed if they want to raise them for meat. The morning menu includes soft types of food, and in the evening they give different types of grain.

In order for the plumage to maintain its decorativeness and splendor, birds need to spend enough time in the fresh air, but, unfortunately, these chickens are not able to move without the help of their owners.

Phoenixes fly beautifully, so a fence in the enclosure is a must. Moreover, these pets do not pay attention to fluctuations in ambient temperature, and winter walks give them no less pleasure than summer walks. But the rooms in which they spend long winter days must be insulated as much as possible so that the individuals’ scalps do not freeze.

You should especially tell us how molting occurs in phoenix chickens. These pets do not molt every year, like other members of the chicken family. The fact is that one of the Japanese breeders managed to inhibit the activity of the gene that is responsible for molting in Onagadori. Therefore, their plumage is renewed gradually - over five seasons, but not every year. Otherwise, roosters would simply never have grown such a long tail.

To prevent birds from getting sick, owners must strengthen their immune system, keep their habitats and the birds themselves clean, and also feed them a balanced diet.

Females are not distinguished by early maturity - only at six months do they reach full maturity and begin to lay eggs. In a year, one individual can lay 95–100 cream-colored eggs. The weight of each of them is about 50 g.

But phoenix hens are no good, they are not suitable for sitting in one place for a long time. Unfortunately, these beautiful birds are bad mothers. Therefore, eggs for hatching chicks are placed either with other laying hens or placed in an incubator.

Phoenix in Russia

Unfortunately, this unusual breed has not yet become particularly widespread in our country. However, many farmers have recently become quite interested in it. Several farms in Russia still breed these cockerels. These are mainly small private farms. Finding hatching eggs of phoenixes or chickens of this breed in the Russian Federation, therefore, is quite difficult, but still possible.

Pygmy phoenixes

The dwarf phoenix is ​​an exclusively decorative bird, bred by crossing large Japanese birds with miniature bantams. While maintaining a fairly impressive appearance, they are rather poorly suited for food breeding. The maximum weight of a dwarf cockerel is rarely more than 800 grams, of a hen - 700 g. The only positive difference between a laying hen and a “large” hen is a noticeably increased, almost double, egg production rate. This baby is capable of laying about 160 eggs in a year. And although they weigh only 25 grams, their final annual clutch weight is not much less than that of a full-sized chicken.

In other respects, miniature Yokohamas almost completely replicate the original German-Japanese breed:

• a small narrow head with a simple crest, a small blue-gray beak, white lobes and earrings;
• the neck is low, with abundant plumage, falling onto the body and hiding the belly;
• the body is slender, with a high chest and wide shoulder areas;
• the tail section is noticeably larger than the rest of the body, with abundant plumage, reaching a length of 1.5 m;
• the metatarsals of a thoroughbred specimen are grey-blue, the shins are short and feathered, the males have thin long spurs on their legs;
• The color of tiny phoenixes repeats the possible variety of colors of a “large” bird.

Phoenix in Europe

Thus, in Asia, phoenix breeding is aimed primarily at maximizing tail length. Europeans consider this approach unacceptable. The fact is that due to the impossibility of active independent movement, birds with too long tails often have various kinds of health problems. Therefore, European breeders rely primarily on the harmonious silhouette of cockerels and hens. In Germany, for example, standards allow the length of a rooster's tail to be up to 3-3.5 m.

The European breed of chickens, Sirin Rukh Phoenix Alkonost, was obtained by breeders by crossing Asian Yokohama Toshi mainly with local laying hens.

Diseases

The most common causes of illness in Phoenix chickens are: a damp, unclean room and a lack of vitamins in the diet. At the first signs of illness (changes in appearance, behavior), you should contact a veterinarian.

In the East, decorative long-tailed roosters are still very popular and are increasingly of interest to connoisseurs and simply lovers of wildlife around the world. Recently, Russia has become interested in the Phoenix breed of chickens, so they will spread here too and will often delight with their greatness at exhibitions and on ordinary farms.