Dwarf breeds of chickens are ideal for breeders who do not have a large area for breeding larger breeds.
These types of chickens are Dwarf Cochinquins. They not only consume a small amount of feed, but also look great and quickly tamed.
The dwarf Cochinchins were first bred in China during the summer palace of the emperor. They were bred solely for decorative purposes, so they have such a pleasant and unusual appearance.
This breed came to Europe only in 1860, when the English Queen received a pair of these chickens as a sign of the end of the war between China and England.
The next time the Cochinchins came to England in 1884. They were brought by traders from China, who were simultaneously engaged in spices. Thus, all of the 12 Chinese chickens formed the entire European population of this dwarf breed.
Description of Dwarf Cochinchins
It should not be considered that the Dwarf Cochinchins are a reduced form of large birds. This breed has its own distinctive features that are completely different from those of a large breed.
Dwarf chickens have a very strong and massive body. It is completely covered with abundant feather and down, and even the fingers and metatarsus have plumage. The figure of these small birds is high, which makes them look more proud.
Breed signs of roosters
This breed has a small and beautiful head with a strong but short beak.
The comb of a rooster is simple, stands straight, has a small size. On the crest, the right teeth with deep cuts are clearly visible. The eyes of a bird can be both yellow and orange-red. They are deeply seated, so they may look somewhat hollow.
The face of the cock is big and red. Ear lobes are small, narrow and red. Earrings painted in the same color, well rounded. The neck of the bird is very short and stocky. On it grows a magnificent mane, falling on the shoulders.
The body of the rooster is wide and deep, from the side it seems massive. The back is short and wide, has a convex line, rising up. The loin is rather wide, it rises steeply to the top, has a magnificent plumage in the form of a "pillow".
The tail of the cock is small but lush. The braids are short and soft. They completely cover the tail feathers, but their length is the same as that of the braids. The chest is very deep and rounded. The belly due to thick plumage seems full and round.
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The wings are characterized by a small size. They sit high on the body and completely "drown" in the plumage on the lower back. The lower legs are long and very strong. On them there is a magnificent plumage, forming loose "pillows". Hocks are just as strong, magnificently feathered at the front. Their color depends on the color of the whole bird plumage.
Appearance of chickens
The figure of the hens of Dwarf Cochinchines is planted lower, so it looks stocky.
Chickens have a very short tail, and the chest has great depth. These characteristics create the impression of a more squat and massive body shape.
Plumage in chickens is usually more abundant, especially in the lumbar region. The chicken "cushion" is positioned in such a way that its middle part forms the highest point on the tail-back line. On the legs and metatarsus plumage more abundant. The body itself is slightly tilted forward, and the head is even smaller.
As for the color of the chicken, there are many options: from fawn to completely black. However, it is most often possible to meet golden and partzopchaty individuals.
Unacceptable factors
Not very high and narrow body shape, as well as a too long and flat back and chest are gross violations of the breed standard. This also includes too long tail and poor plumage on plusus. Chickens of this breed should not form white lobes.
Features
This breed differs from other breeds of hens in unusual appearance. Dwarf Cochinchins somehow resemble feather balls.
This impression is created because of the rounded shape of the body and feathered legs, so from a distance it may seem that chickens do not walk, but crawl around the yard. Some breeders like this particular breed property.
In addition to a pleasant appearance, chickens are characterized by good-natured temper. They quickly get used to the owner and happily go into the hands. That is why the breed will be an ideal acquisition for any suburban area.
Unfortunately, the fluffy plumage of this breed requires additional care. The breeder must follow the litter cleanliness so that the litter and food remains do not cling to the beautiful plumage of this breed. In addition, the birds should walk on a clean yard, so for these purposes it is better to use gardens or lawns with short-cropped grass.
Content and cultivation
The maintenance and feeding of the dwarf Cochinchins is not complicated by any difficulties. First of all, the owner of an ornamental bird needs to pay attention to the body weight of individuals of both sexes.
Chickens should weigh no more than 700 grams, and roosters should weigh 800 grams. Any deviation from the norm may indicate that the birds are over-eating or undernourished.
For the breeding of Dwarf Cochinchins not to be so difficult, there must be at least 4 hens per rooster. Only in this case, the owner of the livestock can count on the normal fertilization of eggs. Most often, the hen itself can easily cope with chickens, therefore, the incubator can not be purchased for these purposes.
If the Dwarf Cochinchins participate in exhibitions, then they need to be properly prepared for future inspection. Before the exhibition, chickens must be washed, but when drying feathers you should not use a hairdryer. It can make small feathers and down more curly, that will not look good.
During the breeding, the breeder should prefer the squat birds. They should have a good fluffy plumage, consisting of 2/3 of down and 1/3 of feathers. The best exhibition chickens have a slightly leaning forward.
Specifications
Chickens of Dwarf Cochinquin breed weigh 700 g, and roosters - 800 g. The egg production of this breed of chickens is only 80 eggs with a light brown shell per year. At the same time, eggs with a weight of at least 40 g are allowed for incubation. The average survival rate of young and adult birds is 95%.
Poultry farms in Russia
- Dwarf Cochinchins can be purchased at a private farm "Fun ripple". It is located in the city of Kurgan at Omskaya Street, 144. To find out the current cost of hatching eggs and day-old chicks, please call +7 (919) 575-16-61
- The sale of adult birds of this breed is engaged in farming "Komov Dvor". It is located near St. Petersburg. To find out the exact cost of a bird, please call +7 (921) 365-41-96.
Analogs
The original appearance have chickens breed Small neck. They are also dwarf, but with all this they have high productivity. Laying birds are able to lay up to 120 eggs per year, and live body weight of chickens easily reaches 1 kg.
The breed of Milfleur can become the mossy-legged replacement of Dwarf Cochinchins. These chickens have a nice appearance, but they have very poor egg production. For this reason, they should be made exclusively for decorative purposes.
Also, the breed can be replaced by hens Shabot. They have short legs and a perpendicular tail, which makes their posture quite unusual. The average egg production of these chickens is only 80 eggs per year.
Conclusion
Dwarf Cochinchins are an unusual ornamental breed that cannot leave indifferent any breeder. These birds are liked by summer residents not only because of the rounded shape of the body, but also because of the trusting nature and small size, which allows keeping the breed on small runs.
