The breed of Russian crested chickens is one of the oldest and best of all bred in our country. In private households, it is mainly found as poultry of meat and egg productivity. Since the Russian crested appearance is very beautiful and original, some owners of suburban areas contain it as well as decorative.
Breed history
Bred Russian crested chicken was a method of folk selection. In the XIX century it was kept on almost all peasant farmsteads. There is also a version that the birthplace of this bird is Central Asia. But be that as it may, the word "Russian" entrenched in the name of the breed, apparently, forever. Currently, the experts of the club of lovers of corydalis and Pavlovsky chicken are revising its standards. The fact is that over the course of a century the exterior of this bird has undergone quite serious changes.
Breed description
The Russian crested breed of chickens looks (the photos presented on the page clearly demonstrate this) is quite unusual. The main distinguishing feature of this bird is the presence of a large crest on the head. Also, the features of this primordially Russian breed include:
Short legs. In males they are slightly longer than in chickens.
Strong beak. And in laying hens and cockerels, it is slightly bent.
Straight broad back.
Straight set, well developed tail. Males usually have braids.
Strong, slightly lowered wings.
The Russian crested breed of chickens also has such a distinctive feature as a scarlet face. The earlobes and earrings of this bird are bright red. Crest in hens is better developed than in males. In hens, it usually has a spherical shape. In cocks, the crest is more like a mane and hangs to one side. This "cap" characteristic of the breed grows on a visceral hernia. This is the name of the tubercle on the head of the chicken, which is a skin formation filled with the brain. The dimensions of this hernia may be different. But due to its presence, the Russian crested brain has more brain than other breeds.
Regarding the color of poultry, no special standards have yet been provided for by standards. However, most often on suburban courtyards you can see white hens of this breed. There are also blue, black, golden mane and chintz crested crests.
Productivity indicators
In addition to high decorative qualities, the Russian crested chicken breed, as already mentioned, has economic value. In the XIX century, at a time when this variety was most common, the weight of the males was approximately 2.7 kg, and the hens were 1.8 kg. Today, breed standards have changed a bit. Modern crested hens weigh about 2.2 kg, males - 3.5 kg. That is, this original bird can also be successfully grown for meat.
Good indicators in terms of the number of eggs laid is also what distinguishes the Russian crested breed of chickens. Poultry productivity in this regard is 150-170 pcs. in year. The color of the shell of eggs from laying hens of this breed is usually creamy with a pinkish tinge. Sometimes there are white options, as well as dark beige. The weight of one egg is usually 56-58 grams.
The fertilization of eggs in these chickens is very good - almost one hundred percent. About 20-30% of chickens are hatched without crests. The overall safety of young animals is 91%. A large outbreak of adult individuals on farms is also never noted. In this case, the safety index is approximately 93%.
Behavior features
In content, the breed of chickens Russian crested is very unpretentious. This bird has a calm disposition and goodwill. Corydalis are completely tame, but at the same time curious and quick-witted birds. With other breeds of chickens, ducks, geese, etc. they get along very well. Even adult males are extremely rare in relation to each other.
How to contain
Care Russian crested breed of chickens, the description of which was given above, should receive about the same as any other bird meat-and-egg direction of productivity. The only feature of the content of these chickens is the need to trim the crest in some individuals. The fact is that he often closes his eyes to an adult bird. As a result, the chicken does not see food and drink, and in some cases can even go blind.
These birds are not afraid of cold - they can safely walk on the street even in winter. However, it is better for them to build a shed warm. Otherwise, in winter, they can reduce egg production. Earlier, Russian crested, as already mentioned, were kept in the common courtyards. This contributed to the development of their good immunity. Viral diseases, these chickens do not get sick almost never.
Of course, for Russian crested, as for any other poultry, good lighting and ventilation should be equipped in the barn. You also need to install perches and nests. The first ones are easiest to make from poles or from a 5x7 cm bar. Perches are located at a height of about 60 cm from the floor. Nests are usually nailed to the wall of the house. It is best to place them opposite perches at the same level with them. Do not install slots near the window. Perches also usually stuff from the opposite side of it. The floor in the chicken coop should be covered with sawdust or straw.
Feeding
In the first weeks of life, Russian crested chickens are usually given a mashed egg mixed with grain. Subsequently, fed with mash, bran, wheat. Of course, chickens should receive all the vitamins and minerals they need. In the mixers, special bait, chalk and a little salt should be added. Also very useful for these chickens can be fish or clover flour, dairy products, corn, shells. Root vegetables: grated carrots and beets should be put in the mixers.
The Russian crested chicken breed should receive food three times a day. In the morning, the bird is given a little grain, at lunch a mash of bran and in the evening wheat. In the chicken coop, it is necessary to put a cup with small pebbles or coarse sand. Water should be changed more often.
What can be the form of Khokhlov
Chickens of this breed are bred in many farms, as well as in poultry farms. The crest of their crest is usually spherical. However, individuals can also meet with other types of "caps". The crest of these hens is:
All these varieties, without exception, give Russian crested chickens a completely unique original appearance. The crests of the standards for representatives of the breed are allowed both pink and leaf-shaped. The second variety is more common.
Russian crested breed of chickens: reviews of the owners of household plots
Farmers have a good opinion of this breed. As many poultry farmers note, this chicken is very responsive to good care. With proper feeding of eggs, even more can be obtained from it than is provided for by standards. In some hosts, chickens carry an average of 200-210 pieces per year.
Corydalis themselves are considered smart chicken. Many owners of personal plots in specialized forums talk about the fact that they understand the owner perfectly and behave very obediently. Males take a lot of care of the hens. At the same time, laying layers show simply excellent maternal qualities.