There are many good domestic breeds of chickens . One of the best, but, unfortunately, at the same time quite rare, is Oryol. This bird was bred in tsarist Russia. Later in the article, we will find out whether the Oryol chicken is a breed and how to properly care for it.
Selection history
There are several versions about the origin of this breed. It is not known exactly where this name came from - Oryol. Some researchers believe that it went from the city of the same name. Others are sure that this bird received the name Oryol by the name of the first breeder. Presumably, it was Orlov-Chesmensky - a favorite of Catherine II. With a high degree of probability, we can assume that the Malay and Ukrainian eared became the parent for this breed of chickens. The first, most likely, was once imported into the Carpathian region of Gilyan. The fact is that even at exhibitions the Oryol chicken in tsarist Russia was often called Gilan.
The standard for this breed was established in 1914. In large quantities, it was bred in the vicinity of Tula, Moscow and Orel. Unfortunately, after the Second World War, the Oryol breed almost completely disappeared. Only German breeders managed to partially restore the livestock. They carried out numerous crosses of the Oryol and Malay hens. In 1949, 127 individuals were brought to one of the exhibitions.
In the 70s, attempts were made to restore the breed in Russia. At this time, the domestic poultryman M.N. Vinokurov brought several Oryol chickens from the GDR. These individuals played a huge role in the restoration of the breed in our country. However, at present, in large numbers of these hens are bred only in the village of Pavlovskoye in the suburbs. However, poultry breeders of this breed say that many farmers show great interest in the young animals they sell.
Breed description
Orlov chickens are bred mainly as meat and egg. However, the decorative characteristics of this breed are very high. Previously, Oryol males were used as fighting ones. The main distinguishing features of this breed are:
- High torso. In males, it is set almost vertically, which looks very impressive.
- Strong legs.
- Very well developed eyebrows.
- Strongly curved (more than any other breed) short beak.
- A raspberry-shaped small comb with feathers.
- Shiny dense plumage.
- Huge height and weight.
Color Oryol chicken is very beautiful. The most common varieties are scarlet, black, white, mahogany and chintz. The latter type of color is most appreciated by modern poultry farmers. The legs of these chickens must be yellow and thick. Serves as a sign of breed and lemon shade of the beak, as well as amber eyes.
Poultry productivity
You can get a lot of meat from Oryol breed hens. An adult cockerel weighs about 3.5-4 kg. The hens are a little smaller - 2.5-3 kg. Representatives of this breed differ in very good performance in terms of egg production. For one year, one chicken can bring up to 140-150 pcs. The eggs are distinguished by a white shell color and rather large sizes - 60 g.
What should be a house
How to properly maintain a bird like Oryol chicken? This chicken breed is very unpretentious. However, good conditions for her must be created for her, of course. The house for Oryol chickens should be quite spacious and at the same time light. Otherwise, chickens will reduce egg production.
This breed is cold-resistant, therefore it is not necessary to equip the barn heating system in winter. But in cold weather, in the most cold weather, it is worthwhile to install a heater in the chicken coop or at least hang several incandescent lamps, near which the bird can warm up.
The floor in the barn should be covered with a thick layer of sawdust by winter. Such a litter will subsequently play the role of a kind of biological heater, since fermentation and decay processes will begin to occur in it with the release of heat. In the spring, the chicken coop should be thoroughly cleaned. The litter, along with other debris, is carried out in a compost pile.
Feeding Features
Developing a well-balanced diet is also what the Oryol chicken requires. The breed of these hens in relation to the "menu" is not too demanding. They feed the Oryol bird in the same way as any other meat and egg productivity direction. That is, the diet of chickens can be dry wet or combined. The latter method is best for this bird. Dry technique involves high costs for feeding. Indeed, in this case, the owners of the home farm will have to buy a lot of grain, animal feed and bran. Such feeds are quite expensive.
A wet technique allows you to save on keeping chickens and achieve fairly high productivity indicators. Not too good for the Oryol breed, it is suitable primarily because of the physiological characteristics of this bird. The fact is that these males and hens have a very well-developed beard. At the same time, representatives of the Oryol breed adore peeling from the remains of mashrooms from her neighbors in the barn. With prolonged feeding with wet mixtures, most chickens lose their spectacular appearance. Agree, the plucked beard does not look too aesthetically pleasing.
Therefore, mixers, which should include ingredients such as grated carrots, potatoes and beets, carved cabbage and herbs (nettle, root vegetables, quinoa, etc.), must be combined with dry food. Simultaneously with wet formulations, chickens should be given wheat and bran. Hookers can be seasoned with skimmers or meat broth (from waste). Chalk and vitamin supplements will also be beneficial.
Content Features
The Oryol chicken (photos clearly demonstrate its powerful constitution) is a fighting breed, as already mentioned. And although this bird has not been used in competitions for more than a century, it even retained its aggressive character. Therefore, to contain such hens and males is separate from representatives of other breeds.
Otherwise, the technology for caring for this bird is similar to the method of breeding any other domestic chickens. Most often, Oryol is kept in the usual outdoor manner. Since this bird is quite active and large, in the cage it will feel extremely uncomfortable. Walking is also what the Oryol chicken needs. The maintenance of this breed in the presence of a fenced area near the shed will be much more successful. Walking, including in winter, contributes to the better development of young animals and partially solves the problem of vitamin D deficiency.
Oryol Chickens
Of course, to buy young animals or eggs of this bird to update the livestock each time will be very expensive. Indeed, the Oryol breed is still considered quite rare in our country. And therefore, such a bird is expensive. Therefore, many homeowner owners prefer to breed it themselves.
Incubation of eggs of Oryol chickens is carried out as usual. But caring for young animals is somewhat different from methods for keeping chicks of other breeds. The fact is that the Oryol chickens are quite slowly developing. The disadvantage of the Oryol breed is precisely late maturity. The chicks do not fledge for a long time and like to eat a lot. But they hatch strong and healthy. Lunge among Oryol chickens is usually very small.
Selection work
Many farm owners, in addition to the content of Oryol chickens for meat and egg, also pay great attention to the preservation and improvement of this breed. Those who really care about this domestic variety, when breeding it is worth observing certain rules. Manufacturers must be:
- massive;
- leggy;
- with a well-developed crest;
- with as hooked beak as possible;
- yellow-legged.
Another sign that you should pay attention to when breeding such a bird as Oryol chicken is the suit. For variegated varieties, the most uniform color is recommended. Of course, you cannot use a bird that has not yet fully formed for breeding.
Oryol chicken: reviews of farmers
Since this breed is very productive, farmers have a very good opinion of it. This bird is mainly kept by lovers of varieties of domestic selection. In our country, even a club of fans of this particular ancient breed has been created. Its members care about its preservation and about increasing its popularity among Russian farmers.
Oryol chicken is one of the best old domestic breeds. And although this bird has certain disadvantages, such as, for example, late ripeness and aggressiveness, it certainly deserves the attention of Russian farmers. This bird can be raised either directly as a general business, or simply as a decorative one.