Poultry is not always involved in the production of meat and eggs. In some farms among productive breeds of chickens you can see carefree walking decorative representatives. They are usually kept for aesthetic pleasure and participation in exhibitions. However, only due to the fact that the cost of adult individuals and chicks of elite breeds is quite high, their breeding can bring good profit to the farmer. One of the most beautiful varieties is the Milfleur chickens. The article will describe the characteristics of this breed and the features of its content.
History
The birthplace of the Milfleur chickens is Belgium: the Belgian Betmanka was used in the selection of this breed. When breeding it, the developers focused on the uniqueness of the plumage of a bird. As a result, a new breed with shaggy legs was born, which is now very popular among poultry farmers. She was one of the first three varieties obtained from Betmanka, which is characterized by lavender color.
More specifically, the Milfler breed of chickens was obtained with the participation of the Antwerp bearded Betmanka and the Dutch saber. There is a possibility that the ornamental individuals have genes of Japanese bird species, as they were imported to Belgium during breeding. In turn, the representatives in question are divided into subspecies. The breed Isabella is in greatest demand. Also in our country you can find such varieties as lavender and porcelain.
Milfler chickens: description
Representatives are not large in size, neatly folded and motley in color. The body has rounded shapes with a beautiful bend in the back. The head is medium in size, the color of the eyes depends on the color of the plumage. The contour of the chest is pronounced, protrudes forward. Roosters are distinguished by a luxurious tail, the feathers of which have a black-green color with low tide. The crest is red, straight, serrated.
The color of the chickens is very diverse, which is why they attract the attention of breeders. Many of them breed birds to get the original, and unusual feather colors. As a result of experimental work, new subspecies of birds appear. For example, under certain conditions in adults, plumage in the form of panties grows on the legs. Of the colors most often found are: porcelain, black and white, blue with specks, pure white and combined.
Breed characteristics
Despite its miniature size, dwarf representatives are capable of good returns. For a year, a laying hen gives about 100 eggs. This despite the fact that the female weighs only 600-700 grams, the roosters a little more - 800. The weight of one egg is about 30 g.
In the description of the Milfler breed, the following characteristics are highlighted:
- high exterior qualities;
- endurance, birds tolerate frosts well;
- calm nature;
- exactingness to feeding.
Nature of birds
In addition to the interesting exterior, judging by the description, the Milfler chickens have positive qualities that allow them to be kept together with other breeds. The following advantages were noted:
- The birds have an easygoing character, they easily make contact with the owners and pets.
- They are able to stand up for their family, if necessary, they will courageously defend young offspring.
- Chickens are very attentive to chicks. Interestingly, males faithfully guard the hens, and also pass them to the feeders first.
- Chickens are excellent brood hens, can be used to hatch offspring of other birds.
Some features of the breed
The Milfler breed of chickens does not like low rooms, birds always rush up. This imposes responsibility on the owner when planning. It is important that the perches for the hens are as high as possible. For them, it is recommended to equip multi-tiered structures, where birds will feel comfortable. You also need to consider that they are quite mobile. But the area of the room does not play a special role for them.
You should be balanced when feeding if you expect to get eggs from laying hens. With excessive consumption of food, they will begin to add to the mass, and obesity will significantly affect their productivity.
Diet
As already mentioned, birds are demanding on their diet. They prefer only natural food in crushed form. To prevent diseases of birds and ensure their normal development, you need to take care of proper nutrition. In the summer, feeding should include enough green grass. You can also give grain mixtures and feed.
For chickens you need to buy industrial granulated feed. A mixture of boiled eggs and cereals, wheat or corn, is prepared for small chicks. From the first week, you can add boiled carrots, yogurt or cottage cheese, leaves of plantain, beets. Kids need to provide frequent meals (at least 8 times a day). From the moment of birth to a month old, the number of feedings is gradually reduced to 5 times a day. At 6 weeks, the chicks are transferred to three meals a day.
To provide young offspring with the necessary energy, you need to create a balanced diet. It should contain most of the crops (70%). The rest is bone meal, wet mixes, yeast, herbs and vegetables. From grass it is preferable to give knotweed birds. It is chopped and mixed with cereals. From vegetables, hens love tomatoes and carrots. Poultry farmers recommend at least once a week to include seafood, such as shrimp waste. This has a positive effect on the growth of birds.
Terms
Milfler chickens are not demanding on the content. They are characterized by great endurance to living conditions and at the same time retain their decorative effect. However, some requirements still need to be fulfilled. This includes the following:
- the presence of a cover of fresh grass;
- without fail - a dry room without drafts;
- adherence to cleanliness: it is necessary to regularly change the litter, otherwise debris will stick to the feathers;
- in the cold season, birds need to be provided with additional heating.
It is important to fulfill all these conditions in order for the young plumage to form correctly.
About breeding
Due to the excellent maternal qualities that were indicated in the description of the Milfler chicken breed, they are bred naturally. The main thing is to keep the birdhouse clean. You can engage in breed reproduction in an incubator. After the appearance of the chicks, it is necessary to maintain the optimum temperature in the chicken coop for a week. Then they can be taken out to fresh air if it is warm outside.
Mandatory is vaccination. This will save offspring from chicken flu. Milfler chickens are clean-tailed individuals. Keep drinkers clean. In no case should slippery raids be allowed on them.
Disease prevention
If decorative chickens are not provided with proper care, they can be susceptible to disease. Sometimes the pest gives the owners trouble. To avoid unnecessary worries, you need to process the walls of the chicken coop and perches with lime. Cleaning should be carried out regularly. If the birds are in the aviary, then wood ash should be added to the litter. In addition, ash baths will be useful for them. For this purpose, ash is poured into large containers and left on the territory of the range. This is an effective disinfectant that protects birds from diseases and pests. Every 3-4 months, you need to treat the hens of the paws with birch tar.
Reviews
It is noted that such varieties as Isabella, porcelain and lavender are especially fond of space. The same requirement applies to fencing for walking. Poultry farmers write that if the structures are not high enough, the chickens will try to escape. As for the diet, various insects serve as additional food for birds, which they need to get if necessary. Also cottage cheese with egg mixed with food intended for broilers. Milfler food should not be processed.
Output
Obviously, decorative hens are popular because of the variety of plumage. Besides the fact that they are beautiful, birds are very easy to distinguish from the total mass of poultry. The distinctive features of the breed include small sizes, unpretentiousness in the content, which allows you to start it on various farms.
The disadvantage of birds is that they are irrational to start only for meat. Nevertheless, the birds have won the hearts of many owners and are considered one of the most beautiful decorative subspecies.