Rare breeds of chickens, such as Breda, are of particular interest to breeders-collectors. Previously, these chickens were very popular among Dutch farmers, as they were considered particularly productive.
However, now breeders are no longer interested in the productivity of chickens, but in their set of genes, which can later participate in the creation of a new breed.
The Breda breed was one of the most popular Danish-Dutch breeds of chickens. She was first bred in the vicinity of the city of Breda, and therefore received such a name.
Crested hens took part in the formation of the breed. From them, the breeders wanted to convey to the new breed an unusual appearance.
But in order to improve the meat productivity of the hybrids obtained, they were crossed with Chinese Langshans and Malinsky cuckoo chickens. Thus, farmers managed to get an unusual breed with good meat and egg productivity.
General description of the breed Breda
The rooster of this breed has a very massive and large body with thick and long plumage. The neck is of medium length.
The dark feathers on the neck are so long that they can freely lie on his shoulders and back. The back is located at a slight tilt, and the shoulders are quite wide. Wings of roosters of breed Breda fit well to the body. At their ends falls long dark lumbar plumage.
The tail is beautifully feathered. It consists of several elongated rounded dark braids, as well as the rest, shorter plumage. The chest is set deep and wide. The belly of the roosters is wide, but retracted.
The head of roosters has an average size. On the red face of the bird is completely absent plumage. Instead of a crest, a small tuft grows on the head of these chickens. Because of this, chickens are often called "crow's head".
Earrings are long, red, have an oval shape. Ear lobes oblong, painted white. The eyes are small, dark. The beak is short but strong. It is usually painted gray.
Thick plumage grows on the legs of the breed. The legs are large and strong with toes wide apart. Some individuals may have plumage on their hanks.
Photos of maiden grapes are always available for viewing at: //selo.guru/sadovodstvo/vinograd/devichij-posadka-i-uhod.html.
The chickens have a wide, but completely horizontal back, a very full belly, a rounded chest and a tail standing straight with lush plumage. Instead of a crest, a small crest grows, consisting of small feathers. The ear lobes of hens are small, white.
Features
Breda is a very calm breed of domestic chickens. Because of this, they get along well with other inhabitants of the yard.
They quickly become attached to their owner, becoming good pets. Fully manual chickens are always happy to go to the hands of his master.
Birds are characterized by increased endurance. They can easily be contained in semi-free conditions and are also well tolerated in cells. These birds react poorly to a sharp change in the weather.
A very thick and long plumage grows on their bodies, which makes it possible to keep the bird warm even during severe cold weather. In addition, good breed endurance is due to good health.
Unfortunately, there are some problems with breeding. The fact is that hens are poor layers. They cannot properly sit and grow chickens, so breeders should separately buy incubators if they are going to seriously engage in the breed.
In addition, the chickens of these chickens grow slowly and also slowly fledge, therefore additional care is desirable for them.
Content and cultivation
You can keep chickens in almost any conditions. They are well tolerated life in the wild, and also perfectly cope with living in cramped cells.
However, the largest number of eggs laid was registered only in those individuals that had regular walking. This suggests that chickens are positively affected by fresh air.
Feed this breed of chickens can be ordinary homemade mash. Barley, wheat, corn, and some cereals must be present in them. Be sure to add to the feed for layers of chalk and crushed eggshells, which contribute to the carrying of more eggs.
In the winter season, vitamins are added to the diet, and in summer - green fodder consisting of chopped herbs and vegetables.
As for breeding, it is produced only with the help of an incubator. Chickens remain very vulnerable immediately after hatching, so extra care is needed. Usually young animals are kept in warm rooms with low humidity.
Lamps are used to heat chicks. and a special straw mat. Some breeders advise from an early age to feed chickens with vitamins so that the health of chickens is strengthened at an early stage of their development.
Specifications
The total weight of roosters can vary from 2.5 to 3 kg. Laying hens of this breed can gain a mass of up to 2 kg. They lay on average up to 160 eggs per year. Subsequently, egg production is reduced to 130 eggs per year.
On average, each egg with a white shell can reach a mass of 55-60 g. However, for incubation it is better to select the largest specimens, since they contain all a sufficiently large number of useful substances that are necessary for the survival of the embryo.
Analogs
Instead of the rare Breda breed, you can get highly productive Cornish chickens. These birds are able to gain a much larger mass - cocks often weigh up to 4.5 kg, and chickens - 3.5. At the same time, the hens of this breed easily cope with the laying of 150 eggs per year.
There are also no problems with breeding, as the Cornish hens are known for their excellent maternal instinct. Hatching young stock can reach a mass of 1.5 kg by the age of 8 weeks.
Conclusion
Breda chickens are a rare breed of domestic birds known in some circles as the crow head. Instead of a crest, these chickens have a small tuft that makes their head look like a crow. However, breeders appreciate the breed not only for the unusual appearance, but also for good quality meat.