Chickens of the Araucana breed
The Araucana breed was bred by 1492 according to the principle of choosing chickens that lay colored eggs and unpretentious roosters. Breeding is directly related to the uncharacteristic greenish-blue color of the egg shell. For a clear definition of the species, they adhere to European standards.
Chickens of the Araucana breed
Brief information about the breed
- Productivity type: egg.
- Rooster weight: about 2 kg.
- Chicken weight: 1.4-1.6 kg.
- Ovipositor start: 6-8 months.
- Egg production: medium (160 pcs per year).
- Features of the: unpretentious, easily tolerate temperature extremes.
- Egg size: medium, 50.
- Is it suitable for a beginner: Yes.
Detailed description
The Araucan chicken was brought from the South American continent, and earlier the Indians were engaged in breeding.
The species is definitely made for lovers of productive and exotic animals. A tailless laying hen bears a bluish egg.
The lack of a tail is an advantage during combat, so this look is the most valuable. The characteristic shell color is achieved due to the presence of biliverdin pigment in the body of the hen.
Appearance
Chickens of Araucana have certain characteristics in accordance with the German standard.
- The size of the head is small. Feather thick pompons and a beard are characteristic. The reddish eyes are complemented by an orange tint throughout the iris, and the small hooked beak points straight. There are earrings and a comb on the head.
- The complete set of the body is downed. The body is almost regular oval, there is no tail due to the undeveloped coccyx. The chest is expressively convex with broad shoulders and back.
- The color of the legs is greenish and there is no plumage. The number of fingers on each of them is 4.
- Males are large. Severe sexual dimorphism is noted.
Unacceptable parameters when choosing an individual for breeding:
- sloping back;
- pointed backside;
- the position of the ridge to the side;
- asymmetry of pompons;
- the presence of a tailbone;
- the shell is not bluish or turquoise.
Character
The disposition of the representatives of the male and female sex differs radically.
Laying hens are calm, peaceful and easily get along with other relatives, and roosters are noticeably active, often come into conflicts, fight and compete with any species.
Strong opponents do not scare them, with rare exceptions they attack people in the absence of security.
Advantages and disadvantages
Chickens are unusual and expensive eggs
Before buying exotic breeds, pay attention to all the pros and cons.
Main advantages:
- easy care;
- minimum requirements for content;
- egg production by 6 months of age;
- decorativeness;
- an egg with a rare color;
- livability with sudden changes in temperature.
Disadvantages:
- the cock is aggressive;
- minimal manifestation of the incubation instinct in laying hens;
- high cost of eggs.
Rarely, breeders are faced with fertilization problems due to the strong overgrowth of the cloaca of chickens with feathers, therefore it is recommended to shear. Prices for decorative birds are about 250 rubles.
Productivity
Araucans have excellent egg production. After reaching puberty, layers are given up to 160 pieces. during a year.
Incubation problems include regular supervision of the young. This is the only way to achieve a positive result.
If the purchasing power of customers is high, it is worth breeding chickens, otherwise it is better to find cheaper poultry.
The low cholesterol content of the yolks makes the product useful. Nutritionists note the high concentration of vitamins in eggs and recommend them for consumption.
Breeding features
Quite a rare breed does not require special care in breeding. The reason for this is resistance to changes in temperature and humidity.
Chickens and adult chickens are unpretentious and do not experience discomfort in closed rooms or aviaries. An intimate haircut should be performed every month to solve the problem of excessive feathering for full fertilization.
Cut the tail 5 cm in diameter monthly to produce offspring.
A high percentage of egg growth is a huge plus, but an incubator is used to increase the birth rate. This allows you to regulate and increase the number of chicks.
Incubation
Before incubation, it is recommended to carefully examine the egg for damage.
You can only buy from trusted farmers who are serious about breeding birds and temporarily quarantine them during this period.
Before mating, it is worth preparing individuals because of the structure of their skeleton.
Chicks feeding
Feeding includes foods rich in minerals, vitamins and macronutrients. This is the key to correct development and the absence of deviations or diseases.
The problem with the gastrointestinal tract is solved by mixing gravel, small shells.
Chicks should receive boiled eggs, grated with cereals, cottage cheese, greens. In the process of growing up, switch to ready-made feed.
Caring for chicks
Araucan chickens need special care. To reduce the risk of disease, regulate the intake of protein in her body.
With a constant temperature regime, clean water and proper nutrition, they will grow up healthy and resistant to disease.
Features of maintenance and care
Easily tolerates winter temperatures
Easy adaptation to harsh winters is a huge plus for Araucan. A decrease in temperature to -6 does not affect the condition of the bird. The usual insulation of the house without additional heating is sufficient.
Content tips:
- separate finding of the breed;
- preparation of a spacious perch for layers;
- eliminate poisonous plants in the walking area;
- add ash zones to prevent parasites.
Chicken coop
It is recommended to constantly process the premises. Due to their wayward nature, the Araucanians will not tolerate neighbors.
Drinking bowls and feeders are required. The walking area is fenced off with a net or a shed is built.
Food
Disinfection of the feeders will protect the bird from diseases. The diet should contain vitamins and minerals. The presence of calcium is required.
The food is the same as that of other chickens. Mostly they give protein food, so it is worth highlighting the most useful supplements:
- cake;
- earthworms;
- beans;
- fish;
- bone meal.
Be sure to alternate with carbohydrates: pumpkin, carrots, potatoes. The normal development of the body provides for the presence of: silage, yeast, bone meal.
Older chickens can receive protein foods.
Place for walking
The walking area should be next to the chicken coop. Then the birds will adapt to new conditions, temper the body and diversify their food.
A canopy is required.This will allow you to hide from direct sunlight and relax during the hot season.
Containment and illness problems
According to the description, an exotic bird is in no way inferior to ordinary chickens.
Strong immunity and easy adaptation are important qualities, but improper care will cause a number of problems:
- feather mite - a direct source of hair loss, leading to death;
- chewing lice destroying feathers at the base;
- helminths in contact with other individuals;
- fleas.
Frequent disinfection will help to avoid all the nuances and prevent the bird from getting sick.
Owner reviews
Most breeders are happy with the breed.
They note the unpretentiousness and quick adaptation, the absence of nutritional problems, the simple care and the wayward nature of the birds captivate the owner.
Frost does not affect health, but, on the contrary, hardens the body of chickens.
Everyone who breeds Araucans is pleased with the results: they especially like the exotic look of chickens (no tail), as well as the unusual turquoise eggs. Productivity is good, it depends on the provision of conditions and equipment for the roost.