Characteristics of Breckel chickens
Breckel chickens are one of the most ancient representatives of birds. Their main features are strong immunity and strong health. Previously, this species was bred in Belgium by farmers, but today it is being replaced by other productive individuals.
Description of Breckel chickens
Breed characteristics
In shape, the rooster resembles a rectangle, but all the corners are covered with plumage, which makes the figure softer. The feathers are slender and long. The neck is small. On it, the male can see oblong feathers that cover him from the ears to the beginning of the back. Colors flow smoothly into one another. Feathers from the neck fall lightly and gently over the shoulders, giving the Breckel grace and grandeur. The shoulders are broad and massive.
The wings fit closely to the body. In addition, the end of the wing is almost impossible to see, as the feathers from the back cover it. Brekel's tail is set straight and has many feathers. Due to the elongated braids, the tail and the size of the male increase. The belly is deeply set and wide, the tail is massive and large.
The male's head is small, but broad and flat. Small feathers can be seen on the head of the birds. A small comb always stands proudly. On it you can count the teeth, on average there are 5 or 6, the earrings are medium in size and rounded.
The lobes are all bluish-beige. There is a black border around the eyes, and the eyes themselves are almost always dark. Brekel's beak is powerful, the impact force is great. The color of the beak is always bluish, but its tip will always be light. The shins are not striking, they are small in size, like the metatarsus. They are bluish in color. The fingers of the male are spaced in proportion, the claws are large, white.
Females have a straighter back, a large belly and a powerful tail. The end of the scallop slopes slightly downward. Ears of a more intense blue tint than that of males. This color can be found on the comb of females and on the beak.
Culling is caused by too skinny and bony body, too high or low set tail, low set wings and yellow earlobes.
Color variations
In nature, there are only 2 color options:
- with a touch of silver;
- with a touch of gold.
Chickens Breckel silver have their own peculiarity in color: each feather has a black end. But on the head and neck, the plumage is crystal clear. The plumage of the back and loin remains whitened.
The silver strap has dark colors not only on the ends of the feathers, but also on the chest and sides. White ribbons on the belly become wider towards the end. Females do not have this color, on the contrary, on the head and neck one can observe a silvery shade, noticeable in the sun. Dark tips of feathers are sometimes found.
In golden birds, black is the leader in color, but the same combination of color and pattern is preserved as in silvers. But the silver color changes to golden with an admixture of brown. In the photo on the Internet, you can often find a black representative of this breed.
Features of the
Breckels are famous for laying hens, which have a good egg production percentage.However, in the process of selection, the maternal instinct completely disappeared from the breed - everyone who decides to start breeding these birds will have to acquire incubator.
The meat of the variety tastes like wild meat.
This bird has inextinguishable energy, is able to run around the yard tirelessly for days. Birds fly very well due to strong and long wings, so it is best to put a high fence and make a roof in their place of residence.
They are non-aggressive and calm creatures. They coexist perfectly with other types of chickens: they do not arrange fights first, do not measure themselves by territories, and therefore it is better to settle them with the same non-conflict breeds.
Breckel has a fairly strong immunity, they easily survive any weather conditions and very rarely get sick. The chickens are also tough. They quickly become overgrown with feathers and gain weight. Also, the breed is considered very hardy.
If you want to participate in exhibitions, you need to carefully treat the breeding of this species. According to the norms in males, the comb should stand upright, but often it falls slightly downward, which is considered a very big drawback.
Keeping and raising chickens
Breckel is a species that is considered egg-bearing, therefore, in order for pets to develop well, they need to constantly mix minerals and calcium into the diet. The breed is whimsical and requires special care.
It is an active species and cannot be kept or bred in a cage. From childhood, chickens need space, so they need a territory for walking, a large poultry house... It should be surrounded by a high fence and covered with a net, since this species loves to fly - it will not be difficult for it to fly over a two-meter fence.
Approximate weight
Compared to other breeds, this one weighs a little. Breckel males reach a maximum weight of 2.9 kg, and laying hens - up to 2.7 kg. Layers can lay from 174 to 225 eggs per year. Sometimes a chicken produces 250 eggs, which farmers jokingly call the "egg bustle."
Each egg weighs no more than 60 g. The shell color is light cream or light brown. Only large eggs should be selected for incubation.
Similar breeds
Breckel silver breed of chickens is unique in its kind, but there are analogues for certain characteristics. Often, instead of this breed, they give birth Blue Andalusian... Most farmers keep this breed only for decorative purposes, and eggs are used as a beautiful thank you "from the breed.
If the farmer wants high-yield chickens, it is better to start a breed. Tetra... Belgian chickens are a good option for farmers who love birds with an unusual appearance and high productivity. This breed is easy to maintain and care for, but requires proper and balanced nutrition.