Today there are many breeds of hens. Owners of small farms prefer to make mini meat chickens. This versatile breed, which is able to provide its owner not only meat but also eggs. In order to keep and breed mini-chickens will not require large investments.
These birds are unpretentious, they consume a small amount of food, but quickly gaining ground.
First mini-meat chickens have been bred in Russia. Later these birds became popular in Europe.
In order to achieve a large range of colours of the plumage, the researchers used in deriving the following breeds of chickens:
- Rhode Island.
- White plymouthrock.
- Cornish.
The rock has a mini-meat chickens, there are advantages and disadvantages.
Their benefits include:
- the rapid growth of the birds;
- nepriveredliv in food (food is digested well);
- low maintenance and maintenance;
- these birds are fairly large in size eggs;
- have a calm, level-headed, absolutely not aggressive in nature;
- do not dig in the ground (which is very valuable to farmers);
- consume small amount of food;
- for their breeding does not require a lot of space (can be kept in cages and aviaries).
The disadvantages of mini-meat chickens not so much, but they do exist:
- Mini chickens of various colors must be kept separate from each other (this rule shall be strictly adhered to, so as not to cross).
- Due to the short legs in rainy weather, the chickens cling to belly on the damp earth. This can lead to disease. To avoid this, not worth it in bad weather to produce miniature chickens for a walk.
- Can cause problems with paws. They can be avoided if you choose a better and more balanced food for the birds.
Description mini meat breed chickens
The characteristic appearance of a mini-meat chickens:
- stocky build;
- wide back;
- round breast;
- short legs;
- a small comb leaf-shaped;
- light weight;
- a rather dense plumage;
- the colour of these birds: white, yellow and red.
Breeding mini-meat chickens
In order to breed mini meat chickens do not need to spend a lot of money. These birds are fairly easy to contain. If the number of mini-Cours add rooster breeds Cornish, the Chicks are quite strong and massive.
The fry are growing very actively and rapidly. The survival rate of Chicks almost one hundred percent. However, we should not forget that small, not yet having become stronger, the Chicks need to provide a warm room. In the first weeks after hatching the temperature should be about 35 degrees Celsius. In the future, every week you can lower the temperature by a few degrees.
The maintenance and care of the breed mini-meat chickens
If you follow all the rules for the maintenance and good care of these small-sized birds, they will thank its owner a good quality meat and eggs.
For keeping these small minimalnych chickens you need to build a small warm coop, which should not be drafts. Nests should be placed at a height slightly more than half. Birdbaths are also worth a place on the dais. The feeders must present the sides in order not to fall apart during feed meal.
In the room or cage where birds need to maintain order. A clean house is a sign of health of the birds and protect them from various parasites and infectious diseases.
On the floor in the house needs to be litter. It will absorb excess moisture and help to avoid colds. Change the litter to two times a month.
In the room with the birds should be to carry out General cleaning a few times a year. The house is cleaned by means of boiling water, brushes and soap.
To disinfect a room with miniature birds, you should regularly. Doing this with a two per cent solution of Lysol.
Feeding mini-meat chickens
These birds picky in the food and consume quite a bit of food. Young Chicks first month it is recommended to feed rations that are specially developed for meat breeds. Next, feed the birds can grind grain to which you want to add different primacy. And also, the food should be fish or meat and bone meal, chalk and finely crushed eggshells.
Youngsters are also encouraged to give the cheese and chopped parsley. Mineral supplements should also be present in the diet of birds. In the coop the chickens can diversify their diet with grubs, greens and small stones.
Waterers with clean water should be in the house constantly. The water is preferably changed regularly in order to keep it divorce different bacteria.
Description productivity of a mini meat breed chickens
Despite its diminutive size, the mini-chickens are pretty heavy. The average weight of these small birds about three pounds. Females weight slightly less than the roosters.
The meat from these chickens is characterized by a richness and a pleasant and delicate taste.
Despite the fact that these birds are for meat species, laying hens are characterized by good egg production. One individual per year can yield up to 170 eggs, weighing about sixty grams. The shell of the eggs are brown in colour and very durable.
The stock of chickens is recommended to be changed every two years.
Common varieties of the mini chickens
Consider some of the most popular breeds.
Characteristic of the breed leggon Dwarf or Mini-Kura-33
Chickens of this breed have a bright yellow color, but the adults are white. The survival rate of young animals is almost 100%.
The main features of the breed include:
- small size head, red;
- smooth leaf-shaped comb in males and slightly slanted in female animals;
- earlobes are white (if they are reddish, it is considered a marriage);
- powerful yellow beak;
- in the young eye is orange, the adult eye is more pale;
- short legs, with no tail.
These chickens are pretty inexpensive to maintain, since they consume almost half less food than most large breeds of birds.
Legheny are active, non-aggressive and friendly personality. Occasionally conflicts can occur between cocks.
These miniature birds are able to adapt to any climate and conditions.
Breeding mini chickens you will need to purchase incubators, as the hens lack the instinct of incubation.
Food mini-chickens must be balanced. Improper feeding can lead to various diseases, as well as chicken may stop laying eggs. In year one hen can bring more than 200 eggs.
Description of the breed mini-chickens Rhode island or P-11
These hens are distinguished by their red coat and tiny size. The weight of the cock can reach three pounds. The weight of females – about two and a half pounds.
The nature of these small birds is peaceful. The roosters are not aggressive, do not like fights and pretty carefully treat the laying hens.
In food, these birds picky, well able to digest food. Every day they need a little more than 100 grams of feed.
To six-month age mini-Cours comes puberty. The duration of egg laying is 16 months. Bred Rhode Island with the help of the incubator. A year one individual can bring about 160 eggs.
From the description of the breed mini-chickens meat, we can conclude that these birds are an ideal option for smaller households. These birds require minimal care and cost. They are well able to absorb food and with proper maintenance are not susceptible to disease. Yet their advantages are their peace-loving and completely non-aggressive disposition. And also, it is worth noting that representatives of this miniature breed get along great with other birds.