Yaytsenosky breeds of chickens, such as the Westphalian layer, have long been bred by farmers. These birds are characterized by a high growth rate, excellent egg production, as well as a pleasant appearance.
All the listed characteristics of the Westphalian breed are highly valued by breeders, therefore this bird can often be found at private farmsteads.
She was bred from speckled chickens with a pinkish comb. According to some reports, the formation of the breed ended in the XIX century in the city of Ravensberg.
The main purpose of breeding the breed is to achieve the highest possible egg production. In addition, the breeders tried to breed the chickens with a small comb to reduce the risk of frostbite in cold weather.
The name of this breed of domestic chickens appeared almost immediately after its first description appeared in 1904. After World War II, it lost its popularity among European breeders, but already in 1926, a special breeders' society began to re-breed and popularize Westphalian laying hens.
Description of breed Westphalian laying hens
The rooster has a dense body that has a rectangular shape. Its faces are well smoothed by thick plumage on the body of a bird.
The neck is not very long, on it grows a long plumage, falling on the back of chickens. The back smoothly passes into a horizontal back which a little goes down.
The shoulders of the breed are wide enough, the wings are well pressed to the body.
The tail is held high, well operatic. He has a very rich kositsami tail. It forms an angle with respect to the waist. The chest is set deep and wide, the belly is as wide and large.
The head of a rooster is small. On the face of the bird there is a slight plumage. Comb is small, almost imperceptible. Earrings are round, red. Ear lobes are painted white.
The eyes are dark brown, medium size. Beak tight, painted in gray, which is slightly brightened at the end.
The tibiae are strong, medium, and the tarsus is of medium length. As a rule, they are painted in gray shades. Fingers are placed correctly. They grow cream claws.
The Kochinkhin breed of chickens, dwarf, like any other ornamental breed, has its own specificity in breeding.For lovers of Ayam Tsemani type chickens, we offer a whole overview, which you can see here.
Chickens have a fuller belly, and there is also an almost straight tail. Because of the fullness of the abdomen, the chicken can look more massive than the rooster. Otherwise, both sexes are alike.
Features
Westphalian laying hens are good egg birds. They delight breeders with a large number of eggs laid.
In addition, these birds can incubate chickens, so the farmer does not need to spend extra time on the purchase of an incubator.
These domestic chickens have a very calm disposition, but they usually lead an active lifestyle. Chickens prefer to actively roam the walking yard, searching for insects and other pasture.
Chickens of this breed quickly reach sexual maturity and fledge quickly. This is a very important advantage of the breed, as the fur-bearing chickens are highly vulnerable to the external environment.
This bird has many advantages and only one major drawback: it can not be kept in a cage, as the bird needs constant walking, contributing to the laying of a large number of eggs.
Content and cultivation
As the name implies, this is an exclusively egg-breed breed of chickens.
Because of this, they need constant addition of calcium supplements to feed. In addition, in their diet must be a boiled egg and crushed shell. These foods help the chickens replenish the supply of calcium, which is expended during the laying of a large number of eggs.
Birds strike some farmers with their activity. They can wander around the walking yard all day until dusk..
Very often, the birds begin to train the wings during short flights. This can lead to chickens learning to fly a fence. Because of this, in the area where the population livestock, you need to equip a reliable canopy or a very high fence.
In addition, the farmer must remember that this breed should in no case be kept in cramped cages, otherwise it may adversely affect the egg productivity of the hens. In all other respects, the content of these chickens does not differ from the content of other egg breeds.
The total weight of roosters can range from 2 to 2.5 kg. Laying hens can gain weight up to 2 kg. They lay on average up to 220 eggs per year. Each egg has a mass of about 55 g, but for incubation, it is desirable to select only the largest specimens so that the embryo develops normally.
Where can I buy birds in Russia
"Bird village"sells adult Westphalian laying hens, their day-old chicks, and hatching eggs.
The farm is located on the territory of the Yaroslavl region, in an ecologically clean region, just 140 km from Moscow. To learn about the presence of poultry, you can specify the cost by calling +7 (916) 795-66-55
Analogs
As ideal hens on the farm can breed Ancona hens. These birds are able to lay more than 200 large eggs with a very bright yolk.
Layers of Ancona breed have an unusual speckled color, so they can be an ideal decoration for any private farm.
Also a good substitute for the Westphalian layer can be the Brekel breed, bred in Belgium. These chickens are characterized not only by good egg productivity, but also by the unusual taste of meat - it is somewhat similar to the taste of game.
For this reason, this breed is bred by lovers of hunting and breeding poultry. In addition, the brekels are well acclimatized in any conditions, so they can be maintained without problems in Russia.
Conclusion
Westphalian laying hens are domesticated hens. They delight their owners with a large number of eggs. In addition, this breed has not completely lost its maternal instinct, so there will be no problems with its breeding.
However, to keep such layers in any case can not be kept in cramped cages or aviaries. Westphalian laying hens are active and freedom-loving birds that prefer free-range walking.
