Rare Mediterranean breeds of chickens are gaining more and more popularity among domestic farmers every year. This group includes the Spanish white-faced chickens. They attract bird breeders with an unusual appearance and good meat and egg productivity.
For the first time Spanish white-faced chickens were obtained in Spain. They were obtained from the black Minorocs, which were actively crossed with hens of fighting breeds. As a result, breeders managed to bring a hardy look with an unusual appearance. In addition, the resulting chickens have become quite productive for breeding as meat and egg breed.
Breed description Spanish white-faced
By external signs, they strongly resemble Minorok. However, these chickens immediately become noticeable white face. As a rule, such a sign in the minorok is not manifested or manifested, but at an older age.
Adults characterized by a snow-white face, against which dark eyes stand out very well. White massive earlobes, which are a peculiar adornment of the face of this breed of hens, are also clearly visible.
All chickens have a shade-black plumage with a faint gray tint. Against the background of dark plumage, the bright red comb and earrings are very noticeable. They are located on the head, placed on a high-set neck. Such posture creates the impression that the bird is aware of all its importance.
That is why many bird breeders try to buy this bird. With the help of an attractive appearance, all the neighbors next to the farm plot will pay attention to this decorative breed.
Features
Spanish white-faced chickens are very mobile and active birds. Because of this, they require additional walking, during which they will spend extra energy. Walking will allow birds to feed on fallen berries, seeds and insects. For this reason, vineyards and gardens are ideal for walking, where insect pests are abundant.
Compared to other Spanish breeds, she not lost maternal instinct. She can independently, without using an incubator, incubate chickens. This greatly facilitates the work for beginner breeders who do not have an incubator.
The meat of these chickens has a pleasant taste. The birds themselves quickly gain weight, so farmers do not have to wait long to get the benefit.
Unfortunately, they do not tolerate hypothermia and constant high humidity. Because of this, they need to create special conditions of detention.
Content and cultivation
In the poultry house where Spanish white-faced chickens will live, it is imperative to make wooden or adobe floors. In no case can not create a concrete floor, as the birds will quickly freeze on it. For the same reason, the ceilings in the hen house should not be higher than 1.8 m. The fact is that higher poultry houses are warming up slowly, so breeders have to build good heating.
In addition, you need to take care of a good ventilation system. One of the most simple and effective methods of ventilation is the arrangement of vents. In addition, you can use special exhaust wood pipes. They will easily pass air, so the chickens, even in winter, can feel comfortable.
Also do not forget about the presence of windows. Spanish white-faced chickens are used to a lot of sunlighttherefore, the area of the windows should not be less than 10% of the floor area. Additionally, windows should be insulated with frames that can be easily removed during the summer period.
For these chickens is important to have a yard for walking. However, the yard should be additionally protected with a fence so that birds do not suffer from small predators, such as ferrets. From the attack of birds of prey, the population of chickens is reliably protected by trees or a large canopy.
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In winter, sheds should be well insulated. If the winter is not too cold (the temperature does not fall below -10), chickens can be kept without additional heating. However, a rapid decrease in air temperature can adversely affect the condition of birds. That is why for insulation you can use natural litter of peat and sawdust.
It is enough to cover the floor with a layer with a layer thickness of 5 cm, and the birds will feel comfortable at any time of the year.
Feeding birds
They need to be fed at least 3 times a day. Dry food is commonly used as a staple food. During the filling of feeders, the birds in no case should not slaughter it completely. During feeding, chickens may inadvertently scatter grain.
In summer, birds should be fed green fodder. Perfect for this wheat germ, millet, which are previously finely chopped. In winter, when there is no greenery, it is enough to feed the birds with vegetables and hay dust. Additionally, you can add vitamin D to the feed.
As for wet food, it is periodically worth giving to birds, but in small quantities. They have to completely eat it in half an hour, otherwise it will spoil. It is worth noting that spoiled food often causes indigestion in chicken.
Specifications
The live weight of the chicken is 2.5 kg, and the rooster - 3 kg. Laying birds of this breed are able to lay more than 180 eggs in the first year of their productivity. At the same time, the weight of eggs will be on average 55 g. The color of the shell is white. The survival rate of young and adult individuals is quite high. On average, it is 96%.
Where can I buy in Russia?
Spanish white-faced breed is engaged in the sale of hatching eggs, adult birds and day-old chickens "Bird village". The farm is located in the Yaroslavl region, 140 km from Moscow. For more information on the presence of eggs, please call +7 (916) 795-66-55.
Analogs
Analogue can call hens Minorok. It was their genetic material used to obtain the Andalusian blue breed. The bird grows rapidly and gives a fairly good number of eggs, but it is difficult to keep it in very cold winter conditions. This Mediterranean breed of chickens does not tolerate harsh winters, so it needs a reliable chicken house. It should be well heated so that the birds do not suffer from constant hypothermia.
Another analogue is the Andalusian blue chickens. They are characterized by an unusual color, which makes them particularly attractive for private content. They take root pretty well in the conditions of domestic farms, however many breeders prefer to start this breed exclusively for decorative purposes.
Conclusion
It is difficult to find the perfect breed of chickens, which could simultaneously be well carried, and at the same time had tasty meat. However, the Spanish white-faced breed of chickens copes well with both tasks. Moreover, the chickens are characterized by an unusual appearance, so they will be a good decoration for any suburban area.
