Description and characteristics of the Hisex Brown and White chicken breed, maintenance rules

Chickens of the hybrid breed Hisex - White and Brown - are distinguished by early maturation, high egg production, survival rate and unpretentiousness. Due to numerous advantages, birds are successfully raised in domestic and industrial conditions. Those who plan to breed this breed should familiarize themselves with all the characteristic features of its representatives, as well as the requirements and recommendations regarding maintenance, care and nutrition.

Origin of Hisex chickens

The Dutch breed of Heisex chickens first appeared in the early 70s of the twentieth century thanks to the efforts of the breeding company Hendrix Genetics. This highly productive cross of egg-laying poultry is created on the basis of two breeds - New Hampshire and Leghorn. The hybrid has improved and improved productive qualities compared to its predecessors.

Initially, the birds had a snow-white color. This variety was named Hisex White. Then the breeders repeated the attempt at crossing, adding another one to the two breeds mentioned above - Rhode Island. It was from its representatives that the Hisex Brown chickens got their rich and expressive red-brown color.

In the mid-70s, this breed came to the territory of the USSR, where it became in demand and popular. About 10 years later it spread throughout America and Asia, and in the late 90s they learned about it in Africa and Australia.

Description and characteristics of the breed

What characteristics are characteristic of Hisex chickens, and what differences, in addition to color, exist between the Brown and White varieties of birds.

Cross appearance

The main external characteristics of the Hisex breed are:

• compact and strong build;
• short stature;
• wings that are small and tightly fitting to the sides;
• a medium-sized head with a bright scarlet comb;
• strong and smooth beak of small size;
• light green, unusual eye color for chickens;
• soft silky feathers with tightly closed hairs;
• the presence of round earrings.

Brown

The plumage of this species has a distinctive reddish-brownish plumage color. The rooster has darker feathers in the back, tail and legs, which adds contrast. They may have white tips on their wing feathers. Hens, as a rule, have uniform plumage. The average weight of a male is 2.4 kg, and that of a female is 2 kg.

White

The body weight of representatives of the White species is slightly less. Laying hens weigh on average about 1.7 kg, and cockerels - 1.8 kg. Snow-white plumage is a distinctive feature for birds of both sexes.

Comparison of productive characteristics of white and brown varieties of birds

Chickens belonging to the Brown family have higher productivity characteristics. Over the course of one year, they produce more than 360 large eggs weighing up to 70 grams. The eggs have a strong, dark brownish shell. After 2-3 years of life of laying hens, egg production begins to decline.

Hisex White chickens produce about 280 white-shelled eggs every year. The average weight of each of them is 63 grams. They are characterized by reduced cholesterol content. Sometimes eggs from white hens contain two yolks.

Bird temperament

White and brown Hisex chickens also differ in character.

Representatives of Brown are characterized by high survival and viability. They tolerate cold well. They have a balanced and calm temperament, which allows them to easily and conflict-free get along with chickens of other breeds within the same chicken coop. These birds are friendly towards people. Another positive feature of this species of bird is its rapid adaptation to new foods introduced into the diet.

White birds are characterized by increased activity and mobility.Some aggressiveness may be visible in the behavior of males. Representatives of the White breed are more demanding in terms of living conditions and dietary habits. For harmonious development, they definitely require minerals in their diet. If this condition is not met, the birds may experience stress, which negatively affects egg production.

Main pros and cons

Poultry farmers from many countries around the world prefer to raise Hisex Brown chickens due to the following advantages:

• early maturation (laying hens begin to produce eggs at 150 days of age);
• high egg production, which lasts for three years;
• large size and significant weight of eggs;
• large body weight, which allows, in addition to eggs, to also obtain tasty meat;
• resistance to common diseases affecting poultry;
• relatively low feed consumption.

There are practically no disadvantages to Hisex Brown, with the exception of a decrease in the taste of meat after the birds reach the age of three.

Features of maintenance and care

Before you start breeding Hisex Brown chickens, you should find out what the chicken coop should be like and the place for regular walking, what requirements apply to feeders and drinkers, as well as when and why you need to replace the number of birds.

Chicken coop, walking yard, feeders and drinking bowls

The chicken coop for representatives of the Hisex Brown breed should be light, dry and spacious. There should be no more than four chickens per square meter of space. Sudden temperature changes and drafts are unacceptable. The maximum indoor air temperature during the summer period is +28 °C, and in winter - +12 °C.

A layer of lime must be applied to the floor surface, and then a bedding 25 centimeters thick must be laid. Recommended materials for its manufacture:

• excelsior;
• straw;
• hay;
• peat.

The litter needs to be changed twice or thrice a month.

Perches for birds should be arranged in the darkest and most comfortable corner of the chicken coop. The optimal height for them is 50-60 centimeters above floor level. To maintain high egg production of chickens, it is important that the duration of daylight in the chicken coop for Hisex Brown is at least twelve hours. For these purposes, additional artificial lighting will be required during the wintering period.

To maintain natural hygiene, Hisex Brown chickens need to place special containers filled with a mixture of wood ash and purified river sand in the room. These unique dry baths help birds effectively fight parasites.

Keeping the chicken coop clean is key to the health of your poultry. Thorough cleaning and disinfection of the premises must be carried out every quarter.

The yard for regular bird walking should also be spacious. For each individual - at least one and a half meters of space. There are certain requirements for the arrangement of feeders and drinkers for chickens. Structures made of mesh or rods are necessary when feeding birds with fresh herbs. Wood products are suitable for standard dry mixes. Feeders made of metal or plastic, which are easy to clean and wash, are indispensable when using wet types of food, as well as for birds to drink. These devices can be located in the chicken coop either floor-mounted or suspended.

Seasonal molt

Seasonal molting is a natural process for Hisex Brown laying hens.In different individuals it can begin between October and December. The average duration is 4-8 weeks. By the onset of next spring, the hens will fully restore their full appearance and egg production.

During seasonal molting, the feathers on the neck fall out first, then on the back and tail, and finally on the wings.

During this period, birds need a higher intake of vitamins, minerals and protein. The diet should include potatoes, carrots, pumpkin and cabbage with the addition of bone meal, meat broths, chalk and crushed shells.

Planned replacement of livestock

After 1-2 years of life of Hisex Brown chickens, a planned replacement of the livestock is carried out. This is necessary to increase egg production, as well as improve the taste of poultry meat.

What to feed the birds?

When creating a menu for chickens, you should approach it responsibly.

Chicks

In the first few days of life, Hisex Brown and White chickens must be fed crushed boiled eggs with the addition of finely chopped plants - sorrel, dandelion and nettle. Starting from the 4-5th day of life, it is recommended to add fresh green onions to the main feed. This will help protect the chicks from infectious diseases.

Subsequently, the following chicken menu is recommended:

• end of the first week: wheat and oatmeal, a mixture of corn flour and drinking water;
• from the second week: gradual addition of feed for the chicks;
• third week: complete transition to mixed feed for young herds and a mixture of crushed grains.

In addition, it is necessary to give Hisex Brown chickens fresh herbs and chopped vegetables, as well as special mineral and vitamin complexes. Water for chicks must be changed twice a day. In order to prevent infections, a little potassium permanganate should be added to it.

Adult herd

Adult Hisex Browns require a balanced diet of high quality. The best option would be ready-made feed for egg-bearing breeds. You can prepare it yourself by mixing the following components in certain proportions:

• 3 parts corn;
• 3 parts wheat;
• 2 parts legumes;
• 1 part oats.

Additional ingredients are meat and bone meal, as well as fine gravel and river sand, which contribute to better grinding of grains in the bird's crop.

Fresh and boiled vegetables are also an essential part of the diet. In summer, cucumbers, zucchini, pumpkin, cabbage and any kind of greens are suitable. In winter - boiled potatoes, as well as crushed peelings from them. It is recommended to include soybean cake in the diet, which is a source of vegetable protein. And flaxseed and sunflower cake replenish the fat deficiency in the body of chickens.

In the warm season, free-range chickens feed on fresh grass on their own, so the amount of feed should be reduced by 10-15%. In winter, birds can be fed hay as a substitute for grass.

Breeding rules

When starting to breed the Hisex Brown breed, it is important to familiarize yourself in detail with the features of incubation and the main requirements for keeping young animals.

Incubation

Since the brooding instinct in representatives of the Hisex Brown breed is not very pronounced, there is a need for artificial incubation. It is also permissible to use a chicken of a different breed as a brood hen. The survival rate of chicks as a result of incubation is 95%, thanks to which even novice poultry farmers can easily cope with breeding the breed.

Room for young animals

The room in which the chicks are planned to hatch must be prepared taking into account the following rules:

1. The maximum number of birds per 1m3 is 6 individuals.
2. To accommodate 20-30 day old chicks you will need a box with an area of ​​1 m2.
3. There should be no drafts in the chicken coop.
4. The temperature for keeping day-old chicks is +26-+28 °C, and week-old chicks +22-+24 °C.
5. Newspaper folded in several layers is used as bedding for newly hatched chickens. Later it is replaced with straw or wood shavings.
6. The room must be cleaned at least every 2-3 days.

Watering and feeding day-old chicks

Newly hatched chicks behave actively and imitate adults in everything. It is important to ensure that the chicks do not climb into the feeder and drinker with their feet - they can leave excrement and dirt there, and eating such food is fraught with the development of intestinal infections.

Mandatory food requirements for day-old chicks are easy digestibility and sterility.

In the first days of life, chickens should prepare a mixture of the following components:

• three glasses of corn;
• a glass of wheat;
• a glass of sunflower cake;
• 1/3 cup barley;
• 1/2 cup low-fat kefir.

Grain components must be finely ground, since the digestive system of newborn birds is very receptive and sensitive. Then mix until smooth.

Chickens should always have free access to drink, namely water with the addition of a pinch of potassium permanganate. It is necessary to change the water in the drinking bowl 2-3 times daily.

Diseases of Hisex chickens

Representatives of the Hisex Brown breed are characterized by a strong immune system, but they require deworming and the necessary vaccinations.

In case of violation of the rules of keeping, young birds and adult birds are susceptible to diseases, including:

• chicken pox;
• streptococcal infection;
• syngamosis;
• helminthiasis;
• amidostomiasis;
• lichen.

As a result of dampness and drafts, birds develop arthritis, colds and pneumonia. Anemia and vitamin deficiency in chickens are a consequence of a deficiency of vegetable fats, as well as fresh vegetables and fruits in the diet.

The occurrence of health problems in Hisex Brown chickens is signaled by:

• refusal of birds to drink, or, conversely, excessive thirst;
• decreased usual appetite;
• deterioration in the appearance of the plumage - ruffled and tarnished;
• difficulty breathing - the appearance of characteristic wheezing;
• lowering of the head, wings and tail;
• walking disorders, frequent falls;
• intestinal disorders;
• difficulty swallowing.

For some time, sick individuals must be placed in a separate room to avoid infecting other birds. A veterinarian is invited for a full examination of the livestock. As a rule, the treatment of most diseases of Hisex Brown chickens involves the administration of antibiotic drugs.

For prevention purposes, birds need proper care, cleanliness and a healthy diet. Food for Hisex Brown chickens should be fresh and enriched with useful minerals.