Description and characteristics of High Line chickens, maintenance rules

High Line chickens are very popular among poultry farmers. Such birds lay a lot of eggs, quickly adapt to external conditions, and are easy to care for. A standard diet suits these birds perfectly. To achieve success in raising chickens, it is worth vaccinating them in a timely manner and properly equipping the poultry house. A high-quality and balanced diet is of no small importance.

Origin story

The history of this breed began at the Hy-Line International enterprise. Scientists have set themselves the task of obtaining a cross that combines many advantages. These include excellent egg production, strong immunity, and unpretentiousness in the diet.

The result was a Heinlein hybrid. During the breeding period, several types of chickens were obtained that differ in shell color. It can be white or brown.

Characteristics and description of High Line chickens

To achieve success in breeding chickens, it is worth familiarizing yourself with their basic characteristics.

Appearance of the breed

These chickens are not gigantic in size. By 4 months their weight reaches a little more than 1.5 kilograms. The birds are characterized by a proportional physique and a neat head, on which a large red comb is located.

The feathers are luxurious and beautifully fit the small body. The wings fit tightly to the body. Chickens have excellent decorative properties and can become a decoration for the poultry house.

Character of birds

Such birds quickly adapt to the conditions. They are characterized by resistance to stress, and therefore have a calm disposition. American crosses are moderately curious. However, they do not have a tendency to conflict.

Productive qualities

Before you start raising such chickens, you should familiarize yourself with their productivity.

Weight

Chickens are characterized by a small weight - 1.5-1.8 kilograms. Cockerels weigh 200-300 grams more. Birds usually do not lag behind in development. If such a problem is observed, this may indicate irregularities in the diet.

Eggs

Active egg production of laying hens lasts 1.5 years.A bird can lay 340-350 eggs per year. They weigh 60-65 grams and are covered with a strong shell. The color of the eggs is determined by the color of the chicken's feathers.

Survival of young animals and molting

Molting occurs once a year. At the same time, the egg production of birds does not decrease. After molting, the eggs increase in size. Young animals are characterized by high survival rates. They reach 98%.

Advantages and disadvantages

Chickens of this breed have certain advantages and disadvantages. The key advantages of the breed include the following:

• high performance;
• ease of care;
• quick adaptation to new conditions;
• standard diet.

However, chickens also have certain disadvantages:

• lack of brooding instinct;
• short period of high egg production.

Types of crosses

American scientists have managed to breed several types of Hy-Line hybrids. The key differences are the color of the feathers and the shade of the shell. Brown birds are large in size. Their reproductive period begins 1 week later.

High Line Brown

This breed is characterized by brown tint of feathers and the same eggs. Bird subtypes include Sonya and Silver Brown. Birds are characterized by active growth for 18 weeks. During this time they eat 6-6.7 kilograms of food.

With the onset of puberty, the weight of chickens reaches 1.5-1.6 kilograms. By 74 weeks, the bird grows to 2 kilograms. To increase egg production, chickens need to be given 115 grams of feed per day.

High Line white

These chickens are smaller in size. The first time they lay eggs a week earlier than the brown ones. By 4 months, the birds reach a weight of 1.3 kilograms; at 74 weeks, their weight reaches 1.65-1.75 kilograms.During active development, birds eat 6 kilograms of feed. Subsequently, they should receive 100-105 grams of feed per day. Birds lay 330 eggs per year.

Content Features

In order for chickens to develop normally and produce a lot of eggs, they need to be provided with normal conditions.

Chicken coop requirements

It is recommended to grow American crosses in floor sheds. These birds easily get to roost, so there should be perches in the chicken coop. The floor should be treated with clay. It can also be made from tightly spaced boards. There should be bedding on top.

You can use wicker baskets or wooden boxes as nests. 1 nest is enough for 4-5 chickens. The door of the poultry house should have a hole measuring 0.3 meters through which the birds can go for a walk.

Temperature readings must be at least +10 degrees. It is recommended to ensure that there are no drafts.

It is recommended to ventilate the chicken coop periodically.

Walking area, drinking bowls and feeders

These birds can do without a walking yard. However, experienced farmers advise making a small enclosure for chickens. In spring and summer, birds benefit from walking in the fresh air and eating fresh grass. In winter, birds are allowed to go outside for a short time. There should be no strong winds or severe frosts. Birds need constant access to drinkers and feeders.

What to feed chickens?

Ready-made or home-prepared feed is suitable for feeding birds. When feeding High Lines at home, they should be given the following products:

1. Cereals. Birds need grains of wheat, barley, and oats. They can also be given rye and corn. Grains are given whole or crushed. In winter they need sprouted crops.
2. Soybeans and peas. They include many plant proteins, vitamins and minerals.
3. Greenery. In winter, it can be replaced with grass meal or hay.
4. Mash. They may include vegetables, grains, and whey.

Chickens need mineral components. To do this, you should add meat and bone and fish meal, eggshells, and chalk to the food. You can also give birds ready-made vitamins.

Raising chickens

To raise chickens, you need to take into account a large number of features.

How to breed and preserve offspring

Birds of this breed cannot be raised at home. Chicks that were obtained by crossing representatives of this species do not adopt the characteristics of their parents. Hatching eggs are sold at poultry farms that specialize in breeding birds of this breed. To hatch chicks you will need an incubator.

Brooder content

When the chicks hatch, their weight is 25-30 grams. The feathers may be pale yellow or light brown. It is recommended to keep day-old chicks in a brooder. The floor should be covered with hay or straw. You can also use pieces of paper.

During the first 3 weeks of a bird’s life, it is worth maintaining a temperature of +30-35 degrees. Humidity parameters should be no more than 80%. Lighting sources are also needed. Chicks need to be illuminated for 21 hours.

Chicks grow rapidly for 17 weeks. By the end of this period they reach 1.15 kilograms. Young individuals should be placed with adults at 14-16 weeks.

Moving young animals into the poultry house

Purchased chickens should be vaccinated and treated against worms and other parasites. If there are other chickens, new chicks should be kept in quarantine for 30 days.Before moving young birds in, it is recommended that the chicken coop be cleared of debris and disinfected.

Chicken diseases and their prevention

Birds of this breed have strong immunity. To protect them from diseases, it is worthwhile to vaccinate them in a timely manner. The vaccination schedule is selected taking into account the epizootic situation in the region.

To protect birds from viral and bacterial microorganisms that cause salmonellosis, mycoplasmosis, and coccidiosis, it is worth excluding contact with pets and rodents. Maintaining an optimal temperature is of no small importance. It is recommended to monitor the cleanliness of the bedding and equipment.

Where can I buy it in Russia?

These laying hens are raised in different regions of Russia. People who breed birds note that they are quite popular. Therefore, it is recommended to register in advance.

High Line chickens are characterized by high productivity, unpretentiousness and strong immunity. To achieve success in growing them, it is worth ensuring normal temperature conditions and proper nutrition.