Farmers are trying to raise chickens that are versatile. Such birds produce high-quality eggs and are considered a source of tasty and lean meat. The following features are characteristic of the Leningrad calico breed of chickens. In order for birds to develop normally and not suffer from pathologies, it is recommended to strictly follow the recommendations of specialists for care and feeding.
History of breeding
Selection work on breeding calico chickens was carried out in Leningrad. These unique birds were based on the black-and-white Australorps.Poltava clay chickens and New Hampshire chickens also took part in the selection. Chickens were added to the State Register in 1985. The breed belongs to the decorative-egg-meat category.
Appearance and characteristics of the Leningrad calico breed
Calico chickens are somewhat inferior to other breeds in weight. Golden-gray roosters weigh 3.3 kilograms, Leningrad roosters weigh 4, and calico roosters weigh only 2.7-2.8. However, this breed has an excellent taste of meat. In addition, birds are characterized by a decorative appearance. Each feather contains 3 shades - black, brown-red, white. Thanks to the combination of shades, the chickens have motley plumage. This breed is characterized by the following features:
- compact body with a developed chest;
- a small head with a pink crest - it is characterized by a leaf-shaped shape;
- yellow-pink beak;
- middle wings, which are pressed tightly to the body;
- light red earrings and earlobes;
- straight back;
- Long neck;
- straight paws;
- short tail;
- light yellow skin;
- thick and dense plumage.
Carcasses of this breed are characterized by excellent presentation. Chickens rapidly increase their body weight. At 2 months they already weigh 1.5 kilograms. This is a good parameter for universal birds.
Positive and negative sides
The advantages of the breed include the following:
- resistance to low temperatures;
- excellent survival parameters and the ability to reproduce in any climate;
- strong immune system;
- high survival rate of chickens - at the level of 95-96%;
- unpretentiousness - birds adapt normally to different living conditions;
- rapid puberty;
- high productivity parameters;
- excellent decorative qualities.
The main disadvantage of birds is considered to be insufficiently widespread. Therefore, farmers have difficulty purchasing hatching eggs.
Subtleties of maintenance and care
Leningrad calico chickens do not require specific care. By following simple hygiene recommendations and maintaining optimal temperature, high survival rates can be achieved.
Birds require a dry, draft-free room. It is recommended to insulate it with high quality and provide a complete ventilation system. The optimal temperature is +23-25 degrees. However, birds are able to adapt to hotter or, conversely, cooler climates.
To avoid conflicts between birds, there should be no more than 5 chickens per square meter. Also, when organizing space, it is worth building nests for eggs and placing them in a secluded place.
What to feed chickens?
Birds of this breed are undemanding when it comes to diet. They eat ready-made feed or mixtures prepared by the farmer. At the same time, food should be varied. It is important to include the following in your diet:
- different types of cereals;
- boiled fish - it should not have bones;
- cottage cheese;
- legumes;
- greenery;
- vegetables;
- sunflower cake and meal;
- mineral supplements – eggshells, yeast, shells, and bone meal are considered sources of important substances.
Rules for breeding birds
The period of puberty in birds occurs at six months. It is prohibited to stimulate the onset of oviposition, as this provokes salpingitis. To breed birds, it is worth creating a family.
It should consist of 1 male and 10 females.Healthy birds with high productivity are suitable for breeding.
You do not need to use an incubator to hatch chicks. Birds of this breed are characterized by a pronounced brooding instinct. It is permissible to place a maximum of 7 eggs under a chicken, since birds of this breed are characterized by their small size.
Possible diseases
Despite a strong immune system, birds of this breed periodically encounter unpleasant pathologies. Violations often occur when conditions of detention are not observed. In this case, the following pathologies develop:
- salmonellosis;
- coccidiosis;
- bronchopneumonia;
- helminthic infestation.
To avoid the occurrence of diseases, you should do the following:
- vaccinate birds on time;
- keep the chicken coop clean;
- change the flooring and perform disinfection;
- Remove uneaten wet food promptly.
Leningrad calico chickens are considered a universal breed that has many advantages. For bird breeding to be successful, it is important to provide them with adequate care.
