Characteristics and description of Minorca chickens, maintenance rules

The Minorca chicken breed is considered quite common. It is characterized by several varieties, each of which has certain characteristics. Chickens of this breed are characterized by high productivity and calm character. They have tasty meat and produce large eggs. It is worth taking into account the high sensitivity of birds to cold and high humidity.

Origin

The breed was named after the Spanish island of the same name. It was in this region that farmers managed to crossbreed representatives of local black chickens for the first time. In 1708, the island was captured by Anglo-Dutch troops. The British also appreciated the taste of these chickens. Thus they came to England, where they continued their development.

In the 70s of the nineteenth century, chickens came to Germany. After 15 years they ended up in the USA. The birds arrived in the Russian Empire in 1885.

Description and characteristics of the breed

Chickens of this breed are characterized by a number of features. They are definitely worth studying before starting breeding.

Exterior of chickens

The appearance of birds directly depends on the type of breed. Today there are several options that have characteristic features.

Black Spanish

These birds are characterized by a coal-black color with a slight greenish tint. The head is relatively small in size and is decorated with a leaf-shaped crest with 4-6 teeth. Bright red earrings can be seen under the beak.

The beak and claws are black. Eyes may be black or brown. Birds are characterized by a rounded chest, long neck and powerful wings. The birds have an elongated trapezoidal body.

White British

These birds are characterized by a white color with a slight silver tint. The comb has a flat shape and a less saturated red hue. Also among white chickens there are birds with a pink comb.

This category of birds is characterized by pinkish eyes. The beak and claws are yellow or pinkish in color.

German dwarf

In terms of external characteristics, dwarf chickens coincide with British birds.A characteristic feature is the size. Adult chickens weigh no more than 800 grams. The weight of a rooster can be 1 kilogram.

Productivity of Minorca chickens

Spanish and British chickens are raised to produce meat and eggs. The German dwarf breed is distinguished by its decorative purpose, since it cannot boast of high productivity.

Meat

On average, Minorca chickens weigh about 3 kilograms. The meat of these birds is characterized by excellent taste and high nutritional value. The product has a white tint and easily fits into the diet.

Egg

In the first year, chickens are able to lay 160-170 eggs, in the second - 140. Dwarf varieties produce no more than 120 eggs. Young chickens produce eggs weighing 60 grams, adults - 70-80 grams.

Dwarf laying hens have small eggs that weigh no more than 35 grams.

Character

These birds are considered quite shy. They tend to have a slightly nervous personality. Minorkas are practically not given into the hands of the owner. At the same time, they easily get along with other inhabitants of the poultry yard.

Advantages

The key advantages of the breed include the following:

• high survival rate of chicks;
• fast development;
• early onset of egg production;
• a large number of eggs;
• high nutritional value of meat;
• calm character;
• attractive appearance.

Flaws

The disadvantages of the breed include the following:

• high sensitivity to cold;
• intolerance to high humidity;
• timid disposition;
• lack of brooding instinct.

Specifics of breed content

To achieve high productivity of birds, it is worth providing them with favorable living conditions.

Chicken coop

These birds are distinguished by their demanding living conditions. Birds need enough free space.In crowded conditions they will not be able to develop normally.

Perches should be located 75 centimeters from the floor. The room needs to be insulated. It is imperative to provide high-quality ventilation. In winter, the bedding should be thick enough to prevent the birds from freezing.

Temperature

The breed is considered to be very heat-loving. To avoid problems, the chicken coop should be insulated. Experienced poultry farmers advise treating sensitive areas of birds with fat. This will help prevent frostbite.

Without compromising health and productivity, birds can withstand temperatures of +8-10 degrees. It is worth considering that there should be no drafts or high humidity in the poultry house. It is worth insulating the room with mineral wool or polystyrene foam.

Walking area

If there is not enough space to roam, the birds should be fed less fatty foods. If the area allows, the yard should be fenced with mesh or slate. The height of the fence should be 1.5 meters. There is no need to cover the top of the walking yard, since these birds do not fly. The only exceptions are dwarf breeds.

The walking area should be sowed with field grasses or cereals. Thanks to this, it will be possible to provide the birds with fresh herbs. It is advisable to sprinkle chalk, gravel, and shells on the area. In winter, it is worth making a shelter with perches on the site.

Drinkers and feeders

To keep the chicken coop dry and clean, it is worth properly organizing drinking bowls and feeders. It is recommended to follow these rules:

1. Containers for drinking and feeding are selected depending on the number, size, and age of birds.
2. Dishes should be easy to clean from food and dirt. It is also recommended to systematically disinfect it.
3. For dry food, you should use wooden feeders. For wet food, plastic or metal containers are more suitable.
4. Drinking bowls should also be located in the walking yard.
5. There must be a sufficient amount of water in the drinking bowls. It must be clean.

Molting and break in egg production

Minorki shed from 2 weeks to 6 months. During this period, their productivity drops to 80%. In this case, egg laying does not stop completely. After the end of molting, productivity is restored or even increased.

Planned herd replacement

The productive period can last from 8 months to 2-5 years. Then a planned replacement of the livestock is required.

To produce a strong breed that will produce many eggs, the chicks must hatch in early spring.

Feeding adult chickens

It is recommended to feed the birds three times a day:

• in the morning they give food that contains a lot of proteins and vitamins;
• During the day, mixers with sand are used;
• in the evening give whole grains.

In addition, the daily diet may contain grains, chopped vegetables, raw or boiled, and whey. Birds need greens, protein products, and sunflower oil. They can be given fish and meat waste.

Separate feeders must be present in the poultry house or aviary. They are filled with clean river sand, crushed chalk or shell rock.

Breeding

Chickens of this breed are characterized by a weak maternal instinct. Therefore, to hatch chicks you will need an incubator. To do this, it is worth selecting eggs from chickens that are 1 year old or older. Chicks can hardly tolerate the cold. Therefore, it is important to maintain a constant high temperature in the brooder, taking into account the age of the chicks.

Diseases and methods of combating them

Birds of this breed are highly susceptible to low temperatures. If you keep them in unfavorable conditions, there is a high probability of colds.

In this case, you can see mucous discharge, an increase in temperature, and increased breathing. Birds may lose their appetite and still feel very thirsty. To cope with problems, special medications are used. The doctor may prescribe Biomycin or Furazolidone.

To avoid the development of infections, it is recommended to vaccinate chicks in a timely manner. Compliance with sanitary and hygienic standards is of no small importance. In this case, you should follow these rules:

• systematically change the litter - at least once a year;
• remove leftover food and pour fresh water daily;
• maintain stable temperature and humidity levels;
• avoid crowding in the chicken coop;
• systematically examine birds and isolate sick individuals.

Minorca is a common breed of chicken, which is bred by many poultry farmers. To achieve great success in this matter, it is worth ensuring optimal temperature and humidity parameters. Equally important is a rational and balanced diet, as well as the prevention of dangerous diseases.