Description and history of the origin of chickens of the Paduan breed, rules of maintenance and care

Paduan chickens look unusual. These birds have a decorative appearance and serve as a real decoration for the poultry yard. The birds are decorated with an interesting crest that looks original. To raise chickens successfully, it is recommended to properly care for them. At the same time, it is important to properly organize the space in the chicken coop and ensure proper feeding.

Origin story

Paduans were bred in the seventeenth century in Italy - in the city of Padua. This is what the name of the breed is associated with. Chickens came to Russia in 1763. They were brought by German merchants. Initially, the birds were descendants of the Russian Pavlovian breed. There is also a version of the origin of birds in English farms, from which they came to Italy. Today there are different types of such chickens - blue, silver, golden.

Currently, the breed is classified as decorative. It is bred to decorate the poultry yard and participate in exhibitions. At the same time, there are breeders who raise birds to produce tasty dietary meat. In terms of characteristics, it is superior to the meat of other chickens.

Description and characteristics of Paduan chickens

Paduan chickens have a decorative appearance. They are characterized by a number of features.

Exterior of the breed

It is not difficult to distinguish such birds from other breeds. There is a lush crest on the head of the birds. At the same time, they lack scallops, lobes and other processes. The bottom of the neck is covered with a dense layer of feathers. That's why it seems massive. When moving, the chickens' body is located at an angle of 45 degrees. Birds are characterized by blue or purple colored limbs. Chickens are distinguished by a strong, curved beak. Sometimes it has a pale blue tint - it all depends on the genes.

The tail of these birds is long and wide. This applies to both chickens and roosters. This part of the body makes birds proud and graceful. Birds are characterized by a rounded breast that protrudes slightly forward. In addition, it is worth noting the impressive length of the limbs.

Types of paduans

There are several varieties of chicken breeds, each of which has a unique feather color.

Shamoa

This species of birds is characterized by a mixed shade of feathers. The center is golden brown in color, and the edge is white.

Silver

Such birds are distinguished by white feathers that have a black border.

Golden

This is a spotted species of birds. The birds are distinguished by their golden yellow feathers. They also come in golden red. The plumage edge is black.

Bird productivity

Ornamental birds do not have high egg production parameters. In a year they are able to lay no more than 110-120 eggs weighing 40-50 grams. However, the breed is not bred for this purpose. It is grown primarily for the purpose of producing offspring. Egg production in birds begins relatively late. Birds lay their first eggs at 6-7 months.

Character traits

Birds have a calm and balanced character. They are non-conflict, trusting and friendly. Birds are highly intelligent and easy to train. Chickens can be trained to eat from their hands or sit on their owner's shoulders. If you wish, you can make the bird a real pet.

Sometimes poultry farmers note the birds' temper, displays of jealousy or other negative characteristics. However, this largely relates to the individual characteristics of birds and depends on the conditions of detention. Roosters are more likely to show aggression. At the same time, chickens are characterized by a calm disposition.

Advantages and disadvantages

Before you start breeding chickens, it is recommended to analyze their characteristics. The key advantages of birds include the following:

• beautiful and unusual appearance;
• varied feather colors;
• the opportunity to teach and train birds;
• lean meat – it can be included in the diet;
• the possibility of using down to fill blankets and pillows.

At the same time, chickens also have certain disadvantages. These include the following:

• poor brooding instinct;
• cold intolerance;
• tendency to catch colds;
• low productivity.

Subtleties of maintenance and care

In order for birds to grow and develop normally, it is recommended that they be provided with the right conditions.

Chicken coop requirements

Chickens need a secure coop. You should not build it from brick or concrete. These materials absorb cold. Heating such a room can be quite difficult. In order for the birds to feel good and not get sick, the temperature should be at least +10-14 degrees. In addition, complete protection from drafts is important.

It is not recommended to make a concrete floor in the poultry house. Chickens can peck at it, causing damage to their paws and beak. This coating is especially dangerous in winter. It leads to cold paws, which causes dangerous colds.

The best option for making a floor is compacted soil or clay. It is also acceptable to use wooden flooring or sawdust. Perches can be of medium height. However, it is not recommended to make them multi-level. The optimal option for the location of the perch is considered to be a height of 50-60 centimeters. Each bird should have 40 centimeters of timber.

The room should be very spacious - it is forbidden to keep Paduans in cages, as this does not make a good difference to their appearance. Thick feathers make it difficult for chickens to drink. Therefore, they need the construction of nipple drinkers. If this is not done, the head will constantly remain wet, which often provokes the development of a cold.

Walking area

Chickens should not walk in the cold or in the rain. This can trigger colds. If the birds are free-range, they should have a canopy.It is required in case of rain. It is recommended to ensure that chickens do not walk in the mud.

In winter time

In winter, it is recommended to insulate the floor in the chicken coop. To do this, you should mix hay and peat and place it on the floor in a thick layer. It is recommended to properly insulate the room in which chickens live. They should not be exposed to drafts or low temperatures. This will ensure the health of the birds.

Molting and break in egg production

This breed of chicken is characterized by a long molting period. For some birds this process lasts all winter. Therefore, it is recommended to keep birds warm. Any hypothermia can lead to negative consequences.

Strengthening your diet is of great importance. It should be higher in calories. Even if molting ends in the fall, hens stop laying eggs for the entire winter. Already in the third year, productivity parameters decrease by 15-20%. At this point, it is recommended to carry out a planned replacement of the stock.

What to feed the breed?

In order for birds to grow normally and not get sick, they need the right diet. It is best to feed birds with high-quality dry feed. It is also possible to make them yourself. To do this you should use the following:

• feed grain - corn, peas, oats are perfect;
• sunflower cake;
• vitamins and minerals – it is permissible to use special complexes.

It is recommended to include vegetables, fruits, and greens in the diet. However, you should not use growth stimulants, hormones or other synthetic additives. They negatively affect the immune system and the health of chickens.

Regular drinking bowls are prohibited for use with birds of this breed. Constant contact of your beard with water will cause your head to remain constantly wet.This will cause hypothermia and the development of a cold. Due to the accumulation of dirt, there is a risk of attack by parasites. For the same reason, chickens should not be given wet food. To avoid problems, it is recommended to use a nipple drinker.

Specifics of paduan breeding

Paduans do not hatch eggs. Laying hens are not characterized by caring for their offspring. Therefore, it is recommended to breed birds only when using an incubator. It is also acceptable to find a chicken of a different breed and use it to hatch paduans. Sometimes farmers even use turkeys for this purpose. They are distinguished by their scrupulous attitude towards chicks.

Chicks hatch from 80-90% of eggs. Chickens are tiny in size and have good health. The survival rate of the breed is 80-85%. Chickens grow fast. They become covered with feathers in a short time, but gain body weight rather slowly.

In the first days of life, birds require a lot of attention and need specific care. While the chicks do not have thermoregulation, they should be kept warm. It is recommended to place chickens in a box with thick walls. In this case, it is permissible to use a heating lamp. The temperature should be approximately 30 degrees. It is recommended to monitor the dryness of the litter. It should be changed several times a day.

From the 8th day of life, it is recommended to begin reducing the temperature in the container by 2 degrees every day. In natural conditions, chicks can be kept without heating from the 25th day of life. In winter, you can do without insulation from day 30.

It is recommended to feed chickens 5-6 times a day. The more often the chicks eat, the faster they will get stronger and begin to grow and become covered with feathers.From 4-5 weeks, it is recommended to reduce the number of feedings to 3 times. It is important to follow a clear pattern. The basis of the diet should be a mixture of eggs and boiled millet. It is also worth adding green onions to the composition. This product has antibacterial properties and helps protect chicks from intestinal infections.

Cottage cheese will be a useful addition to the menu. It is required for the development of bone structures. From 3-4 weeks it is worth gradually introducing steamed feed into the menu. It must be distinguished by a special grind. You will have to include boiled vegetables in the menu.

In order for chickens to grow and develop normally, they need access to clean drinking water. It is worth adding additional components to it - ascorbic acid, glucose. Also a useful ingredient will be weak black tea. Such supplements help improve digestive functions and strengthen the immune system.

Frequent illnesses

Birds are sensitive to dampness and cold. They can easily catch a cold or become infected with viruses. If there is contact with wild birds, there is a risk of contracting avian influenza. Birds have difficulty surviving this disease. Proper nutrition, vaccinations and proper care will help protect against other diseases.

Chickens of this breed are very popular among fans of unusual birds. They have a characteristic crest on the head and a variety of plumage colors. In order for birds to grow and develop normally, they require optimal conditions. It is recommended to properly organize the premises and provide adequate nutrition.