Description of the Russian black bearded breed of Galan chickens and maintenance rules

The Russian black bearded breed of chickens Galan is considered very popular. These birds have an original appearance and can become a real decoration of a farmstead. Birds are undemanding in care and can easily tolerate cold temperatures. They are characterized by good productivity. To achieve success in raising these chickens, it is worth providing them with optimal living conditions.

Breeding

The exact origin of these chickens is unknown. There are several assumptions regarding the breeding of birds. The homeland of laying hens is Russia. There is controversy regarding the breeds from which the Galan chickens were obtained.

Some scientists claim that laying hens were bred from the Wyandotte and Crevecoeur breeds. Others consider genetic ancestors Wyandotte chickens and Orlovskaya.

Characteristics and description of Galan chickens

Before raising birds of this breed, you should familiarize yourself with its main characteristics.

Appearance and physique

Chickens of the Galan breed have large size and powerful body. They are characterized by an elevated figure and strong bones. Chickens have a large round head and a red face. She is adorned with a luxuriant beard.

The beak is thick and curved. It has a black or dark gray tint. The comb has a pink shape. The eyes are large in size and red-brown in color. The lobes are small. They have a red tint.

Chickens are distinguished by a wide, rectangular body. They are characterized by a round, raised chest. The back tapers slightly towards the tail, and the lower back is covered with lush feathers. The tail is distinguished by its splendor. The wings are wide and short. They are pressed tightly to the body. Birds are characterized by lush feathers that are dense.

Character of birds

These birds have a calm and balanced character. Chickens are considered a bit slow. They are not highly active. The birds get along well with other inhabitants of the farmstead. Galanas feel equally good in premises with closed range and in free conditions.

Hatching instinct

Birds are characterized by a well-developed maternal instinct. Therefore, it is permissible to breed them by incubation. It is worth considering that every fifth chicken has a weakened instinct.

Therefore, it is recommended to be careful when choosing laying hens.

Productive qualities

This is a universal breed that belongs to the meat-egg direction and has pronounced decorative characteristics. Such birds are distinguished by good productivity. Adult roosters weigh 3-4 kilograms, hens - 3-3.5.

Birds are characterized by large, fleshy carcasses that contain little fat. Their meat has excellent taste and high nutritional value.

Growth dynamics and weight gain

Sexual maturity of birds occurs at 5 months. From this moment on, they actively gain body weight. Then the weight remains stable. It may fluctuate slightly depending on seasonal factors. After 6 months, it is permissible to release the cockerels for slaughter. The replacement of chickens is planned for the 4th year. It is during this period that their egg production decreases.

Egg production indicators

Chickens begin to lay eggs at 4-5 months. Over the course of a year, a laying hen can produce 200 eggs. They are large in size and weigh 70 grams. The eggs are covered with a creamy shell on top. It is worth considering that with a lack of nutrition, egg production parameters drop sharply to 100 eggs per year.

Advantages and disadvantages

The advantages of birds include the following:

• frost resistance;
• ease of care;
• good productivity;
• attractive appearance.

At the same time, birds also have certain disadvantages:

• rarity of the breed;
• long plumage of chickens.

Features of maintenance and care

In order for birds to develop normally and produce a lot of eggs, they should be provided with high-quality care.

Poultry house, run or cages

These chickens can live in any conditions. However, experienced poultry farmers do not recommend keeping them in cages. This option is used only on large poultry farms, as it makes caring for birds easier.

In private farms, it is better to keep birds in a chicken coop or provide them with free-range housing. Thanks to this, birds will be able to independently replenish their diet with nutritional supplements - greens, insects.

Walking area

Birds may be allowed to roam freely. These birds cannot fly, they do not go far from their home. The only requirement for a walking yard is the presence of greenery on it.

Chickens have dense feathers. Therefore, they are allowed to be released outside in winter. This can be done in mild frosts.

Humidity and ventilation

Chickens of this breed can hardly tolerate dampness. Humidity parameters in the chicken coop should not exceed 60-70%. To regulate this indicator, it is worth providing a complete ventilation system.

If the humidity in the chicken coop increases significantly, it is worth using peat litter. It helps absorb excess moisture. The rest of the time, it is allowed to lay hay or straw on the floor.

Setting up a chicken coop

The chicken coop should have baths with ash and sand. They help chickens cope with parasites. Perches should be kept low - no more than 60-70 centimeters. It is best to equip them with a ladder. Nests should measure 30-40 centimeters. 1 nest is enough for 3 chickens.

Shedding

Chickens of this breed molt every year. This happens in the fall - at the time of significant reduction in daylight hours.After restoration, egg production increases.

During the molting period, chickens should be provided with adequate nutrition.

Chicken diet

Galan chickens are unpretentious. However, to maintain good productivity, they should be provided with adequate nutrition.

Adults

When chickens are preparing to lay eggs, they should be given a lot of calcium. It is found in eggshells, chalk, and cottage cheese. It is also permissible to give whey and shellfish to birds.

When the egg-laying process returns to normal, the birds should be switched to a regular diet. It should include the following components:

• 40 grams of corn;
• 20 grams of wheat;
• 30 grams of barley;
• 30 grams of oats;
• 100 grams of vegetables;
• 30-40 grams of mash.

Birds also need additional supplements. Their diet should contain bran, yeast, and chalk. In addition, the birds are given meat and bone meal and salt.

Chickens

At 1-2 weeks of life, chickens should be given boiled eggs, a mixture of boiled and raw millet, and starter feed. Chicks also need vegetables, cottage cheese, and yogurt.

At 3-4 weeks, crushed grains, beets and greens are introduced into the birds’ diet. It is recommended to replace eggs with cottage cheese. It is also worth introducing chalk into your diet. From the 5th week, chickens are transferred to fattening feed.

Subtleties of breeding

Many farmers are interested in the issue of breeding birds of this breed. To achieve success in this, you should follow certain recommendations.

When and how

Chickens of this breed are characterized by a pronounced maternal instinct. They incubate the eggs and take good care of the chicks. It is important to choose the right layers.

Chicks are born on the 21st day. Usually the upper body is covered with dark fluff, and the belly has a sandy tint. Chicks develop quickly, while feathers appear slowly.Therefore, it is desirable that the brood appears in the spring. Thanks to this, he will have time to fledge by winter.

Culling

After 4-5 months, it is worth culling birds that do not meet breed standards. These include chicks with feathers on their paws, light feathers on their body or beard. It is not recommended to leave chickens without a beard for breeding.

Caring for young animals

After hatching, the chicks are placed in a brooder. They need a temperature of +33-35 degrees. Over the course of 2 months, this indicator is gradually reduced to +25. To heat the brooder, you should use an infrared lamp.

During the first 3 days, chicks need 24-hour lighting. Then daylight hours are gradually reduced to 14-16 hours.

At 2 months, chicks can be transferred to adult birds.

Diseases and methods of combating them

These birds have strong immunity. They are not prone to diseases. To avoid problems, it is recommended to vaccinate on time, keep the house clean and provide birds with a nutritious diet.

Breed analogues

Yurlov chickens are considered an analogue of the Galan breed. They belong to the meat-and-egg category and are distinguished by excellent endurance. At the same time, Yurlovskys are capable of reaching a weight of 5 kilograms, but have lower egg production. It does not exceed 170 eggs per year.

Galan chickens are considered popular. Their advantages include excellent decorative properties and good productivity. To achieve excellent results in raising birds, they should be provided with high-quality care.