The Ukheyilyu breed of chickens is considered unique among farmers. Birds of this breeds have something unusual for chickens appearance, and are also distinguished by productive egg production. The meat of the Ukheyiliu chicken has a special taste, and the eggs of this breed are characterized by their green shell color and unique composition. Eggs have healing properties and are used to treat diseases.
- History of the development of the breed
- Description and characteristics of Ukheyiliu chickens
- Appearance of birds
- Chicken productivity
- Temperament
- Advantages and disadvantages
- Features of maintenance and care
- Premises requirements
- Walking yard
- Feeders and drinkers
- Molting and break in egg production
- Planned herd replacement
- Specifics of feeding
- Chicks
- Adult birds
- Chicken diseases
History of the development of the breed
The first mentions of the Wuheiliu breed were found in ancient Chinese manuscripts. However, nothing was known about it until the end of the twentieth century. In the eighties, black chickens were found in southern China, during the study of which scientists came to the conclusion that their ancestors were wild pheasant And silk chickens. Three birds were found - one male and two hens. Since then, specialists, through enormous efforts, have managed to restore the breed.
Description and characteristics of Ukheyiliu chickens
The breed is unique due to its appearance, productivity, and healing green eggs. Among other things, Ukheyiliu are distinguished by their peace-loving nature and leisurely temperament.
Appearance of birds
The main feature of Ukheyilyu breed chickens is their appearance, which is uncharacteristic of other breeds. The ukheyiliu has black plumage, crest and skin. A glossy greenish tint is visible in the feathers. There is also a hint of purple on the earlobes. The body of the chicken is compact in size, the tail is long. The chest and wings are developed, powerful, and the plumage is dense. The eyes are large and black. The paws are medium, strong, gray. The female reaches a weight of one and a half kilograms, the male weighs up to two kilograms.
Chicken productivity
The productivity of representatives of the breed is average - one laying hen produces up to one hundred and eighty eggs weighing up to fifty grams per year. Ukheiliyu's eggs are as unusual as the breed of chickens itself. They have a green shell and a large yolk. The bird begins to lay eggs in the sixth month of life. A hen produces the largest number of eggs in the first year of laying eggs. After two years of age, productivity decreases.
Eggs of the Ukheyilyu breed of chicken contain useful elements and are characterized by healing properties.Eggs are used for heart disease, hormonal imbalances, poor digestion, anorexia and other diseases.
In addition, green eggs of Ukheyiliu birds are necessary for general strengthening of the immune system, slowing down aging, lowering cholesterol levels in the blood and for replenishing protein in professional athletes. The egg white contains ten times more amino acids than the eggs of other, more common breeds.
The meat of the bird is black, tender, and has beneficial properties. However, chickens are sent for slaughter in exceptional cases due to the fact that the breed is rare.
Temperament
Ukheiliyu are distinguished by their peace-loving nature. They are non-conflict and behave calmly with representatives of their breed and with other species. There is some timidity and fussiness in the behavior. Chickens cannot be kept in cages all the time - they love to be walked. A flock of birds, as a rule, is divided into several groups living with each other. Males keep order in the chicken coop. Chickens quickly get used to people, remember words and respond. They do not tolerate cruel treatment and are frightened by sharp sounds.
Advantages and disadvantages
The main advantage of the breed is the medicinal benefits of eggs. In addition, farmers highlight the exotic appearance of birds, tender meat, early egg production, survival of chicks and strong immunity to diseases, peaceful nature, ease of care (except for intolerance to low temperatures) and adaptability to changing conditions.
The disadvantages of birds are their rarity and high cost, inability to adapt to cold climates and a gradual decrease in productivity in terms of egg production with age.
Features of maintenance and care
Ukheiliyu do not tolerate cold temperatures, so in Russia this breed is not as easy to breed as in the historical homeland of chickens - in China. Certain rules must be followed to ensure that the chickens feel properly and produce eggs regularly.
Premises requirements
The chicken coop should have thick walls without gaps, as the bird cannot tolerate drafts. In winter, you should take care of artificial heating. The room temperature should be kept between fifteen and seventeen degrees. A decrease or increase in temperature can lead to illness.
Air humidity should remain at sixty percent. A ventilation system must be installed in the chicken coop to ensure air circulation. Ventilation should be installed so as to provide fresh air without causing drafts.
The floor in the room should be wooden, the floor covering should be covered with sawdust or straw. The thickness of the layer is within twelve to fifteen centimeters. For the winter, additional lighting should be provided in the chicken coop, since the optimal daylight hours for the Ukheyiliu breed are twelve to fourteen hours.
The room itself must be made spacious enough, as chickens love freedom of movement. The perches need to be long so that the birds can fit on them.
Every spring, the chicken coop should be thoroughly cleaned. The room is disinfected with a sulfur bomb, the walls and ceilings are treated with lime and ventilated. Feeders and drinkers are cleaned every week.
Walking yard
Chickens of this breed, in addition to the chicken coop, require space to roam in the fresh air. A walking yard should be installed next to the chicken coop. It should be covered, as the bird can easily fly over a height of two meters.The fence is made of metal or wood, and there should be no defects on it. The chicken coop is equipped with a separate door to the patio.
Feeders and drinkers
Floor and bunker types of feeders are suitable for chickens. It is worth installing automatic drinkers to constantly provide the birds with water. The water itself must be fresh and clean.
When choosing feeders, you should pay attention to the size. There should be ten to twelve centimeters per bird. Provide enough free space to prevent birds from jostling while feeding.
Molting and break in egg production
As chickens age, they will certainly molt. The chicken regularly changes its plumage. During molting, the body gets rid of harmful microorganisms, metabolism speeds up, and the chicken produces fewer eggs. In chickens, the primary molt lasts up to four months. In adult chickens, regular molting occurs with each change of season.
Planned herd replacement
A representative of the Ukheyilyu species lives, on average, seven to eight years. These chickens are very rarely killed for meat, they are bred mainly to produce medicinal eggs and future chickens due to their value in the market.
Specifics of feeding
Most of the birds' diet consists of green food, clover, and alfalfa grass. Chickens of this breed also feed on pasture, grain, insects, and fresh grass.
Chicks
To get the healthiest offspring possible, chickens should be fed the green eggs of their relatives. The most beneficial for the chick is the yolk. Eggs should be mixed with wheat and semolina. The diet of chicks should be enriched with greens and cottage cheese. At the age of one month, chickens can be given ready-made feed and vitamin-mineral mixtures.Fresh water should be present in the drinking bowl regularly.
Adult birds
A traditional chicken diet is suitable for Ukheiliyu chickens. To a greater extent, birds prefer soft food. Chickens eat quite a bit. In winter, the nutritional value of food should be greater, and the mash should be given warm. Mineral mixtures should be added to food, as hens need calcium for strong, healthy eggs.
The diet should be varied - use different varieties of cereals and combined feeds. Give your birds greens, vegetables and tops every day.
Chicken diseases
Ukheyilyu extremely rarely get sick, provided they are kept in suitable conditions, observing the thermal regime and correct air humidity. Chickens only need the usual preventative measures to stay healthy.
The yard should be fenced, if possible, so that chickens do not come into contact with wild birds that carry infectious diseases.