If you are interested in raising rare breed chickens, you should closely consider the Phoenix. Granted, this breed of chicken really isn't very good for practical purposes, being really bred mostly for show. However, its outstanding beauty makes it worth the effort. The Phoenix's namesake is that wonderful and mythical creature of yore. The similarity is the breed's long and beautiful tail. It truly is difficult to believe that a chicken can be such a beautiful bird.
The Phoenix was first bred after World War Two in Germany. It was developed by crossing regular game birds and chickens with the famous Onagadori. The resulting Phoenix was bred to grow very long and attractive tails. Full grown rooster Phoenixes can have tails that easily measure between four and five feet in length.
This is short compared to their ancestors, the Onagadori, which has been recorded growing tails well over twenty feet long! This tail length is due to a gene combination that allows the birds to continue growing their tails for several years without molting. However, it also takes a lot of diligence and care by the breeder to help them keep their long tails safe. Perches are often the only choice for the adult rooster.
The APA (American Poultry Association) has admitted three different types of Phoenix. The very first to be admitted back in 1965 was the Silver Duckwing Standard. This type has shoulder hackles of a silvery white color. The next variety to be recognized by the APA was in 198 - the Golden Duckwing Standard. Like its name implies, the Golden's shoulder hackles are gold in color. And around 2003, the Black Breasted Red Standard was the last to be admitted.
A properly bred Phoenix should rather resemble a pheasant. Their earlobes should be white, their legs should be slate colored, and they should have a single comb. The males should carry their tails in a horizontal fashion, and the hens should carry theirs just slightly higher. Their saddle feathers should come close to touching the ground. When fully grown, the hens should weigh in about four pounds, and the roosters around five pounds.
As mentioned, these chickens are not bred for practical uses. While the hens do go broody fairly regularly, they have poor egg production. What eggs they do produce are slightly tinted whited and on the small side. Mostly, these birds are raised for show and exhibition. Currently this breed is in a threatened status. They have also been recognized as a sustainable heritage type of chicken.
If Phoenixes sound like your type of chicken, then you should be warned that a small coop is really not practical for them. These birds are active and have great flight skills. They will do their best when they are given lots of room to roam around. This is especially important for the growth of their tails, as confinement in too small an area can cause major harm to their delicate tail feathers. However, a large coop that is covered and hosts a contained run would work will for them too.
While Phoenixes do require more work than normal breeds in order to reach their promise of beauty, the end result is worth it. The raising of rare breed chickens can be a rewarding and fun hobby. (And gathering the occasional egg is an added bonus too!)
The Phoenix was first bred after World War Two in Germany. It was developed by crossing regular game birds and chickens with the famous Onagadori. The resulting Phoenix was bred to grow very long and attractive tails. Full grown rooster Phoenixes can have tails that easily measure between four and five feet in length.
This is short compared to their ancestors, the Onagadori, which has been recorded growing tails well over twenty feet long! This tail length is due to a gene combination that allows the birds to continue growing their tails for several years without molting. However, it also takes a lot of diligence and care by the breeder to help them keep their long tails safe. Perches are often the only choice for the adult rooster.
The APA (American Poultry Association) has admitted three different types of Phoenix. The very first to be admitted back in 1965 was the Silver Duckwing Standard. This type has shoulder hackles of a silvery white color. The next variety to be recognized by the APA was in 198 - the Golden Duckwing Standard. Like its name implies, the Golden's shoulder hackles are gold in color. And around 2003, the Black Breasted Red Standard was the last to be admitted.
A properly bred Phoenix should rather resemble a pheasant. Their earlobes should be white, their legs should be slate colored, and they should have a single comb. The males should carry their tails in a horizontal fashion, and the hens should carry theirs just slightly higher. Their saddle feathers should come close to touching the ground. When fully grown, the hens should weigh in about four pounds, and the roosters around five pounds.
As mentioned, these chickens are not bred for practical uses. While the hens do go broody fairly regularly, they have poor egg production. What eggs they do produce are slightly tinted whited and on the small side. Mostly, these birds are raised for show and exhibition. Currently this breed is in a threatened status. They have also been recognized as a sustainable heritage type of chicken.
If Phoenixes sound like your type of chicken, then you should be warned that a small coop is really not practical for them. These birds are active and have great flight skills. They will do their best when they are given lots of room to roam around. This is especially important for the growth of their tails, as confinement in too small an area can cause major harm to their delicate tail feathers. However, a large coop that is covered and hosts a contained run would work will for them too.
While Phoenixes do require more work than normal breeds in order to reach their promise of beauty, the end result is worth it. The raising of rare breed chickens can be a rewarding and fun hobby. (And gathering the occasional egg is an added bonus too!)
About the Author:
You can visit the website www.whynotfarm.net for more helpful information about Rare Breed Chickens: The Phoenix And The Onagadori
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