Contents
Chickens are the most common animals in the household. Farmers around the world raise chickens for meat and eggs. To date, there are more than 180 breeds of chickens, 52 of which are in demand in Our Country.
All existing breeds can be divided into 5 groups:
- meat;
- egg;
- meat and egg;
- fighting;
- decorative.
Most of all are in demand, of course, meat and egg. Meat and egg chickens are a set of universal breeds that are grown in order to obtain meat products, as well as eggs. They are unpretentious to the conditions and undemanding in feeding. They have a well-developed maternal instinct.
There are specially bred meat and egg chickens (by crossing), as well as those that naturally possess these qualities. Some chickens of this group may also be decorative, due to their beautiful appearance.
The egg production of meat and egg chickens is at a high level, and is practically not inferior to egg breeds. The quality of the meat is very good, but such chickens grow more slowly than representatives of the meat group. But, they do not require complex care, calm and hardy. They are easy to keep even in a small area at home or in the country, they do not need high fences and large spaces for walking.
It is also important for gaining muscle mass.
This includes the Moscow black breed, which is one of the most popular types of chickens. Consider some of the features of this breed, as well as the history of its appearance. A detailed description will help you make the right choice whether to breed such chickens.
Features of the breed
Moscow black chickens are very popular. Grown by farmers since 1980. This year this breed was bred and approved in Moscow. It combines the most necessary characteristics for living in a cold climate. As sources, 3 breeds were used, from which Moscow black chickens inherited good immunity, high quality eggs and meat.
Chickens have high disease resistance, unpretentiousness and productivity. With proper nutrition, they can be laid very generously, more than 200 eggs per year. Not many chickens have such high egg production as the Moscow black chicken. The quality of the meat is also at the highest level, it is white, tender and dietary.
Chickens of this breed are usually black in color. Roosters have a copper-orange mane and lower back, and a black body. The chicken is distinguished by a copper-golden neck. Agree, this coloring looks much more interesting and original than that of an ordinary pockmarked chicken. Moscow black chickens have very densely spaced feathers, so they are not afraid of even the most severe winters. On the head is a bright red toothed crest. The beak is small, black. The eyes may be orange or brown. The neck is wide, has a magnificent plumage. The back is long, the body is wide. The legs are of medium length, the tail is set low. Roosters usually have lighter legs than hens. In chickens, single white feathers are found on feathers, but over time they disappear. This is clearly visible in the photo.
Thick, densely stuffed feathers provide the Moscow black with high cold resistance. Such chickens feel comfortable even in unheated rooms. They have high disease resistance. Due to their unpretentiousness to feed, raising these chickens will not cost much. It is important that the survival rate of chickens is almost one hundred percent. The Moscow breed of chickens grows more slowly than meat ones, but the final weight of an adult rooster is only 0,5 kg less than that of a meat one.
The way out is incubation hatching. It is also bad that up to 1,5 months the sex of chickens is almost impossible to distinguish.
The weight of an adult rooster can be from 2,5 kg to 3,5 kg, and laying hens – up to 2,5 kg. If we compare Moscow black with chickens of the egg or meat group, then their meat has better taste than egg chickens, and the weight is slightly less than that of meat ones. But the difference is not so big, only 0,5 kilograms. In addition, this breed has an incredible stress resistance, which has a good effect on the quality and quantity of eggs.
There are also white Moscow chickens. They have the same characteristics. With proper care, egg production and meat quality will be the same as that of black representatives of the breed. In white chickens, such a phenomenon often occurs when another egg is located in one egg. This is due to the collision of an already prepared egg with an undeveloped one.
Features of the content
From their own experience, farmers have seen that no other breed is so well adapted to the harsh climate.
If the temperature in the room where the birds are located is exactly 0 ° C, then the chickens will not stop laying in winter. During this period, good nutrition is important, and instead of water, snow will completely melt, which chickens peck with joy.
You can keep this breed in any place convenient for you. They feel at ease both in cages and in a common chicken coop. They quickly get used to the terrain and the owner, so you can safely let them out into the yard. The birds are very calm and peaceful, they get used to people so much that they can even go into hands. But chickens, on the contrary, are very active and elusive. They should be released for walking along with the stick. She will be able to protect her offspring from danger.
Many people think that when buying chickens, you need to choose the largest ones. In this case, this is a mistake.
Features of feeding
Feeding is a very important condition for high productivity. Proper and varied nutrition will only have a positive effect on the body of chickens. Since this breed includes features of both egg and meat groups, it accordingly needs less food than meat, and more than egg. Egg production and the rate of muscle growth depend on the amount of feed.
By the appearance of the eggs, you can determine what the body of chickens lacks.
Usually chickens are fed with different grain crops, compound feed, hay flour, boiled potatoes. But, in addition, you should add fresh greens (mowed grass), vegetables and fruits to the diet. Also remember that eating boiled potatoes too often can lead to obesity. It is advised, if it is not possible to let chickens out for grazing, at least sometimes add dried larvae or meat to food. Thanks to this, the birds will receive the necessary protein.
Drinking should not be neglected. Chickens need to have water at all times. It will be useful to give chickens small limestone stones, they have a good effect on the stomach and help to better digest food.
Disadvantages of the breed
There is not much to write here. Even if there are some specific shortcomings, they are so insignificant that because of them you should not deny yourself the pleasure of raising such beautiful chickens. But nevertheless, we will analyze everything in turn. Farmers’ reviews showed that the main problems in keeping Moscow black chickens can be:
- Poorly developed ability to hatch chickens;
- Although young individuals begin to rush from 4-6 months, eggs can only be used for incubation from 8 months. Until that time, they have very low viability;
- With improper or excessive feeding, chickens can become obese.
Conclusion
As you can see, the Moscow black breed of chickens is one of the most popular among farmers. In their opinion, these chickens are ideal for the backyard. And it is not surprising, because they combine good quality meat and high egg production. In addition, both chickens and adult hens have high disease resistance and vitality. They are mobile, but not at all aggressive, they do not peck and do not rush to the owners.
So, the description and characteristics of the Moscow Black chicken breed showed that this species is excellent even for growing even in a small area. They do not require complex care and a large space for walking. They can grow and develop well even in cells. They tolerate cold winters well, are insensitive to temperature fluctuations and changes in the seasons. Usually, in winter they rush as actively as in the warm season. And in the video you can more clearly see the features of this breed and the principles of its maintenance.
Reviews
