Chickens Shabo belong to the decorative class, fans of birds of an unusual appearance have known the breed for a long time. The type is dwarf, the breed is suitable for breeding, both in small and large numbers.
History of the origin of the breed
Homeland - Japan, 17th century, which is why Shabo is called Japanese bantam. Ancestors - chickens of wild origin, brought to the country from India. Thanks to genes, individuals of the Shabo breed have excellent maternal feelings and the ability to withstand various chicken diseases.
After Japan, China became interested in this breed. Shabo chickens came to European countries 2 centuries later. It was during this period of time that some decorative representatives of birds appeared on the territory of Russia.
Description and characteristics of Shabo chickens
The main feature of the breed is a small, grounded body with unequal low paws. The comparison of the body and legs is so great that it seems that the birds do not walk, but crawl. Short-leggedness influenced not only the appearance, but also the behavior. Shabo are calm, especially not active, they are distinguished by excessive tolerance and equanimity.
Appearance
Due to the presence of short legs, the breed is considered exotic and decorative. Despite the inactivity, Shabo is one of the most hardy representatives of small chickens. Thanks to this appearance and calm nature, the Japanese bentamka is a favorite breed grown for decoration.
Miniature chickens do not live long, but Shabo is distinguished by longevity, especially with proper and regular care.
Modern presented birds have not changed much compared to their ancestors. Poultry farmers are trying not to lose that genetic thread connecting the former Shabo with the present. However, everything directly depends on the endurance of the offspring. Only the color of chickens is allowed to change, which makes it possible to obtain universal specimens, while leaving excellent indicators of endurance.
The main characteristics of the appearance of Chabot hens:
- Very short legs.
- Small back and wide chest.
- Large, grounded hull.
- Long wings touching the ground.
- The head is voluminous with a small beak.
- Long tail with raised tail feathers.
- Large-scale plumage.
Hens are an unusual motley picture of feathers of different colors, especially when the shades begin to combine with each other. The exotic appearance of Shabo chickens is often the reason for breeding these birds. For bentamok, a rooster with a blue tail or a hen with gold plumage is not a rarity, but a classic color.
As for the appearance of the male and female, on the whole they are not much different from each other. The main differences are that the chicken lacks sharp feathers on its tail and has a smaller head.
Character
Japanese women are beautiful in appearance, but they are also good in behavior. The main distinguishing feature of chickens is their innate maternal instinct. Many poultry farmers consider bentamoks to be a real find, because they hatch not only their eggs, but also the eggs of other miniature breeds of hens.
Shabo’s character is specific, but they are loved for this. Cocks of the breed are fighting, in some way even wild. They are truly the protectors of their chickens. The cockerel protects the feathered female with his whole body, he rushes into battle without fear, despite the size of his enemy.
As for communication between individuals of the same breed, Shabo is distinguished by the maximum friendliness and cohesion. Representatives of this breed protect each other from unsolicited guests or enemies.
Birds cannot live alone, any confinement negatively affects the behavior and health of the bird. If for a long time Shabo is kept in captivity without communication with other representatives of the breed, then the individual ceases to eat and as a result dies.
In the chicken society of the Shabo breed, there is a special hierarchy where the rooster is the main one. He protects everyone, protects, awakens and tastes food before females should eat it.
Productivity
Full maturation of representatives of the Shabo breed occurs in the same way as with other breeds of chickens - at the age of six months, sometimes earlier. Males begin to fertilize females, and they, in turn, are ready to lay and incubate eggs.
On average, egg production is 80 pieces per year. In rare cases, the indicator reaches 110 eggs.
The productivity index is not the highest, but it is due to the following factors:
- The weight of one egg is about 30 g, which is half that of a classic laying hen.
- Despite their long lifespan, females quickly age and stop laying eggs. Already in the 3rd or 4th year of life, egg production is significantly reduced, therefore, females must be discarded.
- Over the years, the chicken does not lose its beautiful appearance, but it is no longer possible to use it to obtain a large number of top quality eggs.
- The mass of an adult female is 0.5 kg, male - 0.7 kg.
- The bantam meat tastes more like a partridge than a chicken. It is very juicy and tender, it contains a small amount of fat.
Growing conditions and maintenance
The breed is distinguished by sociability, good nature, but excessive loudness. Bentamka does not need special "apartments", but she needs decent living conditions. The main requirement is a warm room, because the homeland of Shabo is the country of the Rising Sun, which means that cold is contraindicated for it.
Chicken should be fed with nutritious complete food. It is better to collect the mixtures yourself, rather than purchase ready-made in the store. Mineral supplements, herbs and a large amount of vitamin are added to it.
Climate and thermal conditions
Chickens cannot adapt to frost, even if they are accustomed to it gradually. Given this feature, it is profitable to breed Shabo only in the central or southern regions.
In the hen house in winter, the temperature should be kept at one indicator +18 degrees Celsius. A decrease in temperature by 1-2 degrees is allowed. If this condition is not met, the bird will freeze and die, despite the large number of feathers.
Arrangement of a chicken coop
The arrangement of the home of chickens must be taken with responsibility. The main thing is that it has normal humidity, there are no drafts and a sharp change in temperature. This indicates that the chicken coop must have high-quality thermal insulation.
Ventilation can be done with appliances that do not generate cold air currents. The presence of a warm floor is required, if it is covered with cold material, then use additional clean bedding.
Foam granules cannot be used as bedding material.
Be sure to install sand baths in the room, they help get rid of parasites. The perches are built according to standard dimensions 40-50 mm wide. They are located at a height of 1.5 m so that the bird can calmly rest and lay eggs. Thanks to their wide wings, birds quickly climb to a height.
Walking
The Shabo breed is very slow and calm, but chickens love to walk in the fresh air. Walking relieves individuals from longing and strengthens the immune system. Birds need a fenced area. It is better to protect the yard for walking with a canopy to prevent the appearance of other birds, as well as to shelter the representatives of the breed from the rain.
In the summer, hens should walk as much time as they want. In the winter season, when the temperature is below zero, walks are prohibited. Bentamki can not stand the cold, so they immediately fall ill.
Nutrition
Chickens Shabo are a miniature breed, so the amount of food is minimal. This enables poultry farmers to feed chickens with high-quality and nutritious food. It is not necessary to save on food, as this adversely affects the health of individuals and the number of eggs.
Chicks
The nutrition of young bentamok is not much different from the diet of other chickens. In the early days, poultry farmers feed them with corn grits, then they are transferred to special mixtures. It is important that young Shabo get all the necessary elements in their food, otherwise they will grow weak and die quickly. Be sure to pour chalk into the feeder.
In addition to special mixtures, you can give chickens:
- greenery;
- low-fat cottage cheese;
- boiled vegetables.
Never feed young earthworms - they can carry various infectious diseases.
Adult chickens
The diet consists of grains and cereals. Among the grains, wheat, barley and corn can be used. You can also add to food:
- Boiled potatoes;
- greenery;
- a little cottage cheese;
- bone and meat and bone meal;
- mineral supplements.
You can buy quality food for bantams, it already includes all the components that birds need. At the time of purchase, be sure to check the availability and amount of minerals in the feed. As an addition to the diet of adult chickens, sprouted wheat is introduced in small quantities.
Breeding
Puberty occurs at the age of 5-6 months. By this period, females of the Shabo breed are already ready to hatch eggs, so the breeding process is facilitated at times.
Breeding ornamental birds places high demands on compliance with the standard. All individuals must be born purebred and healthy. The strongest, most beautiful and healthy bantams are chosen as parents.
Individuals with the following disadvantages are not allowed for breeding:
- small body;
- stretched back;
- long legs;
- undeveloped ridge;
- the iris of the eye is yellow-green;
- short undeveloped wings.
Experienced poultry farmers recommend opting for a rooster and hen that meets all standards with legs slightly longer than normal. Long-term breeding proves that weak offspring are born from a short-legged pair, which die after a short period of time.
Diseases and treatment
Bentamki very often suffer from a cold. Because of this, poultry farmers advise immediately to build a chicken house with high quality, to ensure good air circulation in it, but to minimize drafts. In the winter season, individuals are not allowed to walk.
Shabo often suffer from various parasitic infections and tuberculosis. Keeping your chickens in order and sanitation can help prevent ticks, fleas and bedbugs. For the prevention of tuberculosis, it is necessary to protect the communication of decorative domestic Shabo with wild representatives of birds. The yard for walking is limited with a net, and the floor is filled with cement so that mice or rats do not get into it.
Give preventive vaccinations, they will help protect birds from infections.
Advantages and disadvantages of chickens
Pros of the Shabo chicken breed:
- individuals need a small amount of food;
- decorative appearance;
- calm character;
- the presence of a maternal instinct;
- the presence of the third type of product is quality feathers.
Cons of the Shabo chicken breed:
- weak immunity;
- high mortality due to non-compliance with the conditions of keeping or breeding;
- exactingness to quality feed;
- the inability to keep with other breeds of chickens.
Poultry reviews
Larisa, 55 years old, teacher, Omsk.I decided to have Shabo chickens that year. I studied the description, read it on the forums, etc. I knew that in the Siberian Territory such birds cannot be raised. But I decided to take a chance. It's a pity that nothing happened. As soon as I didn’t equip a chicken coop with them, I didn’t just cover the floor. Anyway, the chickens got sick and died. It is a pity that in our region it is impossible to breed such decorative beauties.
Peter, 43 years old, breeder, Sochi.For many years I have been growing cereals and cereals. I decided that it was worth starting to engage in poultry farming. The choice stopped at Japanese bentamkah, and did not regret it. The birds got along well at my dacha, they like the climate.
I received about 70 eggs from one laying hen in a year, which is not enough for me, of course. But I bred for beauty and for the soul, and not for special benefit. As for character, the rooster turned out to be the most active. Chickens are calm, slow, and he constantly does something, screams. Maybe it just shows that he is in charge here - I don't know, I still don't understand this.
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Chickens Shabo are an excellent option for those who do not have a huge territory, but are interested in decorative birds. Japanese bantams constantly come to exhibitions and fairs, they are bred not so much for obtaining a product, as for aesthetic pleasure and breeding young animals.