In the world there is a huge variety of breeds of chickens. Some of them are meat, others are egg-bearing. In Tsarist Russia, the Libyan chintz chickens were widely known and distributed. They combined in themselves all the requirements of the peasants for chickens: they rushed well and gave enough meat. An unreasonably forgotten breed is now reviving and gaining popularity.
Breed breeding
The first Lebanese chintz chickens appeared in the Liven district of the Oryol region of the then Russian Empire. Hence the name of the breed. Sometimes it is called Oryol. The breeding of chickens suitable for peasant farming was done by the peasants themselves. It was important for them that she meet several requirements: she carried herself well, was a source of meat and, most importantly, was simple and unpretentious in leaving. The peasant family did not have to especially choose food for their children, so the chickens should be content with the food that is available. The perseverance of the peasants was rewarded, they managed to achieve their goal - the Lebanese chintz breed of chickens was born.
Appearance of breed representatives
Bred by simple peasants, the breed was distinguished by its attractive appearance. An initially defined standard for determining pedigree has not been formed. Only in 1990 did they receive specific criteria for the breed of chickens from Lebanon chintz. Description of unique characteristics includes the following features:
- a small leaf-shaped or pink-like crest;
- chintz plumage (each feather has several colors - black, yellow, golden, all together they create a characteristic motley outfit);
- massive trunk elongated horizontally;
- medium-sized head with a small yellowish beak.
Laying hens of this breed may have a crest next to the scallop or feathered shaggy legs. The weight of one individual ranges from 2.5 to 3.5 kilograms. Males are more massive and heavier than hens; their weight is from 4.5 kilograms or more. Each male is decorated with a magnificent tail, which is perpendicular to the body. The tail is bright, with perfectly developed pigtails.
Breed productivity characterization
Each owner tries to get maximum return from living creatures in the yard. The benefits of raising chickens are eggs and meat. Liven chintz chickens, the characteristics of which are beyond praise, will quickly pay back the funds invested in their acquisition. The breed belongs to the category of meat and egg. In addition to a large number of nutritious eggs, a lot of tender dietary meat is obtained from the breed.
Each layer in a year brings 200 eggs, sometimes 220. The color of the shell is from cream to light brown. The average weight of one egg is from 50 to 70 grams. It happens that a chicken brings an egg and 90 grams. Such eggs usually come with two yolks. But this sign is considered not a cost to the breed, but rather its advantage.
Young animals gain weight very quickly and reach sexual maturity by the age of six months. At this age, young poultry can be meat. Youngsters begin to produce eggs. Chickens can lay the first egg in 5-6 months. At maintenance costs, egg production time is delayed and occurs in 7-8 months. At first, the eggs are small, but within the lower norm. After the first rest, the egg mass increases and reaches a maximum. There is no time for a winter break to restore the strength of the breed. Rest-break does not last long - two to three weeks.
Behavior features
Equally important for breeding birds are behavioral features. Liven chintz breed of chickens, the description of the productivity of which attracts the attention of poultry farmers, has a peace-loving character. The hens are calm, their level of activity is reduced, so they easily tolerate cellular content. In the summer, it is better to keep chickens in free grazing. In this case, the owner should take care that they do not scatter. To do this, make a fence higher or trim the feathers on the wings of the birds.
To other birds, hens are friendly. They are not afraid of people, they immediately respond to the invitation of the owner to eat and run to the feeding place. Unlike many breeds, rainfall is silent. They won’t wake up at the dawn with early cries, demanding food.
Males are not as peaceful as females. The harem owner is aggressive towards every competitor. If the opponent sees him in the master, the cock can attack him. Here you need to show firmness and show who is the boss in the house.
Participation in the education of offspring
Breeding and raising a new generation of chickens is not an easy task. Liven chintz chickens greatly facilitate the work of the poultry breeder in this matter. In chickens, the instinct of motherhood is well developed. In the summer, it is the turn of removing children. Klusha begins to make peculiar sounds - claw. At this time, she tries to hide and lay eggs in a secluded place. Some sit down to breed chickens in a permanent place, where all the females of the yard rush. To breed offspring, the future mother must be jailed in a separate place.
A quota will sit on the eggs for as long as necessary. One hen can at a time bring out a dozen and a half or two small chicks. She will take care of the offspring for about two months until a new batch of eggs ripens inside her. Livens chintz breed of chickens is responsible for caring for chickens. Not only a brood hen, but also a rooster stands up to protect the offspring if it is in danger.
Little rainfall and caring for them
From the first hours of their life, chickens of the Lebanese breed exhibit enviable activity and vitality. They are born in three colors: brown, yellow with dark spots on the back or yellow-brown. The plumage of the crumbs is slow; first feathers appear, as in other breeds, at the tips of the wings. According to the daily chicks, it is already possible to determine that these are Liven chintz chickens. Photos of babies, as well as adults, look very festive.
For proper keeping of chickens, do not adhere to special rules. The conditions for feeding and care are the same with the rules for raising chickens of any breed. The temperature in the room should correspond to the age of the children. If the chickens are cold, then they cling to each other. If it’s hot, they open their beak, breathe heavily and lower their wings. Feed the brood three to four times a day, maintaining a diet of high-protein dishes. (boiled egg, semolina, cottage cheese).
Cells must be kept clean, dishes should be washed from residual feed. Vitamins and preventive drugs against infections are very important for babies. However, if children grow up with their mother, care for them consists only in feeding. From two weeks, the brood hen can be released with chickens onto the lawn.
Rules for keeping chickens
Liven chintz chickens are bred as an unpretentious breed. In the summer, the bird does not require special care, especially if it is kept in free grazing. With cell content, it is important to adhere to several rules:
- control air exchange in the house (to prevent the absence of fresh air);
- twice a year to treat the premises from parasites and infections;
- in winter, maintain the temperature in the chicken coop not lower than -5 degrees.
Rules for feeding chickens
Feeding something special chickens is not necessary. Chickens from Libyan chintz, reviews of experienced poultry houses confirm this, completely unpretentious birds. In the pasture, they can eat weed or bug spider, find tracing paper or pebbles, dig out a worm. All that the owner offers them, the chickens eat. But it’s the duty of the owner to form a balanced diet for his klage. It is preferable to offer chickens three types of feed: dry grain (preferably wheat), wet mixers and combination dishes. In winter, laying hens require vitamin supplements and pebbles. Buying specialized feeds is not necessary, since the breed was bred by unpretentious peasants in food.
