Data sheet crested chickens
Body weight (hen):
1.5 to 2.0 kg
Body weight (rooster):
2.0 to 2.5kg
eggs per year:
140 eggs
Weight of an egg:
40g
eggshell color:
white
Origin:
unknown
Flight Skills:
medium
color shades:
black (white hood)
Particularities:
- very old breed of chicken
- hood
Number (recommended group size):
5 to 8
Life expectancy:
5 to 8 years
Difficulty level:
Medium inkknife_2000 (7.5 million views +), Tree Farm, Crested Chicken 12-8-12 (8298287508), CC BY-SA 2.0
The crested chicken is one of them oldest breeds among chickens. It can probably be traced back to the Roman Empire and has spread all over the world in recent centuries.
They were specifically bred to retain the eponymous crest on their heads. With us it is Dutch crested chicken most popular. These can be traced back to the 15th century.
The hood on the head arises from a specific mutation of geneswhich is more pronounced in purebred crested chickens, but can also be seen in crossbreeds.
At the Dutch crested chicken, this headdress is usually white and stands out clearly next to the otherwise black plumage. But there are also other colored variants.
Overall, the Dutch crested chicken is quite small. It’s trusting, though needs a certain amount of care, so it is not necessarily suitable for beginners. With enough free space, it likes to explore the area.
As an owner, care should be taken that the Hood does not obscure the field of vision. It should trimmed twice a year become. Otherwise, the Dutch crested chicken has no problem seeing.
The Dutch Crested Chicken should be kept in a sufficiently large enclosure with a high fence. It works well for people who have previous experience with chickens.
The hood, in particular, needs a well-maintained enclosure so that nothing gets caught in the feathers and interferes with the chicken’s vision. These include a appropriate weather protectionas well as special feeding and drinking bowlsthat are commercially available.
Damp lining should also be avoided so that the hood does not stick.
The Dutch Crested Chicken is sensitive to cold, which is why they should be kept mostly indoors. The Hood is also susceptible to parasites (mites and lice) that need to be cleaned regularly.
gender differences
Externally, there are hardly any differences between the sexes. A Female is a bit fullerespecially on the legs, tail and hood.
breed
Due to its magnificent appearance, the Dutch Crested Chicken is popular with breeders. Less in terms of economic yield as the chicken lays comparatively small eggs.
Breeding works without any problems if there is an appropriate one incubator and a heat lamp be available.
The Dutch crested chicken is not broodywhich is why rearing by hand is necessary.
rearing of the chicks
The rearing of the chicks of a Dutch crested chicken is only possible with much patience. In most cases you have to be raised by hand.
The chicks are hardy but need proper care. As with the adult animals, the females can be recognized by the lush hood.
socialization
The Dutch Crested Chicken can be kept with other breeds that are also peaceful are. They quickly feel intimidated or threatened, which should be considered when socializing.
There are no quarrels, even among the roosters. It shows to people quickly trusting. In general, the crested chicken is very easy to keep if the enclosure is sufficiently designed for the breed. It doesn’t take a lot of exercise.