In the world there are a huge number of different breeds of chickens. Some of them, such as Lakenfelder, are considered very rare.
However, a large number of collectors are still trying to get this bird, as it has an unusual color, and is also characterized by relatively high meat and egg productivity.
Lackenfelder was allegedly bred from chickens that lived in the Dutch town of Lackervelt and the Belgian town of Zotterge.
It is not known for certain which breeds participated in the crossing, as there is no historical information about this.
However, one thing is certain: this breed of domestic chickens was bred so that farmers could use both Lackenfelder carcasses and their eggs.
For many years, Laekenfelder has been used by Belgian and Dutch farmers. Soon, new breeds of domestic chickens began to appear, and this one became more rare every year. Its population began to decline sharply, so special organizations and funds were attracted to support life.
General description of the breed Lakenfelder
The rooster has a dense and straightened torso. The neck has an average length. On it grow long black feathers that fall on Laekenfelder’s shoulders.
She gradually goes into the back, having a slight downward slope. The shoulders are wide enough, the wings are well pressed, and their ends are covered with black and white lumbar plumage.
The tail of the roosters is held relatively high. He has very long rounded braids, visually increasing the tail and body of the rooster. The chest is set deep and wide, the rooster's belly is not very full.
The head of the cock is medium, but wide. On the red face of the bird there is no feather cover. The comb is large, upright. It can have from 5 to 6 well-pronounced teeth. Ear rings average, rounded.
Oval ear lobes are painted in white-white color. The eyes are red or orange-red, small. The beak is strong, painted in gray shades.
The shins of the Lakenfelder have an average size, the tarsus is also not very long. As a rule, they are painted in light gray color. Fingers at roosters are placed widely.
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In hens, the back is horizontal to the ground. In addition, their belly has a more rounded shape. The comb is smaller, but stands straight as well. The ear lobes of hens are small but oval.
As for color, both hens and roosters have a completely black tail, a black head and the same neck. The rest of the bird's body is characterized by a completely white color. However, feathers on the lower back can be darker or completely black.
Features
Immediately it should be noted that the Lakenfelder is the rarest breed of chickens. Their livestock needs professional breeding, as in the near future this breed may cease to exist.
That is why it is necessary to start this breed only to the most experienced breeders, who can usefully use each egg and each chicken.
Among non-professionals, the bird is valued for its unusual appearance. In chickens and in cocks, the plumage on the neck and tail is colored black. At the same time, the rest of the body remains white.
Unfortunately, even the most experienced specialist will not be able to determine the future color of the chicks.. The fact is that the Lackenfelders constantly produce completely black or completely white chickens.
As a rule, such individuals are contrary to standards, so they are not allowed to the exhibition. To get the real Lakenfelder, a breeder needs to grow many generations of such birds.
However, chickens delight their owners not only unusual color. These birds tolerate cold winters because of their thick feather cover. They also easily cope with high humidity and sudden temperature changes.
Lakenfelder are calm chickens. They will never be the cause of a skirmish in a walking yard, so they can be kept together with other poultry. Also, a calm temper makes birds become attached to the yard where they live.
Content and cultivation
All breeds of chickens related to meat and egg type of productivity, need to be properly fed.
If the feed will be missing all the necessary trace elements and vitamins, the birds will no longer normally carry, and also begin to lose muscle mass. To prevent this from happening, Lakenfelders need to be fed only with certified feed or professional mash.
To improve the egg production of hens, chopped boiled eggs and egg shells should be added to the feed. These ingredients will allow chickens to quickly replenish the loss of protein and calcium, which necessarily occur after each egg is laid.
In winter, it is necessary to additionally feed with vitamins, as the Lakenfelders are accustomed to eat green and live food, and it is completely absent in the winter.
As for the content of the Lakenfelders, they must be need to keep in a spacious house, near which there is a yard for walking.
During summer walks, these birds will be able to compensate for the lack of green fodder, and in winter they will be able to breathe fresh air, which favorably affects the meat and egg productivity of the breed.
Specifications
The total weight of roosters can vary from 1.7 to 1.2 kg. Laying hens can gain weight up to 2 kg. They lay an average of up to 180 eggs per year, but their egg production may vary depending on the conditions of feeding and feeding.
On average, each egg with a light-colored shell can reach a mass of 55 g. For incubation, it is better to choose only the largest specimens.
Where can I buy in Russia?
- Household "Bird village"engaged in the sale of hatching eggs, day-old chickens and adult individuals. The poultry farm is located on the territory of the Yaroslavl region, in a clean region, only 140 km from Moscow. You can find out about the presence of poultry, by calling +7 (916) 795-66-55 .
- Buy eggs and daily chickens Lakenfelder possible on the chicken farm "Chicken Courtyard". It is located in the city of Apsheronsk, Krasnodar Territory. To find out the actual price of chickens and eggs, please call +7 (918) 216-10-90.
Analogs
Instead of rare meat-egg Lakenfelders, you can breed Yurlov chickens.
This breed is distributed throughout all regions of Russia, so its acquisition will not be particularly difficult. These birds are relatively well carried, and quickly build up muscle mass, allowing at an early age to take the bird for slaughter.
Another analogue of the breed are Russian black bearded chickens.
These birds also belong to the meat-and-egg type of productivity. They are able to lay up to 200 eggs per year, reaching a mass of 3-4 kg in some cases. In addition, this breed is characterized by an unusual appearance because of its lush beard.
Conclusion
Lakenfelders are very rare chickens. They are highly valued among professional breeders because of the unusual coloring of the plumage.
Unfortunately, this chicken began to crowd out other, more productive breeds, so it faces extinction. To avoid this, specialists need to constantly maintain the existence of the breed in nurseries.