Russian Crested Chicken: description of the breed and breeding secrets

With all the variety of poultry, there are varieties that are especially well suited for private backyards and have an extremely successful set of economic characteristics. One of them is rightfully considered the “Russian Crested” chicken breed, with the description and specific content of which we invite readers to get acquainted with.

In the photo - chickens of the “crested” Russian breed, characterized by spectacular decorativeness and high meat-egg indicators

You can learn about the main parameters of these wonderful birds from the table:

Parameter	Characteristic
Class	Birds
View	Chickens (Gallus gallus L.)
Breed	"Russian Crested"
Productivity type	Meat and egg
Plumage color	White, black, red; There are also combined colors (about 10 options in total)
Age of puberty	6 months
Egg production indicators	150-170 pcs. in year
Egg weight	57-59 g
Shell color	White or cream
Hatchability and survival of young animals	98-99% and 90-92%
Growth rate of young animals	Average
Live weight of an adult	Hens – up to 2.5 kg, roosters – 3-3.5 kg
Consumer qualities of meat and eggs	Very high
Sustainability	The bird has good immunity, is hardy, and is undemanding to living conditions.
Year of registration in the State Register of the Russian Federation	1993
Originators	Federal State Budgetary Institution "Federal Scientific Center for Animal Husbandry-VIZh named after Academician L. K. Ernst" (Moscow region), Federal State Budgetary Institution Federal Scientific Center "All-Russian Scientific Research and Technological Institute of Poultry Breeding of the Russian Academy of Sciences", LLC "Gene Fund" (Sergiev Posad, Moscow region)

Interesting historical data

The breed is considered primordially Russian, but the history of its origin is not reliably known, and still causes debate in scientific circles. According to one version, the breed came from Asia; according to another, it was bred by Russian farmers more than 100 years ago. The second is supported not only by records in the archives, but also by the bird’s ability to tolerate our climate.

Regardless of the versions of its origin, this breed is widespread in Russia and is also grown in Asia. In European countries, the number of Russian crested cats is small.

Origin

There is no exact information about when chickens with tufts on their heads appeared in our country. It is only known that in the second half of the 19th century they were widespread in peasant farms throughout the Russian Empire.

The gene pool of crested chickens contains the qualities and characteristics of many varieties used for crossing by amateur poultry farmers

According to the officially accepted version, the breed appeared as a result of folk selection. When breeding it, material from domestic chickens of most varieties available at that time was used. The combination of the resulting traits turned out to be so successful that the “Corydalis” for a long time occupied one of the leading positions in the country’s chicken population. The popularity was fully explained by both the excellent economic performance of the bird and its remarkable ability to quickly adapt to any weather and climatic conditions.

Today, crested chickens no longer play a significant role in the industrial production of meat and eggs: they simply cannot compete with modern “specialized” breeds and crosses. But these birds remained the favorites of many homestead owners. They are highly valued for their beauty, decent egg production, unpretentiousness and a number of other qualities.

Description and characteristics of the Russian Crested breed

Let's look at the main characteristics of this breed.

Appearance of the bird

Exterior features include:

• The birds are medium in size. Their main distinguishing feature is the crest on their head, the feathers of which are directed backwards. At the same time, they can stick out or create an “artistic mess” on the head. The hairstyle is sheaf-shaped or helmet-shaped.
• The comb is red in color and leaf-shaped, but also pink-shaped and regular in shape without any shoots.
• The head itself is small, slightly elongated, proportional to the body. The face, earrings and lobes are also colored red. Breed standards allow a small amount of white inclusions.
• The color of the eyes and beak depends on the plumage. Representatives with orange eyes are more common, less often - with light yellow, brown or red. The color of the beak varies from yellow to dark gray. It is strong, slightly curved. The feathers fit tightly to the body and are directed strictly back.
• Russian crested cats have a short neck. The back is wide and level. The tail is well developed. The chest is also wide and dense. The wings are lowered, strong and strong. The legs are short and unfeathered.

Differences between a rooster and a chicken

The male and female of this breed are quite different in appearance. A rooster is much larger than a hen. Its powerful body is almost 2 times larger than that of a laying hen. But the hairstyle is much more modest. Due to its larger crest, it has a much smaller crest than that of females. But it has a mane of feathers, so it usually hangs to one side.

Laying hens have a very lush and thick crest. It needs to be trimmed from time to time to keep it from covering their eyes. The male's tail is triangular in shape. It is lush and long. Moreover, not only the braids are long, but also the cover feathers.

Color

The breed is also interesting because it has a variety of colors. The standards do not have strict restrictions on this issue, but there are 10 main colors:

• White. The most common birds are those with white coloration. These individuals have a beak and metatarsus—the leg bones located between the tibia and toes—that are yellow.
• Black. Individuals with black coloring have brown eyes, a dark gray beak and gray metatarsals.
• Red. The red hen has yellow feet, dark eyes and a light brown beak.
• Lavender. An interesting lavender or bluish color occurs when the genes responsible for color are mutated. For this reason it is quite rare.
• Gray. The gray color is characterized by feathers with a wide white border in the neck area and a narrow one on the crest. The eyes of gray representatives are brown, the beak and metatarsals are gray.
• Silver-black. The lower part of the body - the belly, sides, as well as the back and wings - are covered with black feathers, the upper part - the neck, head, crest, lower back - are silver. The eyes are brown, the beak and metatarsals are light in color.
• Golden-black. These chickens look rich thanks to the golden feathers on the neck and crest, while the rest of the feathers are black. The eyes are brown, the beak and metatarsals are dark.
• Cuckoo. These representatives are hard to miss. They have a uniformly variegated color, and their beaks and metatarsals are light.
• Calico. The most elegant and unusual color is considered to be chintz. The birds have a red or ginger base color, with feathers of lighter colors scattered throughout. It will not be possible to find two identical calico chickens, since the pattern of each individual is individual.
• Salmon. These are soft fawn chickens with black streaks on the neck and chest. The coloring resembles that of salmon.

An overview of Russian Crested chickens, as well as varieties of this breed, are presented in the video below:

However, there are several traits that are unacceptable in a breeding bird. If they are present, the birds are rejected and not used for further breeding:

• absence of a crest or its poor development;
• large comb;
• completely white lobes;
• long legs;
• the color contains yellow;
• the wings are located high;
• rough body.

Bird temperament

Birds of the Russian Crested breed are distinguished by their peaceful, friendly character. These representatives have excellent neighborly relations with other birds, become attached to the owner, are not afraid of people and are easily tamed.

However, you should not think that these are phlegmatic natures. On the contrary, they are emotional, active and loud.

Puberty and egg production

The breed is a universal species. The poultry farmer will provide himself not only with eggs, but also with delicious chicken meat. Females begin laying eggs at 5-6 months of age. Each year you can get 150-160 eggs from each.

Peak egg production occurs at one and a half years of laying hen, then it begins to decline. On average, an egg weighs 56 g. The shell is usually white or cream in color.

Hatching instinct

Russian corydalis have a strong maternal instinct, so the poultry farmer does not have problems with hatching chicks. If there is no goal to obtain offspring in large numbers, then hens cope with this task at the highest level.

They not only take care of the egg-laying eggs with special zeal, but then also look after their babies with the same care. At the same time, mass mortality of chickens is not observed.

Productivity

In terms of productivity, crested individuals have average indicators. Different sources contain different meanings. This is due to the genetic diversity of the breed.

So, a mature rooster can weigh from 2.7 to 3.5 kg. The chicken weighs less. Most sources indicate the average weight as 2.2 kg, but there is data about 1.8 kg.

Appearance

The crested breed of chickens has a proportional body with a harmoniously shaped elongated head and a cone-shaped neck. It gets its name from the lush crest or “cap” that is present on both males and females.

The skin of the head is red. The rose-shaped comb is small in size and, according to the description, resembles a leaf in shape. Due to its bright color, it is clearly visible on the head.

White speckles are visible on the red earlobes, and the bright red protruding earrings have an elongated shape. The crested breed's beak is black or yellow in color and has a strong and slightly curved base. The back is spotted. The legs are short but powerful, and there are no feathers at their base.

On the sides of the body there are large wings, the ends of which are lowered down. The tail is short and upturned.

Russian Crested

The plumage of crested chickens comes in a variety of colors. Representatives of this breed can have silver, white, black, fawn, blue, brown and even mixed colors

The average weight of mature chickens is 2.5 kg. Roosters weigh about 3-3.3 kg.

Crested chickens with calico plumage have a unique appearance: it seems as if such chickens are wearing a plaid shirt.

Advantages and disadvantages of the breed

Whether or not to raise this particular breed on the farm is up to the poultry farmer to decide. To make your choice easier, let’s look at the main advantages and disadvantages of the Russian Crested breed.

Among the advantages, experts note:

• excellent frost resistance of birds (they winter well in unheated chicken coops and in mild frost they prefer walks in the fresh air);
• high immunity to diseases;
• high adaptive abilities, take root in any region;
• stable egg production - 1 egg every 2 days;
• original appearance, variety of colors;
• high egg fertilization rate up to 90–95%;
• strong maternal instinct of hens;
• high hatchability rate;
• calm disposition;
• delicious tender meat.

Among the disadvantages, they note the pugnacity of roosters and the additional hassle of keeping chickens - they need to periodically trim their crest.

Pavlovskaya

This breed of chicken has a rich history, but its exact origin has never been determined. The spread of these birds began in the first half of the 19th century, and at that moment Pavlovsk chickens practically became extinct. Today they are quite well known, and their numbers have increased significantly. Let's look at what this bird looks like: they are characterized by a small rounded head, a vertical crest, and a medium-sized beak. It is quite difficult to examine the earrings, since their size is small. The chicken is characterized by a short neck and a short body. The back of the bird is straight and almost vertical, which gives the impression that Pavlovian chickens walk with a dignified posture. The chest protrudes slightly. The bird's tail is almost erect. The legs are not long.

The color of the feathers of this breed is usually golden-black, but silver-black can also be found. The birds' body weight is small: roosters weigh no more than 2 kg, and hens weigh about 1.5 kg. A chicken can lay no more than 90 eggs weighing about 50 grams in a year. Their shell color is predominantly white.

Pavlovsk chickens are very demanding in terms of living conditions. This is primarily explained by their activity, because lack of walking and mobility can lead birds to diseases. Therefore, they need to be given the conditions to maintain health. But chickens are unpretentious when it comes to food and will eat whatever their owners offer.

It is important to take into account the aggressiveness of cockerels of this breed towards each other, since it is possible that after one cockfight you will be missing one of your animals

Chickens, despite their activity, do a good job of incubating eggs and breeding offspring.

This breed has been known since the 18th century and continues to exist to this day, delighting owners with its aesthetic appearance.

And paduans look like this: a medium-sized head with a curved beak; birds do not necessarily have earrings. The neck is of medium length, slightly curved, with lush plumage. The chest is well developed and convex. Paduan's body is elongated and his tail is bushy. The legs are short and feathered. The color of the feathers varies from black, silver-black and black with a greenish tint to golden or blue.

The weight of both cockerels and hens can range from 1.5 to 2.5 kg.

In a year, one hen can lay from 100 to 120 eggs with white shells weighing 50 grams. Paduans are often bred as ornamental birds; their character is friendly and easy-going. Birds easily make contact with humans and, with proper care, can become completely tame

However, occasionally representatives of the breed may become jealous if you do not pay attention to them. Most Paduans are calm and sociable. The described chickens are completely incapable of raising offspring, so the owners of this breed of birds will have to deal with the development of chickens

The described chickens are completely incapable of raising offspring, so the owners of this breed of birds will have to deal with the development of chickens.

Conditions of detention

Although birds are unpretentious and undemanding in keeping, creating favorable living conditions is still the responsibility of the poultry farmer.

How to set up a chicken coop?

Due to the fact that corydalis are not afraid of frost, the chicken coop does not need to be insulated. But it must be built on a foundation 40-60 cm high and ventilation must be provided. If it is not possible to install it, then the room is ventilated daily. The air should not stagnate.

Perches are installed inside at a height of 30–35 cm from the floor surface. A bedding of hay or sawdust is laid on the floor. It is changed in a timely manner as it becomes dirty and damp. The poultry house should be dry and clean; the health of the birds depends on this. There must be artificial lighting; daylight hours must be maintained at least 12-14 hours.

Nests are placed on the floor away from the perches. Their optimal size is 50X50 or 50X40 cm.

If you want to make a chicken coop with your own hands, then this article may be useful.

Walking yard

Since birds are very active and inquisitive, there must be a walking yard with a canopy so that the birds can hide under it from the rain or hot sun. The area is fenced with a grid with small cells. The bottom of the mesh is dug into the ground to avoid undermining on both sides.

On the one hand, this will prevent the chickens from escaping, on the other hand, it will protect them from uninvited predator guests. In summer, chickens spend all their time outdoors. In winter, they also like to walk in the yard even in severe frosts down to -40°C.

Feeders and drinkers

Feeders and drinkers are kept outside in the summer, and brought into the chicken coop during the cold season. They are washed and disinfected regularly to prevent the development of pathogenic microorganisms. How to make your own feeder is written here.

The water in the drinking bowls is changed regularly. Birds should be able to approach them without hindrance. Wet mash is placed in plastic or metal feeders, dry food in wooden feeders. Uneaten wet food is thrown away.

Read the article on how to make your own waterers for hens and chicks.

Bird wintering

In winter, chickens are kept in poultry houses. To prevent a drop in egg production, artificial lighting is turned on daily. At temperatures below -40°C, corydalis are not allowed outside.

In milder frosts, they can walk for 30–60 minutes a day without harming their health or risking frostbite on their scallops and earrings.

Shedding

Any bird changes its feathers. Molting is a natural process that occurs with a decrease in egg production, since the main nutrients are spent on renewing the feather cover.

In healthy birds it lasts about 2 months. In healthy birds, molting occurs without any difficulties, and they quickly return to normal.

Feeding adults

In the summer, free-fed chickens can easily provide themselves with a full diet on their own. The rest, who only go out for walks in the walking yard, are fed 3 times a day. Birds have no special food preferences. However, the diet must be nutritious and contain vital substances - minerals, vitamins, proteins.

The grains they are given are wheat, oats, and millet. You can use ready-made industrial feed.

The bird gets calcium from ground shells, chalk, and shell rock. Fine gravel must always be available. It has a good effect on the digestive system.

Necessary vitamins are found in green grass. In the summer it is in abundance, so it should be present in the diet every day. In winter, they provide fresh root vegetables - carrots, beets, zucchini, as well as apples, harvested hay, and yeast. Wet mash with the addition of meat or fish meal is given all year round. In winter, such food is given warm so that the bird can warm up additionally.

Breeding chicks

Breeding Russian Crested chicks does not require any special skills, but it is necessary to know about the peculiarities of the process.

Hatching or incubation?

Corydalis are famous for their strong maternal instinct, which is why they are one of the best hens. If you keep chickens only for yourself, then it will be enough to place hens on eggs. Those who sell young animals of this breed usually use incubators for breeding.

By spring, the mother hen's maternal instinct kicks in and she begins to build a nest, lining it with her plucked breast feathers. Spring is the optimal time for breeding, as the chicks will grow in warm conditions. 3-4 days after the cackling hen begins to build a nest, you can put eggs under it. She incubates them for 21 days.

Corydalis are very responsible mothers and may not leave the nest for a very long time. Therefore, it is necessary to remove them from time to time from laying eggs, and ensure that the hens eat and drink regularly.

Sometimes you can find an egg near the nest. It was the hen who rolled him away from the nest. There is no need to return it to the clutch, because on an intuitive level the hen feels which egg has no life. Apparently, it was not fertilized or the embryo died.

Caring for young animals

After 21 days, the chicks begin to hatch. The ideal option is to leave the babies with their mother - the chicken will warm them, won’t hurt them and will protect them. Later, the brood will follow the hen everywhere. She will teach them to drink and eat.

If this is not possible, then the dried chickens are taken from the hen and transferred to a box. It should be lit 24 hours a day by a lamp from above and heated from below. Bedding is placed at its bottom. The box should be warm (+30°C), dry, clean and free from drafts.

Chicken feeding

Meals are organized as follows:

• In the first days, the chickens are fed a hard-boiled egg, which is first ground very finely. Then they give millet porridge boiled in water with the addition of dill. The chickens are given a chamomile decoction or a slightly pink solution of potassium permanganate. This menu is followed for 2 weeks.
• From the 2nd week, fresh cottage cheese, semolina and finely ground corn grits are added to the diet, and boiled mash is given. At this age, chickens can already catch small insects.
• Up to 4 months, young animals should have more protein feed in their diet. From 1.5 months they begin to actively grow and gain muscle mass. They are made mash with meat broth, given mixed feed enriched with proteins, fermented milk products - cottage cheese, yogurt.
• At 5–6 months, young females begin to lay eggs. The menu includes sources of calcium, minerals, and vitamins.

Incubation

Thanks to their developed incubation instinct, Russian Cresteds can hatch chicks on their own. However, if necessary, this breed can be bred using the incubation method. Fresh eggs without defects with a dense, uniform shell are suitable for this.

Table of temperature and humidity modes

Period