The meat-egg breed of chickens is considered more productive than all the others, as it is able to provide people with a good number of eggs, and very tasty, juicy, dietary meat. Because of their versatility, Yerevan hens, as well as other meat and egg breeds, are considered to be breeds in the general user direction.
The combination of many advantages in one breed makes Yerevan hens very popular among the population. They are hardy, strong and unpretentious. If we talk about meat-type breeds, they serve as a source of tasty meat, but at the same time they have low egg production. Egg chickens carry a large number of eggs, but due to their low weight they are not suitable as a meat product. Meat-egg hens are the golden mean that suits most people.
Origin
The name itself already speaks of their place of origin. The breed was bred by scientists in faraway Armenia by crossing aboriginal chickens with New Hampshire and Rhode Island breeds. Their productivity was low - up to 100 eggs per year. But in 1949, the hen of the local population, which surprisingly laid 107 eggs, was crossed with a rooster belonging to the Rhode Island breed.
Among the younger descendants, a large rooster stood out, which by the year of its life weighed 3 kg. It was mated with chicken, which laid a record number of eggs - 191 eggs. The bred chickens from this pair have become the breeding core for future generations.
In 1965, the hens of this line were crossed with the New Hampshire breed. As a result, they obtained beautiful, red-brown individuals, which the residents of Armenia and Azerbaijan bought with pleasure. Now this breed enjoys well-deserved success among Russian farmers. The breed received final approval in 1974.
Breed description of Yerevan chickens
Yerevan chickens have strong bones, solid, strong and enduring body. A small comb with uniform teeth, pinkish earlobes, yellow legs and red-fawn feathers make the hens bright and beautiful. Bill is medium-sized and slightly bent, eyes red-yellow.
These chickens are muscular, wide chest, wings tightly pressed to the body, legs - yellow, medium length. The plumage is red and as if scorched by the sun, the tips of the feathers are black.
Chickens can be divided into two types: light and heavy. If the light divorces in order to obtain a large number of eggs, then the heavy razvodchiki interests as a meat breed.
Features
This breed is a genetic reserve for collectors. Yerevan chicken is a carrier of a unique gene of goldenness. New meat lines arise as a result of crossing these hens with other known breeds.
Farms are bred as a source of eggs and meat. Among the lovers of household breed also enjoys high popularity.
Content and cultivation
For growing it is better to buy day-old chicks, which stand firmly on their feet, are mobile and have a chosen tummy. If the fluff on the body is uneven, the chicken staggers, the legs give a bluish tint - the nestling is not viable.
Coop better build on high ground. The room must be dry, insulated; the wind must not pass through the gaps of the coop. The best house will be the construction of wood.
There should be a bed of straw or wood shavings on the floor, which should be replaced regularly. Indoors air must circulate - this is the first condition for raising healthy young stock.
Yerevan chickens are characterized by strong immunity and rarely get sick. After the chickens were born, 88% of them remain alive, which is a pretty good indicator.
An important aspect is the selection of feed for this breed. They must be of high quality and fresh. They, like other meat-egg breeds nutritional diversity required. Food should be not only nutritious, but also contain vitamins and various microelements. Due to the proper organization of the nutrition of the chicken will always be well-groomed, fertile, well-fed.
If you neglect this requirement, half-starved hens stop laying eggs. One has only to improve the conditions, as the productivity is immediately restored.
Specifications
Chickens are unpretentious in their care and grow very quickly. By the age of 8 weeks, the weight of grown-up chickens is already 0.8 kg, adult hens weigh up to 2.5 kg, and roosters even up to 4.5 kg. Yerevan chickens reach full maturity by 170 days of life.
In a year, chickens carry from 180 to 210 eggs with a good weight of 60 g. There were cases when chickens set records for egg production and brought about 300 eggs a year. Chickens start laying eggs from 5.5 months.
Where can I buy in Russia?
In Russia, eggs and chickens can be purchased at the following addresses:
- "Live bird", Russia, Belgorod region, pos. Northern Belgorod district, Dorozhny lane, 1A. Tel: +7 (910) 737-23-48, +7 (472) 259-70-70, +7 (472) 259-71-71.
- "Ecofacenda", Tel: +7 (903) 502-48-78, +7 (499) 390-48-58.
- Company "Genofund", 141300, Sergiev Posad, Masliyev street, 44. Tel: +7 (925) 157-57-27, +7 (496) 546-19-20.
Analogs
By their productivity and appearance, Yerevan chickens are somewhat similar to Zagor salmon hens.
Conclusion
It would be a mistake to assume that unpretentious to external conditions, fertile and hardy Yerevan hens do not require close attention. Some people believe that by pouring grain into the bird feeder once a week, you can get both eggs and nutritious meat every time you wish. Like other breeds, they need a variety of food, warm housing and, most importantly, the attention of the owner. Even the plants in the house begin to bloom, if you do not forget about them and surround with care. What in this case to talk about living things.
