An inexperienced poultry farmer can easily get lost in the abundance of various breeds of poultry. There are a huge number of species of chickens alone. The theoretical knowledge of crossing different breeds will help an inexperienced farmer choose suitable varieties for growing at home.

Indokurs: general information, description

This is a breed that is very popular with domestic farmers. The male is called "Indo-cock", the female is called "Indo-chicken". However, novice poultry farmers often ask themselves the question: who are the Indokurs and how to raise them.

Indokurs are a mixed type of poultry, that is, they can be bred for both meat and eggs. This breed was developed in Hungary 300 years ago. Due to the high taste of meat and good egg production, the Indo-chicken quickly found its way to Europe and Africa.

Indokurs

Below are the main characteristics:

  • the neck is completely naked, feathers are completely absent on it;
  • the beak is yellowish;
  • ears are red or white;
  • round chest with well developed muscles;
  • short legs.

The colors range from light brown to bluish black (resembling a crow). Black eyes and face are officially recognized as marriage.

Cultivation of an Indokur

If Indokurs live in the poultry yard, growing at home will not cause much trouble. They are unpretentious and easily adaptable to any conditions.

When growing an Indoor, keep in mind the following:

  • the temperature in the room where the birds are kept should be 12 - 16 degrees, otherwise egg production will significantly decrease;
  • peat must be placed on the floor so that it absorbs gas from bird droppings. It does not need to be removed while cleaning the room, but you can simply loosen it;
  • Indokurs are afraid of dampness and drafts;
  • in winter and autumn, it is imperative to organize artificial lighting;
  • the light should be dim so that the chickens are not frightened and do not show aggression;
  • natural feed should be combined with industrial compound feed;
  • it is imperative to include in the diet such valuable vitamin and mineral supplements as yeast and crushed egg shells.

Monthly chicks feel comfortable at +18 degrees.

Indoor eggs are best hatched in a commercial incubator. For this purpose, eggs no more than 5 days old are suitable. If you take the older ones, hatchability can be poor. An auto-flip incubator is best, in which the eggs are flipped every 4 hours. When the chicks hatch, the first days of life they should be in a room with a temperature of 30 degrees Celsius. From the 5th day of life, the temperature is gradually reduced. Monthly chicks feel comfortable at +18 degrees.

Breeds, hybrids, crosses of chickens

Master Gray: breed of chickens (description)

Breeds and crosses of chickens is a rather interesting topic for those who plan to independently crossbreed. You also need to be aware that in addition to breeds and crosses, there are hybrids.

Breeds are a combination of species and breeding groups that have been artificially bred and descended from wild chickens through artificial selection.

The following breeds can be distinguished:

  • meat - with low egg production, but with a rapid weight gain;
  • egg - poorly gain weight, and meat does not differ in great nutritional value, but they are distinguished by excellent egg production;
  • fighting - used to organize cock fights;
  • vociferous - famous for their loud voice.

In addition to breeds, in poultry there are concepts such as hybrids and crosses.

  • Hybrids are varieties that result from crossing different poultry taxa.
  • Crosses are hybrids of different species, bred under the supervision of professional livestock specialists. Cross breeding is called "crossbreeding" (translated from English - "breeding crosses"). Among crosses, variegated chicken breeds are especially popular.

Crossing chickens of different breeds at home

When do quails start to fly?

Many farmers get new breeds on their own. This allows not only to increase the livestock, but also to independently set the direction: to improve the appearance, egg production, meat characteristics.

Many farmers get new breeds on their own

Important! The main thing is not to forget that the improved breed should be represented by chickens, and the improving breed - by roosters, but not vice versa. Otherwise, the breed will not improve.

Egg and meat breeds of chickens

These breeds are in great demand among Russian poultry farmers, because keeping in a private backyard allows you to simultaneously provide yourself with chicken eggs and delicious meat.

Meat and egg crosses are quite calm in character, so they do not need a high fence. They begin to rush at about six months. The most popular modern crosses are "Poltavskaya clay" and "Moscow black".

Chickens mix

Mix chickens are valuable because they adapt well to the environment and are unpretentious in nutrition. Below are the most popular mixes of purebred birds and their characteristics:

  • Leghorn + Cochinhin. High egg production is maintained, the taste of chicken is improved.
  • New Hampshire + Striped Plymouth Rock. Early maturing birds with high productivity. High nutritional value of meat.
  • Cobb 500 + Wyandotte. Fast weight gain, high egg production.

Mix chickens are valuable because they adapt well to the environment.

When crossing, keep in mind the following:

  • related individuals are not subject to crossing;
  • it is necessary to correctly select a representative of the improving breed;
  • the cock participating in the crossing must be completely healthy, preferably with pronounced breed characteristics;
  • the cock and the hen should be approximately the same in size and body weight.

By following these rules, mixes will be healthy and viable.

Chicken crosses

The topic "meat crosses of chickens" is relevant for those who want to raise poultry to obtain high-quality meat and do not aim to get a large number of eggs.

Crosses gain weight quickly and their meat has a high nutritional value. However, to maximize the effectiveness of these breeds, it is necessary to properly organize the feeding, knowing exactly which feed to use and how much minerals to add.

Chicken crosses

Attention!Another name for meat crosses is broilers.

The most common cross in Russia is KOBB-500. The meat of this broiler has a characteristic yellowish tint, therefore it looks attractive to the buyer.

Variegated and black and white chickens

Birds of this color are often found in the poultry yards of Russia. Variegated breeds are in high demand in agricultural markets.

Variegated chickens are obtained by crossing black and white poultry. But also in this case, black and white offspring can turn out. In terms of egg production, they are not inferior to crosses bred in industrial conditions. However, they are often aggressive and do not always gain weight well.

The main advantage of these chickens is that they are in good health and are not susceptible to infections.Chickens of black and white and variegated colors have a developed incubation instinct and cope with incubating eggs on their own, without an incubator. The meat tastes quite good.

About a hybrid of chicken and pheasant

Chickens Lohman Brown

A hybrid of chicken and pheasant is distinguished by good egg production and unpretentious care. However, it is not very popular.

Attention! It is not recommended to cross pheasants and chickens at home, as the result can be unpredictable.

There may be congenital deformities and pronounced defects in appearance (for example, a chicken with a "beard" like a rooster, or with legs covered with hair).

In terms of meat quality, this variety is significantly inferior to other hybrids and crosses. Professional poultry farmers regard the mixture of pheasant and chicken as a species of little practical importance. Such a hybrid has appeared relatively recently and is rare. In everyday life, poultry farmers call it "fazakur".

Any farmer can do crossbreeding at home. However, in addition to theoretical knowledge, it is important to have practical skills.