Breeds of chickens meat egg hercules. Chickens Hercules. All about the breed, description, reviews, productivity, photos and videos. Weight differences between rooster and chicken

Since ancient times, people have tried to domesticate birds such as chickens and geese. Since then, mankind has tamed many different types of birds. But over the past 100 years, a big breakthrough has been made in breeding new species. So, a new breed was recently bred - Hercules chickens.

Hercules quickly gained confidence among both professionals and amateurs in the poultry industry. Chickens Hercules is a universal breed, belongs to the meat and egg species and is unparalleled among the various breeds of chickens that could boast such productivity and abundance of meat.

Hercules chickens were born quite recently and have gained undoubted superiority in the vastness of the CIS countries. They were bred by breeders of the Ukrainian Institute of Poultry in 2000, in the city of Kharkov, under the supervision of Professor Yu.V. Bondarenko. It took scientists more than 10 years to breed Hercules chickens. The selection of the Hercules chicken breed was carried out in a complex way by crossing broilers and various gene pool types of chickens. The chicken got its name because of its large size and high egg production.

External characteristics and description. Hercules have different plumage colors: silver, brown, golden, gray. It's connected with different types breeds involved in the crossing. They have a strong skeleton, a well-developed and broad chest, a massive body with a broad back and good muscles. The hips of Hercules are massive, with lush plumage. The tail is long, rounded. The wings are well hidden under the plumage. Paws are wide, bare. Medium sized head. Unfeathered face with a scarlet color. Red eyes, small. The beak is curved, light yellow. The comb is large, leaf-shaped, red in color. Earrings rounded, red.

The performance of Hercules chickens is excellent. The first laying in laying hens falls on the 160th day of life. One hen can lay 200 to 220 eggs per year. Egg weight 60-70 grams. Cream colored shell. The average weight of a chicken is 3–3.5 kg, and a cockerel is from 4 to 4.8 kg.

Advantages and disadvantages

Hercules chickens have a lot of advantages. The breed has a pronounced double productivity, is endowed with strong immunity and is resistant to diseases. They quickly increase body weight, which allows poultry farmers to get more quality meat. In addition, the young have an excellent survival rate. Hercules are well tolerated by any weather conditions and acclimatize at any time of the year: both in cold winters and in dry, hot summers.

The breed of these chickens has no drawbacks, which makes it strong competitor among other species.

Growing conditions

Hercules are unpretentious and undemanding to the conditions of detention, but some rules for breeding should be followed.

Young chickens need plentiful and frequent feeding. Grated boiled eggs, oatmeal porridge, ground cereals and greens should be added to the diet of monthly chickens. In addition, you should take care of the temperature regime for keeping chickens. The ideal temperature should not fall below +17 degrees. Low temperatures and insufficient nutrition significantly reduce the growth rate of chicks. It is necessary to get rid of drafts in poultry houses, but do not cut off the air supply, the circulation of fresh air must be constant.

It should be remembered that young chickens have poorly developed digestion. This means adding more fiber-rich foods to your diet. If you use feed in the diet of chickens, then you should take care of the high content of proteins in them, as well as mineral components.

Adult birds should be fed with ground grain, corn, vegetables, makuha, fishmeal. It is also necessary to add components rich in minerals to the diet, for this you can use chalk, eggshells, sand. In addition, nitrogenous substances should be added to the diet. For better fattening for meat, high-protein feeds can be added to the diet.

Hercules can be kept both on large poultry farms and in home yards. Birds should be given more freedom to move, as they are quite active. It is worth devoting enough time to walking the chickens. Grassy glades are perfect for walking.

At the moment, Hercules chickens are bred by large poultry farms in Ukraine. They can also be found in private poultry houses on the territory of the CIS countries, since the Hercules breed has no direct analogues.

Video “Keeping and feeding chickens”

The video gives advice on the care and feeding of chickens from the first days of life. How and what you need to feed so that the chickens are productive.

Hercules chickens are considered one of the best general purpose poultry. They belong to the meat and egg group, respectively, the farmer will be pleased not only with high egg production, but also with juicy meat. Due to their undemanding care, birds began to breed in almost every yard.

Origin story

Year of establishment - 2000. Homeland - Ukraine, the city of Kharkov. Breed Hercules - crosses. Breeding work was carried out by scientists led by Professor Bondarenko Yu.A. at the Poultry Institute. Work on the creation of these birds lasted about ten years. Hercules combined the gene pool of Ukrainian and foreign birds.

The birds got their name due to their considerable size and high productivity. Although the breed is not even two decades old, it is already famous among poultry farmers.

Description of the breed Hercules

These poultry have a massive strong physique, have a good character. Consider the main characteristics of the breed, which are peculiar only to it.

External Data

Ukrainian chickens are admirable. There is nothing exotic or unusual about them, but it is the simplicity in appearance that makes the birds interesting and unique. Hercules looks like calm village hens, a large physique makes the birds clumsy and very cute.

The main characteristics of the breed:

• Weight and dimensions. Since chickens belong to the meat and egg group, the mass of birds is impressive. Females weigh approximately 3.5 kg, and roosters can reach 4.5 kg. These indicators, on average, characterize birds; with proper quality care, the mass of birds can reach even greater indicators. In nature, Hercules roosters with a mass of 9 kg were captured, and such cases are becoming more and more common.
• Ukrainian beauty can be in several colors: cuckoo, golden, speckled, silvery, white. According to poultry farmers, the highest egg production is for golden hens, but the white ones are the largest.
• Body type trapezoidal, well defined, with a broad back, large chest and rather big belly. What females, what males are identical in physique, differ only in size.
• Head small. Although in fact it is rather big, it just seems miniature against the background of the whole body. Feathers do not grow on the skin of the face. The crest is developed, in some roosters it hangs slightly to one side. Ears are small.
• Plumage is closely spaced thick feathers. Under them is a huge amount of fluff. They are striking in the size of the pigtails on the tail, especially in roosters.

Character

By appearance Ukrainian mother hens frighten a person, seem to him formidable and lively, but in fact this is a delusion. The hens are very calm, peaceful and kind. They know how to negotiate with other birds, they do not offend their family members, they always yield.

Representatives of the breed lead a calm lifestyle, they are indifferent to all the hardships and problems in the yard, without interest. Birds are not afraid of people, they do not experience stress, they are not characterized by fearfulness.

Productivity

The name Hercules speaks for itself. Birds are famous for their high productivity (about 200 eggs per year) and a large amount of meat from one chicken.

Puberty and egg production

Hercules bird eggs are liked not only by industrial farmers, but also by the owners of their farms. Kvochek is bred not only in their yard, but also in industrial scale- in poultry farms.

The first eggs can be obtained when laying hens are about 5 months old. In some cases, puberty occurs at 6 months. the main task the poultry farmer is to provide the laying hens with good and high-quality nutrition, then the laying will start faster and there will be no problems with eggs or birds.

Egg production from 1 laying hen per year reaches 200 pieces, all eggs are large - from 60 to 70 g.

The peculiarity of Hercules laying eggs is that the yolk is large, it occupies almost 40% of the total product. The shell is light.

Maternal instinct

The incubation instinct is completely absent, and this is not surprising, because almost all hybrids and crosses have lost this characteristic. The breed of chickens Hercules is no exception. Layers throughout the year behave calmly and passively, but as soon as they sit on their offspring, their behavior immediately changes: the hens become aggressive and active. As a result, the laying hen does everything possible, except for hatching babies.

Such a negligent attitude towards young animals forces poultry farmers to use an incubator or other breeds for incubating eggs that have this instinct.

Feathered Hercules do not need special care conditions, they tolerate natural changes without any problems and quickly adapt to them.

poultry house

Due to the fact that the birds are very massive, they need to build a large poultry house. Birds should feel comfortable in it, do not place many individuals in one area: stop at a small number of birds or build another chicken coop.

A large mass of Hercules forces the farmer to make changes in the arrangement of the chicken coop - no perches are installed in it. Birds just can't get into them. Therefore, great attention should be paid to the flooring, because it is on it that the chickens will spend most of their time. It is better to lay a layer of straw, hay or peat on the floor. It is constantly monitored and changed from time to time.

Temperature, humidity and lighting

Residents of the northern regions for a long time could not get enough of these crosses. Finally, breeders have created laying hens suitable for living in cold areas. The Hercules clumps can easily tolerate being kept in a chicken coop in winter without special heating devices, and birds can also walk outside in cold weather.

Birds are happy to be active in the snow, such an activity makes their immunity even stronger. And the moment when the bushes go outside is considered good for airing the room.

Exception: the air temperature is below -20 degrees Celsius - chickens cannot be taken outside.

As for lighting, its indicator varies depending on the age of the birds. For example, babies need 40 lux, over time, the brightness is reduced, and adult chickens live in a light of 7 lux. If a rooster lives in the same room with laying hens, then the lighting indicator is slightly increased.

Monitor the optimal humidity in the chicken coop (about 50%). It increases due to wet bedding, water and mash. Ventilate the room regularly and remove all unnecessary moisture.

walking yard

The Hercules chicken breed is not able to live only in a chicken coop, it needs fresh air and frequent walks. You can't do without a walking yard. It should be spacious so that the birds do not push each other, can go about their business and are not nervous due to discomfort.

In the summer and spring seasons, birds like to eat various green herbs; for this, poultry farmers plant nettles or clover in their walking yard. Birds happily eat them. You can also plant cereals.

Build a chicken coop and a courtyard for it should be on a small hill, otherwise the runoff water will begin to heat the site.

Feeding

In order for birds to grow up not only healthy and big, they need to be fed qualitatively and correctly. The key to a good appetite in chickens is fresh air, clean water and disease prevention. Any breed needs containers with pebbles, chalk and shells.

At different times of the year, depending on the age of the chickens, the menu changes and is supplemented. The main thing is that the dishes are complete and balanced. The growing period of Hercules lasts about 12 months, so the basis in the 1st year is protein grain feed. As an additional component, root crops, fruits and vegetables are used. A special place is occupied by green herbs, they can be given both fresh and dried.

The following products serve as additional minerals:

• worms and insects;
• salt;
• flaxseed (about 0.01 kg per 1 hen);

Shedding and laying break

Chickens that lose their old feathers seem very miserable and unhappy, but in fact this phenomenon does not cause them much inconvenience. Hercules steadfastly cope with this process, and quickly recover. Birds have a huge amount of feathers, but literally in 60-70 days they reappear. During this period, the main thing is to add animal fats to food, for example, fish oil and broths.

Some birds do not want to molt, in these cases it is necessary to use non-standard methods of calling molting, but often poultry farmers do without them.

The danger is the risk of cannibalism. In these cases, individuals eat birds of their own breed. To avoid this, you need to feed the birds correctly and often.

Planned herd replacement

Domestic birds of the Hercules breed are kept in the yard for about 2 years, then the livestock is updated. Older birds are no longer distinguished by high egg production and the presence of tender and juicy meat.

Breeding

Chickens of this breed were obtained by crossing 4 types of birds, so breeding Hercules at home will not lead to anything good. When crosses or hybrids are crossed, the offspring lose their genetic characteristics.

When breeding birds from eggs, only 25% of the breed characteristics are preserved. To get purebred babies, experienced farmers buy hatching eggs at special poultry farms.

If all the requirements for breeding young animals are met, the hatchability of chickens in the incubator is about 85%. Babies are born very small, but then rapidly gain weight.

raising chickens

Beginner farmers are not always good at raising chickens, because they are tiny and sensitive. The smallest mistakes lead to irreparable consequences. To avoid the loss of young animals, you must immediately study all the useful information and unquestioningly follow the rules for raising chickens.

The young do not have a crest, it appears over time. The shade of the gun is different, it all depends on the color of the parents. Chicks are born very small, then the mass increases, and the crumbs reach 1.8 kg in 2 months.

Caring for chickens is simple, you need to hold out for 3 weeks until they are quite tiny and defenseless. At this time, babies need to maintain a constant temperature, frequent meals and disease prevention.

When breeding young animals, approximately 10% of the generation from total eggs are not saved.

1. The first 3 days after birth, illuminate the house with special lamps without interruption.
2. The air temperature should be approximately +32 degrees Celsius. Reduce every week. When the babies reach 1 month, they do not need additional heating, at this moment transplant the chicks to adult birds.
3. The nutrition of chicks should be of high quality and plentiful. In order for birds to grow and develop quickly, foods with protein and calcium should prevail on the menu. Minerals and vitamins are especially important.
4. Control the availability of fresh and clean water, without it, the young will die.

Advantages and disadvantages

Every poultry farmer should think carefully before starting a particular breed of chickens.

Benefits of Hercules chickens:

• fast growth of chicks;
• large weight of individuals;
• massive eggs with a large yolk;
• friendly disposition;
• strong immunity;
• excellent frost resistance.

Disadvantages of Hercules chickens:

• reduction of genetic traits during home breeding;
• high cost per chicken.

In the video below, the breeder provides an overview of Hercules chickens:

Potential Growing Problems

Individuals of Hercules do not cause great difficulties to their owners. They have excellent immunity, and most importantly, the birds instantly get used to the new habitat and climate.

Common diseases

Many diseases can be avoided with preventive measures. Such events will help not only to save individual birds, but the entire livestock.

The main rules of preventive measures against diseases:

• Do not place babies and adult chickens in the 1st chicken coop. Young animals do not have very good health, so even a mild virus transmitted from adult chickens can adversely affect babies.
• If you find a sick bird, immediately resettle it.
• Treat and ventilate the room where the infected individual lived.
• Control the balance of food, the better you give food, the less the chicken gets sick.
• Avoid heavy soiling of the poultry house. Unsanitary conditions are the source of many diseases.

Following this simple rules greatly reduce the risk of disease in your birds.

Chickens of the Hercules breed are on everyone's lips. Why are they so popular? The secret is that they are considered one of the few versatile breeds. Their direction is meat and egg, which means that they will not only gain a lot of weight and delight you with excellent meat, but also give a fairly large number of eggs. They are absolutely unpretentious in content, and that is why they began to appear en masse in the yards of poultry farmers. Breed Hercules appeared recently. After a lot of research, painstaking crossbreeding of various breeds, in 2000, for all fans of chickens, they were finally able to provide this wonderful breed. Many farmers immediately began to buy young stock for their farms, which, by the way, has a high survival rate.

Productivity

• roosters grow up to 5 kg;
• chickens reach a weight of up to 3.5 kg;
• 200-220 eggs per year;
• egg weight more than 60g.

Hercules chickens will feel great in spacious rooms, in the yard or garden. This is a very active bird. She needs walking and fresh air, which is easily provided in any household. Of course, the hen grows smaller than the rooster. As for chickens, they, like any other, need careful care in the first weeks. Keep them clean, warm and dry, monitor the nutrition and general condition of the young. The breed itself is strong and Hercules chickens are much stronger than many other breeds.

Description of the breed of chickens Hercules

• wide back and chest;
• strong body;
• great endurance;
• high resistance to diseases;
• big tail;
• powerful meaty legs;
• small wings;
• not very large head;
• eyes red or orange;
• small beak;
• bright beautiful earrings.

The most popular among breeders are universal breeds of chickens. This provides an excellent opportunity to make a profit in the form of a sufficient amount of meat and eggs. Hercules chickens, description, photo can be seen in the article. These individuals are considered bright representatives of the chicken family with a well-developed meat-and-egg orientation. Hercules chickens are distinguished by their large weight and at the same time laying hens lay a lot of eggs, which made this breed quite common and popular in the country.

Possessing high productivity, Hercules chickens, description and photo will not leave indifferent any breeder. Moreover, according to poultry farmers, the breed stands out for its absolute unpretentiousness to the conditions of keeping and feeding. It is very easy to raise chicks, as they have a high survival rate, rarely get sick and do not cause concern to the owner of the farm.

Breeders received Hercules relatively recently, which almost every farmer is ready to buy. A little more than 15 years have passed since the hard work of professional poultry farmers was crowned with success and the baby of the Hercules breed saw the light. Having become acquainted with the wonderful productive indicators of this bird, every farmer wanted to have these birds in his farmstead.

Description of chickens of the Hercules breed and principles of keeping at home

Hercules is a breed of chicken that loves space to run. Therefore, it is recommended to keep them on the range, where chickens can graze. Chickens of this breed are highly active and restless. Roosters of the Hercules breed correspond to their name and immediately stand out against the background of other chickens with a large build and growth. An adult rooster weighs at least 5 kg, and a laying hen - 4 kg.

The physique of the bird is fleshy and powerful. A well-developed chest and muscular legs immediately attract attention. The tail of chickens of this breed is large and fluffy, and the head, on the contrary, is small and neat. The beak is small, the earrings are bright and beautiful. The eyes are red or orange.

The external power of a bird is not an optical illusion. Chickens of the Hercules breed are really strong in health, practically do not get sick, and develop well. They are hardy to harsh climatic conditions, easily endure weather changes, because under their feathers they have a large amount of dense fluff. The immunity of Hercules chickens is very strong and various infections rarely affect this breed. However, do not abuse this, it is better to try to keep the birds clean.

Hercules is a breed of chickens characterized by rapid growth and precocity, as can be seen from the description and productive characteristics. Laying hens already in the first year of life are able to lay a sufficient number of large eggs. The main rule is high-quality and balanced. They perfectly eat compound feed, vegetables and greens.

Breeders have noticed that Hercules chickens grow well on such feeds, namely:

• ground grain and grain mixtures;
• corn;
• a variety of vegetables;
• top.

It is important to include in the diet of birds and mineral supplements, such as calcium and nitrogen.

Reviews of breeders about the breed of chickens Hercules

Poultry farmers who have birds of this breed on their farms highlight the following advantages of Hercules birds:

• unpretentiousness in care;
• fast growth;
• precocity;
• excellent taste characteristics of meat and eggs;
• increased egg production;
• low feed intake.

The experience of each breeder is different, so this list can be supplemented. Additional information about these chickens can be left in the comments to the article.

We offer you to watch a video about breeding Hercules chickens:

The fact is that Hercules chickens, description, photos which are given above, many breeders in our country dream of buying. The cost of acquiring this unique breed quickly pays off, and soon you can get a good profit. Continue reading on the site

Hello dear readers! Hercules breed of chickens in our material. Among the many breeds of chickens, it can be very difficult to navigate, especially for a beginner in poultry matters. But it's not a problem. The main thing is to study in detail information about existing bird species. And choose the option that suits you best.

Today we will consider one of the best for keeping in the northern regions - Hercules chicken.

History of origin.

Hercules is not a pure breed, but the result of selection experiments. The scientists sought to produce a worthy alternative to broilers, and put all their efforts into working on this selection. To achieve this goal, breeders involved representatives of Broilers, as well as other breeds.

Scientists began their work in a difficult time - in the 90s, and yet, after a while, they managed to present the result in 2000. The younger generation, which went through a series of experiments, was distinguished by rapid growth, good meat potential. Unlike broilers, the bird was not prone to disease, and also did not have such a disadvantage as a watery taste of meat.

The merits for breeding a powerful chicken, called Hercules, belong to the team of the Ukrainian National Institute of Animal Husbandry. It is located in the Kharkov region. The group of scientists was headed by Professor Bondarenko. Which gained fame thanks to the emergence of a new hybrid.

Today, the Hercules breed of chickens also managed to gain popularity! Poultry farmers fell in love with her not only for her productive qualities, but also for her ability to endure frost without compromising health.

External characteristics

Feathered "Ukrainian women" deserve to be admired. Of course, there is nothing unusual or exotic in their appearance. They look like cute, rustic kluckers with interesting colors. And large carcasses make them a little awkward, giving even more charm.

Consider the main characteristics of appearance.

• So that you immediately understand, we are talking about fairly large birds. Ladies with magnificent forms weigh about 3-3.5 kg, and their gentlemen - 4-4.5 kg. However, keep in mind that these figures only reflect the average value. There are not isolated cases when the leaders gained weight up to 8-9 kg, so it all depends on the genetic potential, diet and diet, and living conditions.

• Kharkov kvochka is presented in several different color options. Cuckoo, golden, pockmarked, silver (), black and white. Breeders, and many poultry farmers, note that white quotes have a lot of weight, and golden ones rush better than anyone else.

• The body shape is trapezoidal. The body of a klush with well-defined muscles, a wide back, a massive chest and a protruding tummy. Roosters have the same forms, only they are somewhat larger.

• In relation to such dimensions of the body, the head looks quite small. On the reddish skin of the face, plumage is completely absent. It is noteworthy that the crest of birds is very developed, in some leaders it even hangs to one side. The ears are medium in size and may be red or pink. The eyes are not very expressive, and the iris is colored red-orange.

• The "fur coat" of klush is formed from densely located feathers, and a large amount of fluff. The tail tufts are impressive in length, especially in males.

Character

Despite the fact that the feathered "Khokhlushki" have impressive shapes, a lot of weight and look quite solid, they have a very good disposition. Good-natured giants - the leaders of the pack, are not characterized by pugnacity, but on the contrary, they know how to get along with everyone in the poultry yard.

The Hercules breed of chickens leads a measured lifestyle, everything that happens is calm, without much interest, and most importantly, without fearfulness and stress.

Puberty and egg production

The eggs from these layers are very fond of both farmers and consumers of agricultural products. This was very quickly noticed by enterprising poultry farmers, and industrial poultry farms became interested in the quoit.

The maturation rate of Kharkov quoks is about 5-5.5 months, sometimes 6. If the pullets are well fed, the laying is established very quickly, and typical problems with the shell or the size of the testicles can be avoided. The annual can reach 200 testicles, and all of them are large - from 60 to 70 grams.

The advantage is that the eggs get a very voluminous yolk, which is about 35% of the total mass of the product. The shell is soft cream or beige.

Maternal instinct

The Hercules chicken is not designed to perform maternal duties. She can be passive throughout the year, but when she suddenly sits on her eggs, she immediately has bouts of activity. As a result, the mother hen is doing anything except hatching offspring.

Because of such an irresponsible attitude towards children, poultry farmers do not recommend letting the hen to this business, it is better to immediately assign this task to the incubator. Hercules is a breed of chicken with a weak incubation instinct.

chickens

It can be difficult for beginner poultry farmers to navigate the issues of caring for offspring. This is not surprising, because chickens are more sensitive and vulnerable. The slightest missteps can bring fatal consequences.

To minimize losses, when starting breeding, it is necessary to study the basic information and strictly follow the recommendations for rearing young animals.

The babies of this species have practically no crest, it grows over time. The color of the gun is different, depending on the color of the parent herd. Chickens do not look large, unlike their giant parents. But, they quickly build muscle mass and their growth rate is impressive. By the age of two months, crumbs can weigh up to 1.5-1.8 kg.

Taking care of babies is not very difficult. The most difficult period is the first 3 weeks of life, when cubs need to maintain a temperature regime, frequent meals, and unfortunately, during this period they are most vulnerable in terms of health.

This variety is often compared with, and in terms of survival, the Hercules breed of chickens does not win - about 10% of the younger generation is not saved. Consider tips to help minimize losses and raise a healthy generation of young.

1. Within 3 days after birth, it is necessary to illuminate the room in which the chicks live with a lamp around the clock.
2. It should be hot in the home of the chicks - about 32 degrees on the first day, with a gradual decrease in this value. Already when the young are at the age of one month, additional heating is not needed, and you can move it to the parent herd.
3. It is very important to feed the chicks well from birth. In order for them to grow quickly and not have developmental defects, they need a large amount of protein and calcium, and in addition to this, minerals and.
4. Do not forget to control the presence of fresh water or other liquid, without which the chicks can weaken and die. It is good for crumbs to drink weak black tea (necessarily without additives), glucose syrup, yogurt and plain water, preferably boiled or purified.

What to feed an adult herd?

The main components of a good appetite are: the presence of fresh water in drinking bowls, frequent walks, lighting, and health care. For all types of chickens, a container with pebbles, chalk and shells should be installed. It serves as a source of essential minerals, and contributes to the proper functioning of the digestive system.

In different age periods, the quality and quantity of feed differ. It is especially important to ensure that the diet is rich and balanced during the growth stage. In the considered hybrid, this period lasts up to a year. Protein combined grain mixtures serve as the basis of the daily diet.

In addition, root crops, vegetables and fruits, as well as greens are used - in dry or fresh form. And additionally use vitamin and mineral supplements.

You can also add other products, if possible, that serve as additional sources of valuable substances. Consider several options for dietary supplements.

• Flaxseed (about 10 grams per 1 clover).
• Salt - no more than 1 gram.
• Yeast.
• Live food - worms, maggots.
• Meat and fish scraps.
• In the winter season, pine needle flour, clover or granulated dry grass should be a mandatory addition. It is convenient to add these products to wet mixers.

Due to their large build, laying hens need spacious chicken coops where they will not be cramped. Again, the heavy weight makes it impossible for them to rest on perches - they cannot fly at all, and have difficulty climbing high ground.

Therefore, it is extremely important to monitor the quality and condition of the bedding on which the family spends most of the day in the dark. In winter, this is especially important, because it is not possible to replace the deep bedding very often.

The poultry farmers of the northern regions were very happy with the appearance of the Hercules laying hen at the dawn of the 21st century. Indeed, thanks to the efforts of scientists, the bird has gained resistance to cold weather, and can be kept even in harsh climates. Cold-resistant chickadees tolerate winter keeping in a house without heating devices without harm, and short walks in the fresh air are also acceptable.

Birds with great pleasure swarm in the snow, and this makes them even stronger and healthier. In addition, it is an excellent opportunity to ventilate the house. But, on the most frosty days, when the temperature is below -20 degrees, it is better not to take the family out for walks. For such cases, ventilation must be provided in the room so that the air does not stagnate and pathogens cannot multiply in it.

There should also be enough space in the walking yard so that the birds do not crowd, but can calmly make their leisurely promenades. Many farmers in the spring or before winter sow the territory of the walking yard with useful types of grasses (for example, clover and nettles) or cereal crops. Thanks to this approach, the birds will be able to peck at fresh greens in early spring, when shoots appear.

Shedding and laying break

Moulting hens look pathetic, but in fact, this does not cause them much suffering. Especially when it comes to molting "Hercules" - they endure this period with firmness, and recover faster than others. Despite the fact that their plumage is magnificent, it is updated in 1-1.5 months.

It is extremely rare that some individuals do not want to molt in any way, and in such cases they resort to various methods of molting stimulation, but in most cases everything happens naturally.

Planned herd replacement

No one keeps these hens for more than 2 years, and by this time a young herd should be acquired. The Hercules breed of older chickens is no longer so productive, and the meat loses its taste with age - it becomes tough and tasteless.

Frequent illnesses

Most farmers note that birds living in good conditions practically do not suffer from infectious diseases. During the period of active masonry, episodes of cannibalism and beriberi may occur. These problems are solved by correcting the power supply.

What are the reviews?

Advantages and disadvantages

Incredible performance indicators, in addition to which comes frost resistance and good health - this is the set of qualities that is necessary for. Among the shortcomings, only the extinct maternal instinct can be noted, but today this practically does not cause problems. Did you like the article? Share with friends in social networks:

Join us on VKontakte, read about chickens!