Naked neck chicken this breed is used since the ’70s until today for the breeding of chickens. Naked neck chicken has a mutation that affects a single gene, located near the center of chromosome 3. This mutation has been known for centuries and is present in races and local populations of different countries. Among them, France, Spain, and between Hungary and Romania in Transylvania have their own Naked neck chicken, which is the best-known breed.
It is usually considered the origin of this type of hens, which seems unlikely, especially in non-European breeds. This allele is not the only one that reduces the proportion of feathers; there are others, especially the scaleless mutation, found in the New Hampshire breed. The crossing in Israel of male mutants with female lines of broilers of the 70s originated the famous Naked neck chicken
No pen, rejected by journalists and animalists as a paradigm of aberrant genetic practices in livestock and its alleged transgenic origin. As a consequence, bare-necked birds are more resistant than normal to heat stress. You may also like to read Hamburg Chicken.
Characteristics of Naked Neck Chicken
The Naked neck chicken is more than just a biological curiosity. In Spain and Europe, the best-known birds of this type are some slow-growing, usually French, strains. The naked plumage zones are wider in homozygous birds than in heterozygous ones. Which often have two patches of feathers in the central area of the neck, just above the crop.
The bare skin of the neck becomes very red when exposed to the sun, especially in males close to sexual maturity. In the majority of birds of this genetic type, more developed barbels are also evident. Which, together with the lower coverage of feathers and skin with less subcutaneous fat, facilitates and increases the dissipation of heat.
At 2 months this species weighs 2 kg, and at 3 months it can weigh 3.75 kg. Although it can not be seen with the naked eye, this hen also has the absence of feathers in other areas of his body. For example on the breast and back, as well as under its wings. You may also like to read Malay Chicken.
Usage
Naked neck chicken is a chicken of double aptitude, also denominated Turken or Turkey because its singular aspect took to speculate with which. They were hybrids of turkeys and chickens. In France, the ornamental race Cou not du Forez is also traditional. Naked neck chicken has a heritable character, which is the link to a lower plumage coverage in breasts and thighs.
With what increases the resistance of the birds to the heat, it can be easily incorporated into the strains of fast-growing chickens, or to the genetic lines of laying. This, according to the studies carried out to date, can bring significant productive advantages, especially in tropical or subtropical countries.
Food
All chickens are omnivorous, so this covers a large number of foods. Since these birds are able to eat everything; organic waste, insects, crawling bugs, everything in its path, can be devoured by the Naked neck chicken. These animals are excellent recyclers, since all the remains of food, and those that are produced while the food is preparing, serve as food for the naked neck chicken.
The husks of potatoes, carrots, bananas, zucchini, aubergines, and the shells of fruits are good for its diet. And any other food that has to be peeled before cooking is food for the chickens. As well as the Sussex hen, the Naked neck chicken also usually eats the leftovers of the food that has already been prepared.
Such as rice, pasta, vegetables, meats, fish, chicken bones, and even eggshells. But the bones must be crush before being supply. Because how these birds swallow everything they have in front of them, without thinking twice. It is very possible that they can be hurt with the splinter of one of the bones.
Special Feature
Naked neck chicken They can get to be in climates with more than 30 to 32 ºC. It has been shown that its thermoregulation capacity is better and more flexible, losing more heat by irradiation. So their body temperature is somewhat lower -0.2ºC, rising less if the ambient temperature increases than in birds normally feathered. For this reason, their feed intake is not reduced as much, nor do they need to increase their water intake at the same level.
On the other hand, the greater heat dissipation and the lower insulating value of the plumage are harmful in cold climates. In heat conditions, their survival rate and productive results, both in laying and in meat production, are comparatively favorable. Depending on the range of temperatures and humidity, they are very little or are less affected.
In practice, these advantages are better to appreciate in arid countries such as Egypt or Turkey than in hot climates with high humidity. In layers that have the dwarf gene, because they have a smaller body size implies a lower production of heat. That is why they are more sensitive to heat. They are attribute greater resistance to various diseases, such as coccidiosis or Salmonella gallinarum infection.
FAQ
What is a naked neck chicken?
Naked neck chickens, also known as turken chickens or transylvanian naked neck chickens, are a unique and eye-catching breed of poultry that have an unusual lack of feathers on the back of their necks. While it may appear strange to the untrained eye, this is an actual natural mutation with a long history in both domestic and wild populations that predates its introduction into the world’s poultry flocks.
What are the benefits of raising naked neck chickens?
Raising naked neck chickens has a plethora of benefits that make them an ideal choice for backyard or urban coops. Naked necks, also known as Turken chickens, are unique in the poultry world due to their featherless necks and shoulders. Here’s just a few reasons why you should consider adding these remarkable birds to your flock:
How do I care for a naked neck chicken?
Naked neck chickens, or commonly referred to as Turken chickens, are a unique breed of poultry that is known for its lack of feathers on the neck and upper chest region. While they may look a bit unusual in comparison to other breeds, they actually possess many advantages that make them very popular on farms. As you take care of your naked neck chicken there are a few things you should keep in mind in order to maintain their health and well-being.
Conclusion
The Naked Neck is a breed of chicken that is naturally devoid of feathers on its neck and vent. It was originally from Transylvania – Romania, and largely developed in Germany. This guide will help you understand this unique bird more! If you want to learn about the history, benefits, or food safety standards for this breed we can help with that too! Contact us today if you would like more information on any of these topics.
As a reference: Wikipedia
