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Chicken keepers wanting to take their mickle to the next level should consider adding one of these strike long - tailed chicken strain to the mix . Typically raise as ornamentals — with a few elision — these strain are comparatively docile , love life loose - crop and , best of all , are a gorgeous addition to the landscape . Below are four long - tailed breeds to consider , as well as care crest to keep your long - tailed chickens good for you and happy .
1. Cubalaya
One of the younger breeds of long - tailed chicken to grace this listing , the Cubalaya ( pictured above ) has its origins on the island country of Cuba , where it was raised for meat , unlike many other long - tailed stock , which are purely ornamental . It ’s useable and accepted in an array of colouring material .
Unlike other ornamental shuttle that tend to be flighty or temperamental , this strain is teachable and tame , and can handle parturiency well . biddy are reasonably enough layers that can go contemplative . The Cubalaya breed is on the large side for an ornamental chicken ( upwards of about 6 pounds ) , and is listed as Threatened on The Livestock Conservancy ’s Conservation Priority List .
In certain line of the Cubalaya , spurs were breed out to keep the young male from wound each other while sparring , though some lines of the stock do have rather large spurs . It ’s by and large agree , however , that Cubalaya males can be quite aggressive towards other males . Both genders of the stock may take up to several years to reach full maturity .
2. Phoenix
Arguably the most pop long - tail chicken breed and the one with the most easily placeable name , the Phoenix is a German breed with line of descent in Japanese long - bob fowl . Hugo du Roi , the first President of the United States of the National German Poultry Association , germinate the Phoenix by cut through the Onagadori — a famed and fiercely protect Japanese breed said to grow prat up to 27 feet prospicient and only molt once every three years — with breeds such as the Leghorn , Yokohama , Modern Game and Old English Game . The result was a long - bob breed that would exuviate once every one to two years and hold a tail and saddle feather up to 18 inches long .
The Livestock Conservancy lists the breed as Threatened and it ’s a stock stock O.K. in three variation by the American Poultry Association : Golden , Silver and Black - Breasted Red . The breed is fearless , awake and paying attention , but it does n’t come well in lying-in and is thus happier when allowed to free - reach . Many Phoenix chicken keepers this breed , though lilliputian , is an splendid “ lookout man dog ” and is the first to sound the alarm when predator are near .
3. Sumatra
The Sumatra is a stunning breed , though a bit flighty and stomach - offish . What this bird lacks in personality , it more than make up for in fabulous looks . Most commonly found in a bass squirt - shameful color , it ’s also recognized in Blue and Dun sort . The breed ’s feather have an iridescent green sheen , with gracefully curve tail and a violet - to - mordant face . male hold their dress suit low , and their military strength is reminiscent of their feral heritage , arise on three of the independent Indonesian island , Sumatra , Borneo and Java . The Sumatra has been compared to pheasants in temperament , posture and deportment and is sometimes called the Sumatran Pheasant .
mostly raised by fowl fancier and enthusiasts as an ornamental stock , Sumatra biddy are fairtopoor layers , but can make splendid broody hen and mother hens . It ’s more petite than other long - tailed poulet breeds , reaching only 3½ to 4 pounds . The Sumatra is listed as Critical by The Livestock Conservancy .
4. Yokohama
The Yokohama wimp is like in coming into court and disposition to the Phoenix , as theyshare some lineage . The most notable differences between the two breeds are the recognized breed colors : Yokohamas make out in White and Red Shouldered , which is a mostly - white bird with rust - colored speckle across the shoulders , back and breast . Yokohamas also behave a walnut tree - shaped combing , unlike the Phoenix ’s declamatory individual comb . Both breed top out at about 4 to 5 pounds .
Just like its cousin , the Yokohama is a spectacular decorative bird , a tail end that reaches up to 3 or 4 feet foresightful . It look very much like its common Game Fowl ancestors . It ’s a stout , participating bird that prefers outer space to move about freely , and have a nice backyard chicken , due to its docile nature . hen are relatively wretched nut - layer . The Livestock Conservancy lists the breed as Critical .
Long-Tail Care Tips
Long - tailed Gallus gallus are beautiful and rightfully fabulous birds , but they ’re not for the free-and-easy poulet - keeper . Their shadower call for care and commitment that ’s not for the faint of heart . Once you start out scan about these unusual raspberry , you may be tempted to add them to your flock , but before you do , read up and be prepare for their exceptional retainer .
As beguiling as they sound , these unique chicken are not birds suit to beginners . If you adjudicate that keeping a long - dock decorative chicken is right for you , be prepared to discuss your expectations with serious breeders . Dedicated breeders and preservationists wo n’t sell their birds gently ; they ’ll likely want to know that you are serious in your commitment to their care . Do your research and be disposed to meet their pauperism , and you wo n’t be let down in these beautiful birds .
