During the history of mankind, many animals have been domesticated, several groups of animals have been used and, unfortunately, overexploited throughout history. Among the different types of animals that have been domesticated, we find birds and, above all, chickens, of which a large number of varieties or breeds originate from different regions of the world. One of them is the Plymouth hen, do you know her?
Due to its particular color, this breed is also known as the Barred Plymouth hen. Read on to learn more about the characteristics of the Plymouth hen, its feeding habits and many other curiosities about it!
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Origin
- America
- United States
Origin of the Plymouth hen
Although some data about it is rather vague, it is known that this breed of chicken originated in the United States and was first exhibited in the city of Boston in 1849. However, then the Plymouth disappeared for two decades, then reappeared in the same state of Massachusetts in 1869, where it was officially recognized as a breed in its own right in 1874.
" The Plymouth hen is the product of crossing several breeds of hens and, although there has been some controversy over the breeds that gave rise to this breed, a study indicates that the American breed called Dominique, very old, was used to create the Plymouth. Moreover, it has been proven that on the maternal side the black java and Cochin hens also contributed to its creation, while on the paternal side it is the Black java, Cochin, Langshan, light and black Brahma and Menorca roosters.The same study also indicates that certain historical documents are compatible with the origin of this hen. Currently, it is a breed that enjoys significant recognition by specialists in the field of breeding."
Characteristics of the Plymouth Hen
The traits that characterize the Plymouth hen are:
- Females weigh 3-3.5 kg, while males can weigh 3.5-4 kg.
- It is a robust and large looking animal.
- It is a bird that develops its plumage early.
- The crest has five points, has a uniform saw shape and the middle points are longer than the extremes.
- The comb, barbels and earlobes are an intense red color.
- Legs are featherless and bright yellow.
- The eggs are cream colored and weigh approximately 55 g.
- The feathers are short and relatively loose.
Plymouth Hen Colors
Although those mentioned are particular characteristics, what most characterizes the Plymouth is undoubtedly its particular color. Thus, the most representative and common coloration of the breed is called barred. The latter is a black color with white spots in the form of parallel bars on each feather. In the male, the white coloration is more marked. This crossed type is due to a dominant sex-linked gene.
Although the barred hen is the most popular, other lesser-known varieties of the breed are: the white and barred, pencil partridge, silver partridge, chainmail partridge, blue, beige and black lace , among others. Depending on the country, particular varieties may be recognized.
Habitat of the Plymouth hen
Talking about the habitat of a domestic animal is a waste of time, because the latter lives in the spaces dedicated to it.In the case of chickens, moreover, as they are animals distributed all over the world, they have developed the ability to adapt to different environmental conditions. For this reason, in freedom, they can live in meadows as well as in forests.
Plymouth hen character
The females and males of this breed have a docile nature. In addition, it is also a very calm chicken breed. On the other hand, females are good mothers who love to hatch their eggs.
Due to its temperament, this animal is considered a good pet, even for children. The Plymouth also has a good relationship with other pets.
Care and feeding of the Plymouth rock hen
It resists temperature variations very well, however, in summer, it is better to make it live in rather cool spaces.As for food, the Plymouth needs a balanced source of nutrients, including protein, carbohydrates, fats and minerals. Thus, they can consume a variety of animal (including marine) and plant food sources, as well as minerals such as calcium, phosphorus and selenium.
Among the natural options that can be considered, although specialist advice is always important, we have: ground soy hulls, soy flour or canola bran and seed hulls of ground flax. Pea seeds, oats and worms are also good as they can provide good nutrients. In addition, it is essential that they have constant access to clean water to stay hydrated. Don't miss this other article on chicken feeding.
Plymouth He alth
As with any pet, the Plymouth breed requires proper nutrition like the one mentioned above, cool areas in the summer, water and a clean place to live. By taking care of all this, your hen will be he althy.
Reproduction of the Plymouth hen
At 21 weeks, females and males become sexually mature. For reproduction, the male performs a courtship display that consists of a dance around the hen, then she bends down and the rooster proceeds to mount her, holding her by the neck to initiate the sexual act. The males can be with different hens of the group, in fact, with all those who accept it.
Plymouth hen: curiosities
The Plymouth hen has been the subject of some scientific research related to oncogenesis. The American doctor Francis Peyton Rous discovered an oncovirus called Roy's sarcoma virus, which causes neoplasia especially in this breed. The study earned this scientist the Nobel Prize for Medicine in 1966.
Pictures of Plymouth Hen
