Have you ever wanted a chicken with some flair? Well, you have come to the right place as here we’ll go over everything you need to know about the fascinating Phoenix chicken!
These birds are well-known as Japanese “garden chickens” and were mainly pets or ornamental birds for their personalities and looks. The Phoenix chickens have long flowing tail feathers that can grow up to 5 feet in length! They make a great addition whether it’s for your backyard, breeding, or even poultry shows.
While these birds haven’t been around as long as others in the poultry family, they have certainly made an impact on chicken breeders and owners alike through their unique history and characteristics.
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History of Phoenix Chickens
Phoenix chickens stem from another chicken with similar, but different tail feathers, the Onagadori chicken. These chickens originated in Japan and like the Phoenix chickens have long-flowing tail feathers. When Europeans visited Japan and saw them, they took some of the birds to breed in their own country. However there was one major problem with bringing Onagadori chickens to Europe – Onagadori don’t do well in cold climates. Many of these chickens quickly became sick and died, and they were faced with trying to save this breed that had a delicate constitution.
That solution came in the form of a German breeder and first president of the National German Poultry Association, Hugo du Roi. He began breeding Onagadori with some other breeds like Leghorns and Dutch breeds. These chickens had constitutions that could handle the cold climates of Europe and made sure that Onagadori’s chickens’ genes could survive within their country. Through their countless trials and errors came the Phoenix chicken breed which was a mix of everything they wanted for these birds.
The name came from the fact that these chickens rose from the ashes like the legends of the Phoenix, from their parentage of the Onagadori chickens.
Phoenix Chickens in America
By 1924, Phoenix chickens were found in the United States, and some of the breeders, who got hold of them through the 1934 World’s Fair, began working to maintain this lineage of the Phoenix breed. The American Poultry Association later recognized them in three different colors: Silver in 1965, Golden in 1983, and Black-Breasted Red in 2018.
Phoenix Chickens Characteristics
The Phoenix chicken is an ornamental and exhibition breed. They have a medium build, almost pheasant-looking appearance. They weigh 4-6 pounds with hens being smaller. They have a single bright red comb and medium-sized red wattles as well. Their reddish brown eyes and light to dark blue toes highlight their colorful frame.
The extremely long tails that originated with the Onagadoir chickens are possible because the gene they carry keeps them from molting annually, so rather than those tail feathers shedding, they just keep growing. Although cross-breeding over the years has all but gotten rid of that gene, Phoenix chickens can still grow pretty impressive tail lengths!
Phoenix chickens molt almost every year or every other year, so they have wide rigid feathers of 2-5 feet in length, with feathers that are about 12-18 inches in length as well! However, only roosters can grow these long tails.
Hens lay about 52-126 smaller to medium eggs per year. They tend to go broody and are known to be very good mothers.
These chickens are very docile but tend to be more aloof. If you want these chickens to be friendly, it’s good to get that practice handling them when they are chicks, so they get accustomed to you and others. If you have children it’s important to teach them not to pull on their tail feathers as this will only serve to agitate them.
Phoenix chickens are well-suited for places where they can roam at large, and thrive the best when given a great deal of freedom. While they don’t mind smaller spaces, they do need to have high perches so they can keep those tails clean. So when thinking of keeping them inside or in smaller enclosures make sure to get coops that are designed for those needs.
While they are typically gentle, roosters can be more aggressive so living with other chickens might work, but isn’t always recommended.
Feeding
Phoenix Chickens don’t have any special requirements for feed, so the typical commercial feeds work perfectly when considering food. They also enjoy some fruits and vegetables in moderation. However giving them too much of these can cause issues with their diet, so it’s best to give these as treats. Providing them with clean fresh water is also a must to ensure they are healthy.
Caring for Phoenix Chickens
Phoenix chickens can tolerate a range of temperatures, but they prefer warmer climates, so making sure their coop is well-ventilated but free from drafts is a must! Keep in mind the mature length of the roosters’ tails when planning the coop, which must be tall and have enough space for the birds to move around in.
You should also make sure that it’s secure from predators with solid doors and walls so you can lock up the chickens at night when predators are most active.
Phoenix chickens like most birds, are generally healthy and aren’t prone to specific diseases or health issues. However, that doesn’t mean you should be lax. Regularly checking your flock for parasites, strange behavior, or signs of illness is key in ensuring your chickens stay healthy.
Breeding
When it comes to breeding Phoenix chickens, there aren’t any special requirements besides making sure you choose healthy birds that fit your ideal flock. They are excellent mothers and have stunning looks to match. Their egg production is on the lower side, as they are meant to be show birds or ornamental birds.
Whether you are looking for birds to show or pets to have in your flock, the Phoenix chicken is a breed with a distinct and beautiful history that matches their beautiful features.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are Phoenix Chickens good with people?
They are known to be a more docile breed, however, having children around them might be a problem if they don’t respect the chicken’s space and feathers. Making sure your children or people around you respect these birds and take care of them are key in keeping them happy and safe!
Where do you find Phoenix Chickens?
You can find this breed in hatcheries and private breeders. As for the pricing of Phoenix chickens, it can vary depending on the breeder and the location. On average, you can expect to pay between $20 to $50 per bird.
Are Phoenix chickens able to stand colder climates?
Yes, Phoenix chickens were bred to handle colder climates and can tolerate temperatures as low as 20°F. However, they do prefer warmer climates, so it is important to provide them with adequate shelter during the winter months to keep them warm and dry!
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