For a person far from the poultry industry, chickens are associated only with an irreplaceable source of eggs and dietary meat. However, modern farmers are increasingly giving preference to the breeds of decorative chickens, which are becoming a real decoration of the farmstead. Their exotic appearance gives a true aesthetic pleasure, and some species are also famous for their high rates of productivity.
The desire to breed ornamental chickens justifies itself, because the owner of a private farm will never go hungry and can adequately distinguish himself from competitors. Today, every poultry farmer has the opportunity to choose from a huge number of decorative poultry species suitable for breeding on a personal farm.
Decorative chicken breeds are the result of painstaking work of breeders who have been modifying the key characteristics of productive birds for decades. The features of the physique and the uniqueness of the colors have made such birds very popular among farmers.
Chinese silk
At first glance, representatives of this breed, characterized by lush plumage and short legs, resemble rabbits. Their feathers are composed of thin silky feathers that form a kind of balls on the head, legs and tail. Due to the special structure of feathers, they are often sheared and used as a filler. The skin, beak, crest and even bones of birds are colored black with a different shade: from blue to brownish.
Chinese silk chickens have soft, lush plumage, similar to fluff. The breed belongs to dwarf chickens, since the mass of the rooster rarely exceeds 1.5 kg, and the chicken reaches only 1.1 kg. The productivity of Chinese birds is about 100 eggs per year.
The face of the birds is adorned with lush plumage, which forms a semblance of a beard and mustache. For some individuals, the absence of a tail is permissible, which is spelled out in German standards. These birds have a very temperamental disposition, and roosters are not averse to starting another fight. In size, the Araucana are small: the male reaches 2.5 kg, and the female 2 kg. Annual productivity is about 160-170 eggs, and depends on.
Chickens of the Araucana breed lay eggs of amazing beauty. Bentamka
One of the largest groups of small decorative breeds, including several varieties. In addition to the original bantams, rooted in the wild nature of China and Japan, there are mini-copies of any productive breed.
Attention! Exterior data and color palette of these birds differ depending on the original breed. There are yolk-yellow bantams, walnut, chintz, black and white, silver, golden, etc.
Bentamki are the most widespread breed of ornamental chickens.
Another piece of art that delights the owner with its meat and egg qualities. In live weight, the rooster reaches 3.5 kg, and the chicken - 2.7 kg. Annually, the Russian Crested laying hen lays about 180-200 eggs, each of which weighs up to 60 g.
A sign of the decorativeness of these birds is a lush crest, slightly combed back. It is large, spherical and consists of narrow feathers. For gentlemen, the crest gradually turns into a lush, wide mane at the back of the head.
Russian crested chicken combines beauty and high meat and egg qualities. The breed has a high fertility rate. Coughs have a well-developed maternal instinct, which favorably affects hatchability of chicks - in 91% of cases, young animals survive.
Pavlovskaya
By their nature, birds are very active, they endure frost staunchly and are famous for their strong immunity. The egg production of chickens does not exceed 170 pieces per year, the weight of each is no more than 50 g.
Pavlovsk chickens are not afraid of frost.
The representatives of the breed have a well-developed maternal instinct, therefore eggs of other species are often laid under them. Like most ornamental chickens, the productivity of sibrites is low - from 50 to 85 eggs per year. Live weight of males is only 500-550 g, females - 400-450 g.
The sibright breed is distinguished by its graceful plumage color.
After reviewing the description of decorative rocks, it becomes clear that most of them are endowed with small sizes. Real giants among the available species are considered, because their weight can be from 3 to 5 kg.
They are distinguished by their noble appearance and stately bearing, they are smart enough and unpretentious. A characteristic feature of the breed is full plumage on its legs, since the birds were originally bred to be kept in a cold microclimate.
Roosters and chickens of the Brama breed are bred exclusively for beauty. Brama laying hens produce no more than 120 eggs annually, and their meat is particularly harsh. Given these facts, many poultry farmers breed them exclusively for decorative purposes.
Brahma chickens also have their own species, such as.
The breed characteristics of these decorative chickens are a lush beard. which develops into a rich neck collar that falls down to the breast. The feather cover is rather loose, the legs also have plumage.
In combination with a pronounced decorative orientation, the birds are characterized by fast maturation and good performance. In the first year, the feathered toiler can lay about 130 eggs, then the productivity declines. Faverol roosters are large in size - up to 4 kg, hens - up to 3.2 kg. Detailed description about the breed.
Faverol hens are distinguished by a funny appearance.
The rarest breed of chickens, the history of which dates back to the island of Sumatra. Today they are worth their weight in gold, and all thanks to the unique color - they are completely black. Not only do they have black feathers, crest, legs, face and eyes, but also the bones have this color. Otherwise, these chickens differ little from other species - a leaf-shaped crest, a narrow compact body and long legs.
Chicken meat is considered to be truly delicious, reminiscent of game. The rooster is capable of weighing 2 kg, and the chicken - 1.5 kg. The annual egg production of layers is within the average - about 100 cream-colored eggs weighing more than 50 g.
Ayam Tsemani is the rarest and most amazing breed of chickens.
Another giant among decorative rocks, the history of the origin of which is still not clear. Today this species is one of the most popular in Russia, since it has an excellent appearance and good productivity.
Outwardly, Dutch birds are distinguished by a slender elongated body and a large tuft on their head, which does not interfere with the eye at all. Representatives of the breed are unpretentious in terms of keeping and nutrition, but they can hardly tolerate cold and draft.
Annually, you can expect up to 140 eggs with a minimum weight of 50 g. Live weight of a rooster - 2-2.6 kg, hens - 1.5-2 kg.
The Dutch white-crested is a popular breed of chickens. The subtleties of keeping and caring for decorative chickens
It is quite difficult for beginners to breed such birds, because in this situation accumulated experience plays an important role, and decorative chickens are distinguished by special external data and require a special approach to the content:
- When growing ornamental chickens, special attention should be paid to the indoor and outdoor microclimate. Some breeds need warmth, others are not able to survive rainfall, and others can get sick and die from excessive humidity or low temperature.
- In addition to the optimal temperature regime within 15-25 degrees, birds need to be provided with good lighting. Daylight hours should last up to 15 hours. In a self-built one, drafts are not allowed, and a ventilation system must be established.
- Perches are built depending on the breed: for example, dwarf species and birds with poorly developed wings need low perches, and large breeds with rich plumage or long tails need high perches.
- If you do not follow the hygiene of the chicken home, luxurious tails, tufts and legs will sooner or later lose their attractiveness. For these purposes, the floors are necessarily covered with warm dense material, and on top they are equipped with a litter, which changes as it gets dirty.
- Coop needed and rats.
Decorative chickens serve as a decoration of the site. Most of the decorative breeds are characterized by an active disposition and love for free walks. Therefore, it is very important to organize a walking area for chickens and equip it with ash tanks for bathing.
Important! In the cold season, the litter should be thicker than usual. For individuals characterized by abundant plumage on the legs, the substrate must be often loosened.
Proper feeding of chickens plays an equally important role in obtaining a healthy, viable herd. The following foods and additives must be present in the diet:
- oats and barley;
- vitamins, such as, and easily digestible proteins;
- yeast (introduced by yeast food);
- juicy feed - beets, cabbage and carrots;
- herbal flour;
- eggshells, shells, chalk, gravel.
Ornamental chickens should have various mineral additives in the feeder. To prevent birds from losing their beauty, in the spring, their food should be more varied and include sprouted grains and an abundance of vitamins and minerals. An important aspect of the full-fledged development of birds is the ability to independently harvest pasture.
When breeding ornamental chickens, you can encounter a number of specific problems:
- not all breeds can survive the harsh winter, mostly decorative birds love warmth;
- birds will constantly need natural food;
- the appearance may lose its former beauty, so the birds are given a spacious room equipped with comfortable perches.
In the video you can see representatives of the most elegant Russian breed of chickens: Pavlovskaya.
Ornamental breeds in their genetics are very close to fighting chickens. Most of the decorative breeds of chickens were produced in China, and in antiquity. And from this country, such breeds have become widely known throughout the world. On the territory of Russia, decorative chickens were also a fairly widespread phenomenon. It was these breeds that took part in various competitions and fairs.
And today, breeding such breeds is a fairly popular task. Let's consider the breeds of such chickens in more detail.
The main reason why farmers are raising ornamental chickens is, of course, their unusual appearance. These chickens are very beautiful. The Bentamka chicken breed is no exception in this regard. Some experts say that these chickens originate from wild chickens. This breed is very ancient. These birds have become domesticated in a country like Japan.
The color of these chickens can be of the following color: chintz, walnut, black and other colors, as in the photo. These birds have a very mobile and active character.
At the same time, bentam laying hens have a wonderful maternal instinct, they are happy to hatch their chickens. By weight, these birds are very miniature. The weight of an adult is from 700 to 1200 grams.
Productive indicators of all ornamental birds are very low, and Bentamki are no exception. One hen can produce about 45-70 eggs per year.
In this breed there are subspecies that differ from each other in external characteristics. There are Nanking bantams, their main difference is the presence of various shades in the plumage, as in the photo, most often, among them you can find orange birds. There are Japanese bantams, such birds are distinguished by an even more miniature physique and unusual plumage, as in the photo. The main color in the plumage is snow-white, and on the tail of the birds there is a black scattering of feathers.
Decorative hens Shabo
The plumage of these chickens is similar to Japanese bantams. The main color is white with a yellow tint, the tail consists of rich black feathers. Productivity indicators are about 70-80 eggs per year. One Shabo chicken egg weighs only thirty grams. This breed also has a very well developed maternal instinct. This is a dwarf breed of chickens. The weight of an adult female is about 500 grams, and a cockerel can weigh no more than 600 grams.
Japan is considered the birthplace of these birds. Decorative Japanese dwarf chickens, that's how you can describe these birds, they are very popular. On the territory of Europe, these birds appeared around the 19th century.
Decorative chickens Brahma
Against the background of other dwarf breeds, these chickens look like real giants. They inspire admiration for their external characteristics, size, as well as for their behavior. Such birds gained their popularity in the 80s of the twentieth century. It was from those years that fans of this breed appeared who are actively engaged in breeding this breed, and breeding work is also underway. The homeland of these birds is North America. Their peculiarity is that chickens become sexually mature individuals at a fairly adult age, this does not happen earlier than the 7th month, and can occur at 8 or 9 months of the chick's life.
Keeping ornamental chickens is not beneficial for many farmers because birds have low productivity rates, but not these. Bird productivity indicators are already approaching decent. One laying hen can bring 100-120 eggs to its owner per year. Moreover, the farmer will receive a decent amount of tasty dietary meat from these birds. Adult roosters weigh 4-4.5 kg, and the average weight of a hen is about 3-3.5 kg. A feature of this breed is also the fact that if the color of the chicken is dark, then it weighs, as a rule, almost one kilogram more.
Farmers choose this decorative breed also because it has a very calm and flexible character. In this connection, in order for Brahma to feel comfortable, they do not need to be provided with special conditions of detention, namely, they do not need a large place for walking.
However, the conditions of keeping these chickens include other important points:
- Ornamental chicken breeds are usually very small, but not these. Since the chickens are very large, they require rather strong perches; outdoor maintenance of this breed is not suitable.
- The perches should also be no higher than 40 cm from the floor. If they are higher, then the hens may be injured if they fall.
- Ornamental chicken breeds often require unusual food for themselves. To keep such birds, you will need more food than for other decorative dwarf birds.
Decorative curly chickens
The homeland of this breed is Southeast Asia. How many years exactly curly hens are still unknown, but this breed is also ancient. The presence of such birds is recorded in ancient manuscripts.
The average weight of a curly rooster is about 3 kg, and a chicken weighs about 2 kg.
Despite the fact that this breed is also decorative and dwarf, one laying hen can bring about 150-160 eggs per year. Eggs are nutritious.
Even by the name, one can understand that the external characteristics of such chickens are unusual. Their plumage consists of beautifully curled feathers, which is why the chickens have an interesting curly appearance. A feature of birds is that just because of their curliness, they do not know how to fly at all.
Otherwise, these birds are completely ordinary chickens. They have a medium-sized head with a leaf-shaped comb. The legs are not very long. The body is of medium size, knocked down. When looking at these chickens, the feeling of fragility does not arise. Also, a feature of the external characteristics of such a chicken can be noted the presence of a curly hat on its head, however, this can not be found in all representatives.
There is no standard color for such birds. It can be very different. Experts explain the curliness of chickens by the presence of one unusual gene in their DNA.
White-headed Dutch chickens
Even bearing in mind that white-haired Dutch chickens are also related to ornamental breeds, they delight their farmers with relatively high productivity indicators. One laying hen can produce about 100-120 eggs per year. The eggs of these ornamental hens weigh about 60 grams. Egg color is white.
Chickens are not offended when eggs are taken out from under them, given the current prices for grain and water, it is not so easy to raise offspring.
The average weight of a cockerel of the breed is about 2-2.5 kg, the weight of a chicken is less, only 1.5-2 kg.
Such a breed cannot be called very popular, because in order for the white-haired Dutch decorative chickens to feel as comfortable as possible, they need to create special conditions of detention.
Compensation for difficult care is the very unusual appearance of decorative chickens. The birds have a crest, which has a characteristic volume. At the same time, it is located so that it does not cover the bird's eyes. Such an unusual crest was given to chickens instead of a comb; such birds do not have it at all. There are red earrings.
To choose the most original breed of decorative chickens for yourself, it is better to familiarize yourself with the photos and videos. The price of different dwarf chicken breeds can be found on the Internet.
Decorative chickens can be a worthy decoration of the farm yard. But before buying, you should familiarize yourself with the features of care and breeding, the most popular breeds, and know how to feed them correctly. Many breeds of chickens were bred by breeders based solely on productive characteristics.
On the territory of the country, their breeding began about 200 years ago. In our time, they have lost their popularity, the reason for this was their relatively low productivity. But some farmers are still breeding such breeds.
Decorative chicken breeds
Not all decorative chicken breeds are very popular. Highlighted only those breeds which are most common.
Breeds of decorative chickens with an unusual appearance
Features of the maintenance of decorative chickens
Decorative chickens it is necessary to provide special maintenance and food. Therefore, it will be a little difficult for a person without experience to deal with all the nuances, because experience in this case is of great importance.
When choosing a breed, you should familiarize yourself with all its distinctive features. Many troubles can be avoided this way.
Selection of feed
To make decorative chickens grow viable, you need to feed them properly. You cannot do without vitamins and easily digestible protein. Yeast is an excellent source of these substances. They must be added to regular food.
Do not forget about juicy food (beets, carrots, cabbage). They must be given every day. Maximum fertility is achieved with a high content of vitamin E. It contains oats and barley.
Herbal flour can become the main protein source... Young grass with nettles is best suited for this purpose. Shells, gravel, chalk, shells can be used to replenish the mineral balance. With a well-designed diet, young chickens will have excellent health and strong immunity.
What problems can arise
Not all decorative chicken breeds can survive the harsh cold weather. Some people need constant warmth. In addition, the birds must be provided a sufficient amount of natural feed for the whole year so that they can live comfortably.
The plumage can lose its attractive appearance. To prevent such consequences, it is necessary to provide each individual with free space. Some decorative chickens do not fly, it is worth equipping them with lowered perches.
Some features of care
There are a number of important points to know and be aware of to ensure proper bird care. Thus, special conditions are created for heat-loving individuals so that they feel good during the cold period. The poultry houses equip, preventing drafts. A ventilation system would be an excellent solution.
Litter thickness should increase during winter. If the chickens have feathered legs, the substrate needs to be loosened from time to time. Do not forget that the litter must be fresh and must be changed periodically.
With insufficient lighting, the level of egg production decreases. Pay special attention to lighting, keeping in mind that the optimal daylight hours for ornamental chickens should be 15 hours.
The appearance of birds plays a huge role. ... Constantly monitor the diet of chickens, it should be as natural as possible.
Among poultry farmers, not only highly productive meat and egg chickens are popular, but also decorative ones. Breeders have spent many years on improvement of exterior signs chickens. Many representatives of the productive type of birds gradually turned into decorative ones, and some individuals became exclusively athletic.
Decorative chicken breeds
Ornamental chickens are mostly of oriental origin. China, India and Japan were among the first to create breeds for non-food purposes. Later, unique breeds of chickens settled in Russia and Europe.
Despite the fact that ornamental chickens are not bred for productive indicators, they are useful on the farm. Ornamental hens begin to lay eggs at about nine months. About 100 eggs can be obtained from it during the year. But, of course, the main advantage of these birds is different. Some of them have an unusual picturesque color, others have an original beak shape, others have a miniature copy of their “large-sized” congeners, and some have an especially long tail.
Decorative chicken breeds common in Russia:
The article presents some of them
Bentamka
Bentamka is one of the largest representatives of decorative breeds. This dwarf bird is distinguished by its relatively high productivity and effective appearance. There are several varieties. The breed has good health, unpretentious maintenance and is excellent for breeding in a private courtyard.
The first description of bentams dates back to 1645. According to the main version, Japan is considered their homeland.
There is no reliable information about the details of breeding these birds, but there is a version that they formed by artificial selection... Wild chickens are considered the progenitors of bantams. It was from them that the breed inherited a strong immunity to various infections and an excellent instinct for motherhood.
A characteristic feature of these birds is their size: chickens do not exceed 650 g, cockerels - 1 kg. Breed standards:
- small head with a pink or leaf-shaped crest;
- graceful, raised body;
- wide, long, wings almost reaching the ground;
- short legs.
Kind of breed bantamok
Depending on the color, these chickens are divided into several varieties... The main types are:
Breed - Araucana
A distinctive feature of the breed is the unique color of eggs from deep blue to greenish. For this reason, chickens are called "Easter".
These amazing birds have unique appearance... Araucans of the German type have no tail. For breeding the breed, individuals of a strictly regulated standard are selected:
Males of this breed larger than females.
Based on the color of the plumage, the Arraucanians come in 13 varieties: silver, golden, white, blue, black. An adult female has a weight in the range of 1.5-1.7 kg, a male can reach 2 kg. But there are also dwarf individuals.
The breed was first mentioned in 1526, but it is proven that these birds were bred much earlier. According to one of the hypotheses, the unusual color of the eggs is the result of crossing with a wild pheasant. But this opinion has no scientific confirmation. Eggs of the original color are obtained due to the presence of bidiverdine pigment in the laying hen's oviduct.
Chinese silk
Representatives of this uniquely beautiful breed of chickens with their short legs and lush silky plumage resemble rabbits... On the head, legs and tail of the birds there are feather "balls".
The skin, crest, beak and even the bones of a bird are black in color with a different shade from brown to blue. The weight of the decorative cockerel does not exceed 1.1 kg. The productivity of birds is 100 eggs per year.
Birds of this breed have the following features:
Several colors are allowed:
- white with a slight yellowness;
- the black;
- uniform blue;
- yellow (in the bearded variety of this breed);
- the wild coloration of chickens and roosters is different. The chicken is dark brown in color with a chestnut shade on the head and chest. The rooster has a black chest, a dark golden loin and mane, a black and brown head.
The silk Chinese breed has two subspecies: bearded and standard.
A distinctive feature of the bearded silk chicken is lush beard passing into the tanks that cover the earlobes.
Sibright
Decorative hens of the Seabright breed got their name from the name of the first breeder of this species, John Seabright. It was he who became the trendsetter for unusual laying hens among the English aristocrats.
The breed was developed around 1800. The main features of the bird, which he tried to enhance, were unusual, as it were, edged, plumage and miniature size. Seabright received new birds after 15 years. In the genus of this species were Polish laying hens, representatives of the Hamburg breed, bentams.
Cocks and hens come in two colors: silvery and golden.
In order not to purchase a defective chicken, you need to know the main features of this breed:
Ayam Tsemani
Of particular interest among poultry lovers are Ayam Tsemani chickens. They are the blackest of all breeds. Plumage with a green tint... Black beard and comb, skin, paws, bones and flesh. The head of the bird is small in size with a short black beak and a leaf-shaped crest. The eyes are black, the neck is of medium length. The feathered chest is quite rounded, the body is compact, narrow, in the form of a trapezoid. Decorative cockerels of this breed have a lush and high tail with long, well-developed braids.
Chickens are very shy. They do not trust the person, trying to contact at a minimum.
Dutch white-crested chickens
These birds have an amazing crest. Its feathers on both sides of the head fall neatly, reminding "professional styling". However, it does not prevent the bird from seeing. The plumage of the crest is slightly darker in front. The base of the beak has an unusual pattern, something that looks like a butterfly appears. This is the main indicator of the purity of the breed:
Despite the long feathers, this extravagant chicken has a dense and rather large crest. There is no comb in this breed. The beak is small, tinted with plumage. A beautifully curved tail with flattened feathers set at a 45 degree angle. Acceptable color: brown, black, gray-blue.
Phoenix breed
Phoenix chickens are unique. They differ very long tail... This bird is native to China, where it was considered a symbol of the empire. Phoenixes were introduced to Japan, from where they spread throughout the world.
The tail of a rooster can reach 10 meters. It increases by 90 cm daily and interferes with the ability to move freely.
When growing ornamental chickens, special attention should be paid to the indoor and outdoor microclimate. Some breeds need warmth, while others are important to protect from excessive moisture.
In addition to maintaining the desired temperature (15-20 degrees) for birds, it is important to provide good lighting. Daylight hours should not be 15 hours.
No drafts are allowed in the house. It must be well ventilated.
Perches are made depending on the breed Large birds, as well as long-tailed and rich plumage chickens, need high perches. And for dwarf species and birds with poorly developed plumage perches should be low.
In a chicken dwelling, it is important to observe hygiene so that luxurious tufts and tails do not lose their attractiveness. For these purposes, the floors in the hen house are covered with dense warm material, a litter is placed on top, which is periodically changed as it becomes dirty. For individuals that are distinguished by abundant plumage on the legs, the substrate must be often loosened. It should be borne in mind that in cold weather a thicker litter is required.
The coop should be protected from ferrets and rats.
Food
Since most chickens of the decorative breed have an active disposition and they like free walks, it is necessary to organize a walking area for them, on which to arrange bathing tanks.
Proper feeding of chickens is equally important in obtaining a viable healthy livestock. The following foods and vitamins must be included in the diet:
In the spring, the diet of chickens should be more varied so that the birds do not lose their beauty. It should include abundant minerals and vitamins, as well as sprouted grains.
An important aspect of the full development of a bird is the ability to independently mine pasture.
When breeding an ornamental bird, you can face certain problems:
- decorative chickens love warmth, and not all breeds can survive the harsh winter cold;
- birds constantly need natural food;
- decorative birds need a spacious room and comfortable perches;
- these chickens are very painful, so keeping the young is quite troublesome;
- due to weak immunity, the survival rate of chickens is not very high;
- chickens of decorative breeds cannot get along with other species.
If everything is clear with egg or meat breeds of chickens - they are grown for the sake of high productivity, then farmers acquired more decorative poultry for aesthetic pleasure. And indeed: decorative chickens are a true decoration of any home collection. How to care for them, is it possible to breed them using incubation and what types of ornamental chickens are generally identified by experts? This is what you should know before you decide to buy.
Decorative chickens are the result of many years of work by breeders. They were developed through a kind of modification of the key characteristics of productive breeds. The properties necessary for specialists have been formed for more than one decade. We now have the opportunity to choose from a variety of decorative poultry varieties. Physique, shades of plumage - all these points have made chickens intended for aesthetic enjoyment and breeding at home, quite popular among farmers.
More than 200 years ago, breeders on the territory of Russia also started breeding new decorative works of chickens. Now this poultry industry is no longer at the peak of its popularity. Still, practicality is in the first place, and by investing, we want to get results. In the case of poultry, this is their productivity, hatching, meat, the possibility of incubation breeding and egg production. As for decorative breeds, they are not full of such characteristics, therefore, at the moment, domestic poultry farmers are not so often engaged in breeding them. Nevertheless, these varieties have many advantages that are worth paying attention to.
Bentamki
This breed of decorative chickens includes several varieties. The first is dwarf chickens, mostly found in the wild in Japan. The second category is a mini-copy of some productive breed. It is obtained by crossing a representative of any type of domestic chickens with a dwarf specimen. What are the bantams remarkable for? 
Dwarf birds are highly resistant to various harmful factors, as well as fairly productive egg production. Bentams are not afraid of a sharp change in weather.
As for their temperament, chickens are calmer than males, they have a well-developed maternal instinct, and they diligently hatch their eggs. Males, on the other hand, can protect their livestock from the attack of a kite, even despite their mini-dimensions (layers weigh up to 600 g, while roosters weigh up to 1 kg). Interestingly, if you want to grow bantams at home, you will not have to be particularly sophisticated in the course of ensuring decent living conditions. These chickens are unpretentious and feel great even in the courtyard. They eat little due to their size, rarely get sick and quickly get used to the new environment. It is necessary to maintain a dry microclimate and cleanliness in the chicken coop. For the rest, you don't have to worry about any difficulties in the process of breeding bantam chickens.
Dutch white-crested
The Dutch white-crested chicken also belongs to the category called decorative chicken breeds. Considering the fact that this breed performs aesthetic functions, it also has a good egg production: it brings the farmer up to 100-120 eggs per year, and for a decorative variety of poultry, these are excellent indicators. Nevertheless, with fairly good species characteristics, Dutch white-crested chickens are not particularly popular.
Remember that they require meticulous care, so before you buy a couple of copies for your chicken coop, make sure you can create the necessary conditions. And yet this breed will become a true decoration of any poultry house. The key element that sets the Dutch white-crested chicks apart from other breeds is the fluffy and very voluminous crest on the head, which replaces the comb. 
These chickens also have red earrings. If you want to combine good egg production with decorative features in the poultry breed, you should definitely pay attention to the Dutch white-crested.
Shabo
The appearance of such a chicken is somewhat reminiscent of the plumage of Japanese bantams. Shades can vary, but the most popular is white or yellow with dark tail feathers. Egg production is low: they bring about 70-80 eggs to the poultry farmer a year. 
In addition, a chicken egg weighs no more than thirty grams. Dwarf layers have a well-developed maternal instinct and hatch eggs well. As for the weight of adults, it is 500 g in females and 600 g in males. A miniature breed of poultry was bred in Japan, and came to the territory of Europe in the 19th century. Now this variety has gained widespread popularity and is in demand among farmers.
Multicolored milfleur
This one will certainly not go unnoticed. In the process of working on her breeding, breeders set themselves a key goal: to get bright plumage. And the result met all their expectations. Moreover, plumage is present even on the paws of chickens. The weight in adult representatives of the breed is small, up to 600-800 g. But this does not prevent laying hens from giving about 100 eggs weighing 30 g per year. 
For a courtyard, this is an ideal option: chickens require a little space, they do not need particularly scrupulous care. In addition, these dwarf chickens eat quite a bit. You can also choose several copies of poultry for your chicken coop by plumage. It is usually tricolor, but shades can vary. The most popular colors are porcelain, black and white, blue speckled and white.
Malaysian Serama
Among the dwarf breeds of ornamental chickens, there are also "midgets". This is the representative of the Malaysian serama breed. In terms of its dimensions, the chicken barely exceeds an ordinary pigeon, and it weighs about 250 g. Their constitution is somewhat vertical, the tail is also raised up. These chickens are characterized by the presence of a curved neck and a forward chest. By the way, the more the chest part "protrudes" forward, the better for the breed. Given their miniature size, most of them are kept not in the courtyard, but in cages. The breed called Malaysian Serama includes three quality classes:
Caring for such poultry is notable for the need to keep the hen house and cages warm, as well as to provide special nutrition for the chickens.
Video "Characteristics"
From the video you will learn many new facts about the decorative look of chickens.
Features of the content
If ordinary productive breeds do not require scrupulous care, you will have to try with decorative ones. Farmers who have little experience in this matter will find it difficult to raise decorative chickens at home. The first thing to take care of is the feed. The daily diet of poultry should include cabbage, carrots, beets, barley, oats, etc. The last two products contain vitamin E in large quantities, which has a positive effect on the fertility of chicken eggs. Among the mineral additives are chalk, shells, eggshells, gravel. They are a must if your goal is a balanced, healthy diet for poultry. 
The biggest challenge for any poultry farmer in this case is the weather conditions. Most of the representatives of ornamental breeds are not adapted to the cold, moreover, they require constant fresh vegetables from the ground, and in the winter on the territory of Russia it is very difficult to provide such a thing. Plus, decorative chickens should live in a spacious room so that their appearance does not deteriorate. Some poultry needs low perches in the house because they cannot fly. If you comply with all the prerequisites for caring for decorative chickens, you will be able not only to grow them at home, but also to successfully incubate them. It is undesirable to neglect the basic recommendations of specialists, as this is fraught with serious consequences.