Poltava (chicken)

Poltava (Chicken)

The Poltava is a breed of chicken that originated in the Poltava region of Ukraine. It is known for its hardiness, adaptability, and high egg production.

History

The Poltava chicken was developed in the early 20th century in the Poltava region of Ukraine. It was created by crossing local Ukrainian chickens with imported breeds such as the Plymouth Rock and the Cornish.

Characteristics

Poltava chickens are medium-sized birds with a broad, deep body. They have a single comb and red earlobes. The plumage is usually black, but there are also blue and white varieties. The breed is known for its hardiness and adaptability to different climates and conditions. It is also noted for its high egg production, with hens laying up to 200 eggs per year.

Breeding and Use

Poltava chickens are primarily used for egg production, but they are also suitable for meat production due to their large size and good feed conversion ratio. They are a dual-purpose breed, meaning they are used both for their meat and their eggs.

Conservation Status

The Poltava chicken is not currently considered to be at risk of extinction. However, like many traditional poultry breeds, it has been affected by the trend towards industrial poultry production and the use of hybrid commercial breeds. Efforts are being made to preserve and promote the breed, particularly in its native Ukraine.

See Also

• List of chicken breeds
• Poultry farming in Ukraine

References

• The Livestock Conservancy
• Poultry Club of Great Britain
• Ukrainian Poultry Association

External Links

• PoultryHub - Poltava
• FAO - Poltava