Dong Tao Chicken, a breed from Vietnam, will surprise you with its different attire. This breed is ideal for meat. The appearance of the Ga Dong Tao chickens is unique.
They have the thickest legs, which are unusual among many chicken breeds. Dong Tao Chickens have gained popularity among the Vietnamese with their special appearance.
The price of the meat of Dong Tao chickens is quite high among different restaurants in Vietnam. Wealthy people only can afford the meals made of Dong Tao chickens.
In this article, you will know briefly about Dong Tao chickens, their egg production, temperament, benefits, and problems while raising this breed.
What is Dong Tao Chicken?
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Dong Tao chickens are a healthy breed and are recognized as a royal chicken breed in Vietnam. Vietnamese believe that Dong Tao chickens serve the mandarins and the royal family with their delicious meat. The name Dong Tao was given to this breed by the mandarins as they served them for many years.
The leg of a Dong Tao chicken has the shape of a human’s wrist. You simply cannot turn your eyes back from their legs. The legs are the reason for the attraction. The shape of the legs is just like the dragons’ legs.
Hens of Dong Tao chickens are white, and the roosters have colorful feathers. Because of its shorter supply and higher demand, the pair of birds prices are quite high. The cost of a pair of Dong Tao chicken is $2,500.
This breed is prevalent in the Dong Tao community. You will find these chickens in the Khoai Chau district. Many historians say that this breed serves the mandarins and royal family. Many chicken breeders want to add this breed to their coop, and the pricing for this breed has risen nowadays.
Dong Tao Chickens Lifespan
Compared to other large chicken breeds, Dongtao chickens have a good life expectancy. The average lifespan of a Dongtao chicken is about 6-7 years.
Egg Production
Dong Tao chickens, the well-known to breed in Vietnam, is not a good option for egg-laying to the breeders. The hens of Dong Tao chickens can lay up to 60 tinted white eggs annually.
The amount is not that enough so if you are looking for some chickens which lay lots of eggs then you can read our list of best egg laying chickens.
Many breeders have tried their best to give enough nutrition for enhancing the egg-laying capacity of the Dong Tao hens, but it does not work because hens are not that good for egg-laying performance. The change in weather has a huge impact on their egg-laying performance.
The hens of this breed are not fond of different climate changes. That is why breeders looking for a good egg-laying option as their top priority should not go for this breed.
Temperament
The attribute of Dong Tao chickens is friendly. They adore human companionship. You can hold them with your hands and notice the way of their cuddle. They enjoy staying inside your hands and love to cuddle.
Sometimes, you will notice their cuteness at the time of their play. These fowls love to enjoy their ‘searching for food’ strategy in your courtyard.
There is no way that this group of chickens will cause you any harm. The legs somehow are a major attraction, as their shape is just like the legs of a dragon. The hens are friendly and the roosters are somehow a little aggressive when they feel any change in behavior of the breeder.
Some breeders claim that their roosters become quite violent while they see the predators around the firm. Well, this is obvious as the roosters of different breeds possess the nature of violence. Otherwise, hens of the Dong Tao breed are decent with other breeds and with the breeders.
They admire the human presence while hatching their eggs and do not cause any harm to the breeder’s children. So, you can say that the Dong Tao chickens are good with children.
Color, Size, Appearance Characteristic of Dong Tao Chicken
Color
The colors of Dong Tao chickens vary with their gender. The roosters have multicolor feathers, whereas the hens have white feathers. You can easily distinguish between a hen or a rooster.
The combination of their color will not matter a lot like their legs. The color of their skin is reddish-white, and the Dong Tao chicken comb is like a pea comb. Tinted white is the color of their eggs. You may see a single comb in a few hybrid Dragon Chickens.
Appearance
Dong Tao chickens possess different phenotypes as they vary from one color to another. This breed’s chickens are quite large, and the appearance of their feathers, comb, and legs make them special among other breeds.
The legs of Dong Tao chickens are quite large, which is exactly like the legs of dragons. Dong Taos have red earlobes, wattles, and pea comb.
Varieties and Types of Dong Tao Chicken
Dong Tao chickens are seen in Vietnam. The breed has few varieties globally. In the Philippines, a rare crossbreed of Dong Tao chickens is found. Local people name this breed Ayam Cemani.
This breed is quite expensive. Dong Tao just comes after the breed when we shorten them with pricing. Many breeders focus on the hens and roosters to speed up their reproduction.
Characteristics
A healthy body is the most significant feature of a Dong Tao chicken. You will find this breed adorable, and they love to grow in your backyard.
The big feet are quite challenging for the hens for hatching the eggs. Many breeders provide their help to the hens at the time of hatching. Dong Tao chicks will take up to 8 months to grow into adults.
Benefits of Raising Dong Tao Chicken
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Dong Tao chickens are known for their special appearance. Breeders in Vietnam keep this category of chickens to make their production quite valuable.
This breed can benefit their breeders in many aspects. The following points will show the importance and benefits of keeping this breed:
A Great Chicken Breed for Meat
Vietnamese breeders are adding this breed to their farms to get paid in bulk. The breeders are taking care of Dong Tao chickens as they serve the best for them. The feeding, shelter, and other aspects are necessary to keep them growing with ease.
A confined environment is very necessary, as this breed will not perform well against climate change. Breeders are taking care of their shelter during the winter. Despite this region, you can still make a profit from this breed.
Took a Few Times to Grow
Dong Tao chickens are excellent in growth. The breed can grow into its full form within 28 weeks at most. Some also take 16 to 20 weeks. The size of their eggs is decent. The weight of the egg and the weight of the yolk are also eye-catching.
There are many experiments conducted on their egg production. The results are not that great; however, the size of the egg makes a difference from the other breeds.
Great Option for Making Your Meal Delicious
You can prepare wonderful meals from Dong Tao chickens. Many chefs from different restaurants prepare delicious meals such as firm and crisp sweetmeat, delicious thigh meat, and pink brisket recipe from Dong Tao chickens.
People admire the meal of Dong Tao chickens as their meat can attain your satisfaction level. Many restaurant owners are keeping their contact with the breeders of Dong Tao chickens for the supply of their meat.
Dragon Feet – the Center of Attraction of Dong Tao Chickens
You may have seen chickens of different breeds with their thin and tiny feet. Many people do not concentrate on the look of their birds. However, the breeders who want to add some special members to their coop will find Dong Tao chickens different from others.
What is the reason? Well, it is their feet. The legs of a Dong Tao chicken rooster have the shape of a dragon’s legs. The roosters, and hens of Dong Tao chickens, are quite attractive with their legs.
The white-colored hens and multicolored roosters are making quite different appearances. Breeders love to keep this breed in unique attire to their coop.
Problems in Raising Dong Tao Chicken
Every breed has problems at some point. Breeders may face some problems while raising them after hatching. The following points will show you how this breed may cause problems for your coop:
Do Not Perform Well Against Climate Change
The breed of Dong Tao chickens does not show a great response against the weather change. Their survival will not last long at the extreme temperature changes.
You do not want your breed to suffer while keeping them in your coop. They may give you a headache with different weathers.
Cannot survive without proper care
Breeders must take care of this breed by feeding and nourishing it. You should take care of their medicines and supply the water in the summer. The breeders should provide enough shelter with definite items to make the winter comfortable for Dong Tao chickens.
The Cost of Raising This Breed Is High
Breeders of Dong Tao chickens must prepare for investing a huge amount of money while raising them. This breed requires decent shelter, food, water to cope up with climate change. The maintenance cost is too high, as this breed will require enough care and medication for living.
Final Words
Dong Tao chickens in Vietnam, people also name this breed Dragon Chicken. This breed is a rare Vietnamese chicken. You will find enlarged-leg Dong Tao chickens that come from the village Đông Tảo in the District of Khoái Châu. This place is near to Hanoi.
In Vietnam, the delicacy of the Dong Tao chickens is valuable. Breeders may find it difficult to raise them. The structure of their large legs creates difficulties for hatching the eggs. You may notice that the Dong Tao chickens are sensitive to the change in temperature.
Hens of Dong Tao chickens sometimes break their eggs with their large and bulky legs. Therefore, breeders keep their eggs in an incubator. Here is the list of best incubators for eggs hatching. These massive leg flocks may take six months to 1 year to turn into a fully-grown chicken with a weight of five to six kilograms.
Hope you liked this informative post on Dong Tao chickens. If we have missed something in this post tell us in the comment section.
