Northern Shaanxi Chicken

Northern Shaanxi Chicken

　　[Main Production Area] Wuqi, Zhidan in the Yan'an region and Hengshan, Jingbian, Dingbian in the Yulin region of Shaanxi Province

　　[Major Distribution Area] Counties along the northern and western borders of Shaanxi Province

　　Most individuals have a compact build, tightly feathered, elegant appearance, and agile movement. Their heads are small and oval-shaped, with large, slightly protruding, bright eyes. Most have yellowish-brown irises, predominantly single combs, though rose combs and pea combs also exist. Roosters have larger wattles, while hens have smaller ones. Earlobes are of moderate size, mostly red. The beak is slightly long and slightly curved, mostly gray-white or blackish-brown. The neck is held high; the body is somewhat small, with a flat and not very broad back, and high-set tail feathers. The shanks are relatively slender, of moderate length, mostly gray. Plumage is mostly white, followed by mottled, yellow, black, and speckled varieties. The skin is mostly white, with a minority being yellow.

　　 They are characterized by cold resistance, tolerance to coarse feed, strong foraging ability, and disease resistance. However, they vary in body size, have mixed feather colors, and tend to brood for too many days. Northern Shaanxi Chickens are raised under poor conditions but have great egg-laying potential. Future efforts should focus on improving the breed through selection to increase egg production.