Naked Neck Chickens in my opinion are one of the most interesting looking breeds of chicken, this breed is known for exactly what its name indicates, their neck isn’t entirely naked however. Most of the time there’s a small patch of feathers in the center of the neck giving them an even more bizarre look.
Table of Contents
- Naked Neck Chicken Origin
- What Do Naked Neck Chickens Look Like?
- How Big Are Naked Neck Chicken Eggs?
- How Many Eggs Do Naked Neck Chickens Lay
- Naked Neck Temperament
Naked Neck Chicken Origin
The Naked Neck Chicken is quite the sight, with a featherless neck that can’t help but catch your eye. This breed was originally called Transylvanian Naked Necks (bit of a mouthful, isn’t it?), they are often just termed as Turkens, which can be somewhat misleading as they’re definitely not a mix of turkey and chicken, despite the nickname.
There’s some mystery here: while many believe that these birds originally strutted around Asia, they became popular in Europe thanks to Hungarian conquerors around the 9th century. Nowadays, you’d find them mingling in various European countries, the Middle East, and even some parts of the United States Of American (USA).
The unique featherless neck is thanks to a genetic mutation that leads to the overproduction of BMP12 – a feather-blocking molecule. Apparently, this mutation decided to make its first appearance with the domestic chickens of northern Romania hundreds of years ago. Since the gene responsible is dominant, it can easily transferred to other breeds, though the resultant hybrids can’t claim the coveted title of true Naked Necks.
What Do Naked Neck Chickens Look Like?
The Naked Neck chicken stands tall at about 2 to 2.5 feet. Their faces, a striking work of art, can come in a smorgasbord of colors, from black, buff, and red, to white, cuckoo, and the occasional exotic Andalusian variety. As they waltz around in the sun, their featherless necks and heads often get a tan, turning them into a radiant shade of red.
Their bodies are rather large, so it’s no surprise they are considered a large breed! The Roosters, tip the scales at about 8.5 lbs, while the Hens are slightly more petite at around 6.5 lbs. They have also have quite the pair of legs – long, featherless and often yellowish, complemented by a yellow beak.
How Big Are Naked Neck Chicken Eggs?
The Naked Neck hens don’t disappoint when it comes to eggs! Their eggs are – medium to large, and donning a beautiful shade of brown.
How Many Eggs Do Naked Neck Chickens Lay
Starting around six months, they’ll begin to produce roughly 3-4 beautiful eggs a week. However, you might find a super-hen every now and then which is capable of laying up to 250-300 eggs a year! The typical range, though, is around 150-200 eggs annually. As much as they love laying eggs, they’re not too keen on hatching them, so if you’re looking to expand your Naked Neck family, an incubator might be a good investment.
Naked Neck Chicken Temperament
Now, you might think a chicken this fabulous might be high maintenance, but no! They’re the sweethearts of the poultry world. Gentle and docile, they’re social butterflies among humans and their fellow poultry pals. However, in the chicken pecking order, they are often the underdogs. They’re not the ones to start a coop coup to overthrow the alpha hen. Quite peaceful, really.
Did I mention how robust these guys are? Rain or shine, they are hardy birds, excellent at foraging – they love a good treasure hunt for food. Their lack of a feathered coat makes them perfect for hotter climates, but don’t be fooled – they can tough it out in the cold too!
In summary, the Naked Neck Chicken is like that perfect all-rounder student in school – fabulous, hardy, friendly, and a provider of delicious eggs. Whether you’re a poultry pro or just starting, you can’t go wrong adding some Naked Neck glam to your coop.