Productive characteristics of the “miniature” hen (Gallus gallus domesticus)

Abstract

“Miniature” hens and roosters, also known as Kikiriki, Arlequines, Habanero, Azteca, Currito, Filipino, are birds of the Phasianidae family considered as companion or ornamental birds. They are known as “miniature” hens due to their size, which resembles a pullet in the growth phase with the morphological characteristics of an adult hen. It has been considered that “miniature” hens have an approximate measurement of 25% of the size of a Gallus gallus domesticus “normal” since they can weigh between 300 to 450 g and measure between 20 to 30 cm in height with an average lifespan of 5 to 6 years. Objective: To announce, some morphological and productive aspects of the miniature hen. Methods: Seven miniature hens of approximately 6 months of age were housed individually in individual scratching posts of 90 x 90 cm and were fed with commercial hens feed of 17% protein and 2800 kcal/kg and freshwater ad libitum. The study variables were oviposition frequency (d), egg weight (g), yolk color, DMS fan was used, shell thickness (mm) and albumen height (mm). The data were captured and analyzed with Microsoft Excel using a descriptive statistics of frequency table, mean, standard deviation. Results and Discussion: 45.45% of the hens had an oviposition frequency between 1 to 2 days, 34.09% between 2 to 3 days, 15.91% between 3 to 4 days. The maximum average egg weight found was 27.36±4.42 g (CV= 19.38); the minimum was 21.81±1.52 g and the heaviest was 36.10±1.22 g and in neither case was a double yolk observed. The yolk color was 8.50±2.71, the shell thickness was 0.32 ±0.05 and the albumen height was 3.89±1.22.