We grow Master Gray chickens at home without unnecessary hassle
The Master Gray bred cross of chickens was recognized as the record holders in egg production. In addition, birds gain weight quickly and also have excellent immunity, making them the most profitable breeding activity. Chickens Master Gray at home are unpretentious in nutrition and maintenance, therefore they are suitable for growing both in large and small farms. The hybrid variety has special vitality and excellent adaptive properties. Also known in Russia as Hungarian Giants.
Description or moment of fame
Brief description of the Master Gray breed:
- dense, muscular physique: deep belly and massive chest;
- gray-white plumage with a clearer pattern (black blotches) on the neck, wings and braids;
- high growth;
- powerful paws of medium length.
A distinctive feature of the representatives of this cross is the presence of a bright red crest resembling a wedge-shaped leaf, as well as contrasting round-shaped earrings. In roosters, a short tail is excellently combined with an elongated, curved neck. There is an orange iris near the eyes. The lobe is white. The yellow wide beak is very strongly curved and curved inward.
The weight of a one-year-old rooster is 5-7 kg, and that of a female - up to 4 kg (live weight). Master Gray laying hens are more rounded and appear a little squat. Their breasts do not stand out so much, which cannot be said about the stomach.
From temperament to productivity
The Hungarian Giants have captivated many farmers with their calm and friendly nature. Roosters, being impressive in size, were not seen in conflicts with other representatives of the ancestral line or with residents of the poultry yard. Laying hens also get along well in their circles and don't make much noise.
The advantages of this cross include:
- the ability to quickly adapt to new conditions or owners;
- earlier laying of eggs;
- excellent immunity to disease;
- the ability to endure a harsh climate (they continue to lay eggs even in cool winters);
- extraordinary survival rate of young animals (up to 98%);
- stress resistance and excellent endurance.
Each year, adults are capable of producing up to 250-300 eggs, each weighing up to 65-70 g. Birds gain muscle mass in just 4-5 months. In this case, chickens at 8 weeks can already weigh up to 2 kg.
In most cases, raising such chickens is aimed at obtaining large batches of eggs. Nevertheless, their carcasses have a very good presentation, which is in the hands of entrepreneurs. Poultry meat is dietary due to the absence of fatty layers and the formation of a very massive chest. The fillet is tender, but at the same time firm.
In order to obtain meat products, the emphasis is on raising roosters, since they are much larger. Females are suitable for slaughter at the age of 4-5 months, when they have the juiciest meat.
The disadvantage of the crossed breed is the impossibility of breeding Master Gray chickens to obtain individuals with maternal characteristics. The offspring of these hybrids in the first generation loses almost all the characteristics of the genus. In this regard, experts recommend raising Hungarian Giants exclusively from purchased chickens. Moreover, they are purchased at specialized poultry farms or farms.
How are Master Gray chickens kept at home
As already noted, representatives of this cross are characterized by good survivability. Since birds are picky enough, the most ordinary chicken coop or a cage house with windows for sunlight.
The design must be:
- warm (+ 8 ... + 26˚С);
- clean;
- dry;
- with good ventilation;
- spacious (taking into account the size of the individuals).
Due to poor air exchange, health deteriorates (immunity decreases) and the productivity of chickens. With constant inhalation of fumes from the dung (ammonia and hydrogen sulfide), respiratory diseases develop.
Laying hens are allocated a room at the rate of 10 m² for 20 pieces. Perches up to 60 cm high are surely built, as well as nests about 35 × 40 cm in size. One such nest box will be enough for 3-4 females. A thick bedding is provided, consisting of straw or sawdust with the addition of peat. As it gets dirty, the mixture turns over. Every month a new layer is laid on top of the existing one. For the convenience of moving Master Gray chickens at home, gentle poles in the form of a ladder are installed (40 cm in length for one adult).
A trough with a mixture of sand and ash is being erected so that the birds can get rid of parasites. An additional area for walking is being prepared for the spring period.
Correct diet
The question of how to feed Master Gray chickens always remains relevant for every farmer. To a measure of a rather unpretentious nature, representatives of a hybrid breed respond well to traditional food intended for all other poultry. However, when growing a cross, special attention is paid to a balanced diet.
The diet must include:
- cereals (wheat and barley);
- vegetables and roots (boiled, fresh or wet mash);
- greens (alfalfa, dandelions, plantain, nettle).
Food cannot be called complete if chalk, limestone, yeast and egg shells (crushed) are not added in the right quantities. It is these foods that are rich in minerals, especially calcium.
Grain mixtures based on millet, buckwheat, barley, corn and millet are often used. Legumes such as lentils or peas are added to the diet to feed the poultry with protein. Sprouted grain has a special benefit on the body of birds.
Among the favorite delicacies of the Hungarian Giants are:
- carrot;
- pumpkin;
- fodder beet;
- cucumbers.
In some cases, the transition to combined feed is carried out, which already include all the necessary elements: fortified complexes and nutrients. Meals are organized several times a day. However, for breakfast and dinner, it is grain that should be the predominant product at this time of day.
In winter, wet mash with the addition of:
- vegetables;
- bone meal;
- juicy greens;
- chalk.
To improve the digestive process of birds, they are given unlimited access to fine gravel and sand.
Drinking has a special place in chickens. IN drinkers there should always be clean water. Fluid is changed regularly, taking into account the cleanliness of the house inhabitants. Moreover, it must be warm, otherwise you can only harm.
Feeding chicks
There are a few things to know about how to feed Master Gray chicks. At the first stage of development (at the age of one month), enhanced protein nutrition is provided.
Food is prepared in the following composition:
- boiled eggs, which alternate with cottage cheese;
- high-quality meat waste;
- fresh herbs.
The diet of chicks is necessarily enriched with fish oil, which is necessary for the prevention of rickets.
The ingredients are thoroughly chopped and mixed. At the age of 6 weeks, the young are given crushed grain. This is usually wheat or barley. As they grow older, the daily feed ratio increases. So, for 1 kg of weight gain, there is up to 1.5-2 kg of finished feed. To reduce the cost of feeding, free range of birds is organized.
The birds independently harvest:
- worms;
- slugs;
- weeds;
- various useful greens.
For growing chicks for meat, starting combined feed is used. However, one point is taken into account here. In such an enhanced mode, the birds quickly gain weight, so they will be suitable for slaughter much earlier than they begin to rush.
As you can see, keeping master gray chickens at home does not have any particular difficulties. As a result of this systematic care of the farms, he gets early layers, especially in winter, as well as a good increase in meat.