Frizzle Chicken – Characteristics, Origin, Breed Info and Lifespan.
Frizzle chicken is an amazing breed of chicken to add to your flock.
The reason is that it has a unique appearance that can easily catch the attention of on-lookers.
Unlike most chicken breeds, the Frizzle chickens have their feathers curling upwards instead of being flat.
Frizzle chickens are very friendly birds and they have other amazing features that will interest you.
So, if you want to learn more about them, then continue reading to learn everything that you need to know.
Let’s get started.
What is a Frizzle Chicken?
A Frizzle chicken is that crazy looking chicken that has its plumage curled upward and outward.
At first glance, you would see that the Frizzle chicken was named after its appearance because indeed it has a frizzled look.
They are known to be a dual-purpose breed.
But, because of their unique crazy appearance, they are used primarily for exhibitions and shows.
The Frizzle chicken breed is considered a distinct breed in Australia and in some other European countries.
But it isn’t recognized in the United States as a breed of its own, and at shows are judged by the standards of breeds they belong to.
This is because it is seen as a feather variant of other existing breeds, this means it is seen just as a type of plumage.
Frizziling occurs when the plumes of a bird curl up externally, moving far from the body instead of lapping as they would in a common chicken.
However, the Frizzle gene is not just peculiar to the Frizzle Chicken.
it can also be seen in many other chicken breeds such as Polish, Pekin, Plymouth Rock, Cochins and in some Japanese bantam.
The frizzle there only means that the chicken has a frizzle conformation in their feathers, which is normally caused by an incomplete dominant gene (F).
Amazingly, Frizzles can also be crossed with Silkies to form Sizzles.
Quite interesting right?
What is the Origin and History of Frizzle chicken?
The Origin of the Frizzle chicken is quite Uncertain and unknown.
However, it is speculated that the frizzle gene originated from Asia.
They are not known as new breeds of chicken on the contrary they have been around for a very long time.
As a matter of fact, it has been pointed out in some historical files as early as the 1600s.
The Frizzle chicken was also mentioned by Charles Darwin but he referred to them as Caffie Fowl.
They have also been reported from the Far East as far back as the eighteenth century.
Interestingly, the unique Frizzle breed is a result of breeders selection for exhibition.
However, the cause of their curling feathers was not looked into until the 1930s.
In the 1930s, a man named Hutt and some others found out that there was an incomplete dominant gene (F).
They also found out about some modifying.
It is recognized in nine European countries including; Germany, Italy, Ireland, Czech Republic, Belgium, United Kingdom, Slovakia, France and Poland.
What are the Characteristics of the Frizzle Chicken?
How would you recognized a Frizzle chicken if you saw one?
Below are some distinguishing features that would help you recognize a Frizzle chicken.
1. They have curled and frizzled plumage:
The Frizzle chicken has feathers that are curled upward and outward.
Every single feather has a ragged appearance.
Their head/face is covered with Feathers.
Its neck is also made up of plenty of feathers.
2. The Frizzle chickens have unique body structure:
The Frizzle chicken breed has short and broad bodies and full rounded breasts.
Their wings are long and broad.
But their tails are large, vertical and upright.
3. They are not good fliers:
Although Frizzles have long wings they are not known to be good flyers.
This means you don’t have to bother about them flying over the fence.
4. These set of birds are very hardy birds:
Amazingly, these birds are hardy in all climates.
This means they can thrive under any weather conditions both cold and hot.
As long as you provide them with the maximum care they need.
5. Frizzles make amazing show birds:
These unique-looking birds make good show and exhibition birds because they are quite fabulous to look upon.
6. Their egg-laying ability is on the average:
They are not prolific egg layers but they try in their own way.
Frizzle hens can produce 2–3 medium-sized tinted or white coloured eggs in a week.
Which is approximately 120–150 eggs in a year.
7. The Frizzle chickens are very broody:
They go broody sometimes and could also make excellent mothers.
8. They are gentle and friendly in nature:
The Frizzle chicken is calm and gentle.
They are also friendly and fun to be with.
Actually, this makes them great pets.
9. They have an A+ in foraging:
The Frizzle chicken are awesome foragers and are happy with free-range conditions.
In spite of this, they still bear confinement very well.
Table summarizing the Frizzle chicken Breed information
| Skin colour | Not specified |
| Egg colour | White or Tinted |
| Comb type | Single |
| Setter/Broody | Yes |
| Especially Docile | Yes |
| Use | Dual-purpose breedExhibition Show |
| Cold Hardiness | Hardy in winter |
| Conservation status | Recovering |
| Heat Tolerance | Tolerates heat very well |
| Also Known As | Caffie Fowl |
| Personality | Friendly, calm, curious, active, docile, flighty |
| Country of origin | Not specified |
| Standard | Frizzle chickens |
| Bears Confinement | Bears confinement well |
| Weight | Rooster: 3.2–3.6 kg Hen: 2.25–2.7 kg |
| Varieties | Black, Blue, cuckoo, white, brown, Red, Buff, Colombian, |
Why choose Frizzle Chickens?
Aside from the fact that these are very grateful birds, many other features make them the eyeshot for most farmers.
Find out below;
1. They have unique feathering and endearing look:
These Frizzle Chickens have a crazy yet unique and beautiful appearance.
This makes them good to hold and look upon.
2. Frizzles are friendly and sweet:
These beautiful creatures have a sweet demeanour and are very friendly.
They would make great companions and you would certainly enjoy them as pets.
Also, they get along well with children and other animals.
3. Also, they make good mothers:
Apart from their looks, Frizzles generally make good mothers.
They are good sitters and do take care of their young chicks.
4. They are chiefly bred for ornamental purposes.
Frizzles will do well as exhibition birds.
5. They love to free range:
If you looking for a good forager, that loves to free-range happily, then maybe you could consider Frizzle chicken.
6. On the average, they are not good egg layers:
Frizzle hen lays 2–3 medium-sized white or tinted colour eggs in a week.
Their egg-laying ability is not something to depend on if you retail eggs.
You can get the Australorps or the Isa Brown chickens.
7. The Frizzle chickens thrive in all climates:
This is a wonderful advantage the Frizzle chicken has.
Unlike most chicken breeds, this sweet crazy looking chicken does well in both cold and hot climates.
What are the disadvantages of having a Frizzle chicken?
Let’s look at some of the disadvantages of Frizzle chicken.
1. Their lush feathers are very delicate:
They have very delicate feathers which are prone to breaking easily.
In other words, you could say that this little bird is pretty fragile.
2. The Frizzle chickens are prone to predators:
Because of their appearance and non-aggressive nature, they are easily prone to predators.
And when the predators attack, their delicate feathers get plucked.
These predators could be dogs, Hawks, foxes etc.
Also since they do not fly, keeping an extra eye on them will be good.
3. They are high maintenance birds:
The Frizzle chicken is not easy to groom and maintain.
It requires special attention during severe weather conditions whether hot or cold ( rain).
This is because the feathers do not do so well in keeping the chicken at a constant body temperature.
And because their feathers do not lap on their body they need to be dried thoroughly dried when wet or exposed to rain.
To prevent them from catching a cold.
4. You can’t breed a Frizzle with another Frizzle:
Why?
I understand this is pretty weird.
But this could lead to health issues, you would not want to deal with.
5. The Frizzle buddies are slow in feathering out:
The Frizzle chicken is a bit slower than other breeds of chicken in Feathering out.
So you would have to keep them in the brooder a bit longer if you choose to raise them from the cradle.
Frequently Asked Questions About Frizzle chickens
1. What is the lifespan of Frizzle chickens?
Frizzle chickens are known to have an average lifespan of about 6 – 8 years.
But they require special care in other to live up to such a number of years.
2. Are Frizzle chickens good for meat?
Frizzle chicken can be eaten, but are not necessarily the best chicken for bountiful meat production.
3. Can Frizzle chickens be trained as pets?
Frizzle chicken has a very friendly and gentle nature and can be easily trained as a pet.
Moreover, they love to be cuddled and lapped and would definitely make be an amazing family pet.
Trust your kids will easily fall in love with them.
4. Are Frizzle chickens good egg layers?
Frizzle chickens are not prolific egg layers.
But they do lay a respectable amount of eggs.
Their eggs are medium-sized and are white or tinted in colour.
5. How often do Frizzle chickens lay eggs?
Frizzle chickens lay approximately 2 – 4 eggs in a week.
Their eggs could sum up to 120 – 150 eggs in a year depending on the kind of breed the belong to.
6. What do Frizzle chickens eat to grow big?
A Frizzle can eat about ¼lb of feed in a day.
For them to grow big they require at least 16% layer feed for the major part of the year.
During their molting period, it is advisable to increase their protein intake to 18–20% in order to enable them replace their feathers.
In addition, you could boost the calcium level of the hens by giving them oyster shells.
This helps to build up the quality of their eggs.
7. How fast do Frizzle chickens grow
Frizzle chickens tend to grow quick like most other Chicken breeds.
But they take their time to feather out.
This still depends on the quality of care given to them
8. Are Frizzle chickens noisy?
Frizzle chickens can be a bit talkative with their owner but not overly noisy.
And are known to be quieter than their counterparts.
9. What is the habitat and environment of Frizzle chickens?
Frizzle chickens can efficiently survive both in hot and cold climates.
Because of its inability to fly, you will have to provide it with a high fenced habitat for maximum protection and to prevent predators.
And don’t forget, do not put the Frizzle chickens together.
Conclusion
Frizzles are quite adorable chickens, that could make an awesome family pet.
Although extra care is needed to maintain a Frizzle because of its feathers and fragile nature.
Because they Love to be handled, they would do well as household pets.
And you wouldn’t find it difficult to fall in love with them.
References:
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