White Phoenix Standard Chicken

White Phoenix Standard Chicken

The White Phoenix Standard Chicken is a stunning bird that has roots tracing back to the Japanese Onagadori breed. It was further developed in post-World War II Germany, where breeders crossed the Onagadori with game birds to create the Phoenix breed. While often confused with the Onagadori, the Phoenix is a distinct breed known for its long, flowing tail feathers, though not as exaggerated as those of its ancestor.

These chickens are characterized by their striking white shoulder hackles, long saddle hackles, and impressive tail feathers. Male Phoenix chickens can grow tails that range from 4 to 5 feet long, depending on their bloodline. Their tail feathers remain blood-filled, allowing continuous growth over time. Additionally, the genes of the Phoenix extend their molting periods, which contributes to their unique appearance.

White Phoenix hens are highly broody and are known to lay small, tinted eggs. They are excellent mothers and tend to have a calm temperament. While not prolific layers, their eggs are a treasured addition to any backyard flock due to their unique qualities.

Health and Care:

• Hardy and Resilient: The Silver Duckwing Phoenix is generally a hardy breed, well-suited for both warm and cooler climates. While the Phoenix chicken can handle a range of temperatures, they may be more susceptible to extreme cold due to their slender build and long feathers, so it’s important to provide adequate shelter during the winter months. In hot climates, they require access to shade and plenty of fresh water.
  
  
• Disease Resistance: Like many other breeds, the Silver Duckwing Phoenix is generally disease-resistant, but like all chickens, they can still be vulnerable to common poultry diseases such as mites, lice, and respiratory issues. Keeping the coop clean, providing proper nutrition, and monitoring for signs of illness are key to ensuring the health of these birds.
  
  
• Feather Care: One of the defining characteristics of the Silver Duckwing Phoenix is its long, flowing tail feathers. These feathers require regular grooming to keep them clean and free of debris. It's important to check their plumage, particularly the tail feathers, for tangles or damage. In addition, they need protection from excessive moisture or dampness, as their fine feathers are more prone to becoming matted when wet.

Egg Laying:

• Moderate Egg Production: The Silver Duckwing Phoenix is a moderate egg layer. They typically produce around 150-200 small white eggs per year. While they are not the most prolific egg layers, they offer consistent egg production for smaller households or personal use.
  
  
• Seasonal Laying: Like many chickens, egg production in the Silver Duckwing Phoenix may slow down in the winter months due to shorter daylight hours. However, with the help of supplemental lighting, they can continue to lay eggs consistently throughout the year.
  
  
• Small White Eggs: The eggs produced by the Silver Duckwing Phoenix are typically small to medium and white. They are suitable for home consumption and small-scale egg production, but not as large as eggs from other breeds.

Temperament:

• Active and Spirited: The Silver Duckwing Phoenix is an active, alert, and spirited breed. They are known for being highly energetic and curious, constantly exploring their surroundings. They enjoy free-ranging and foraging for food, which makes them an ideal choice for those with larger yards or backyards with space to roam.
  
  
• Friendly but Independent: Despite their high activity levels, these chickens are generally friendly and docile. They can be independent at times, as they tend to enjoy their own space and activities. However, they are still social birds and enjoy the company of other chickens. They generally get along well in a mixed-flock setting.
  
  
• Shy and Timid: Due to their active nature and long tail feathers, Silver Duckwing Phoenix chickens may be somewhat shy or timid, especially around new people or unfamiliar environments. They are not typically aggressive, but they may be more cautious or hesitant compared to other, more confident breeds.

Appearance:

• Striking Silver Plumage: The Silver Duckwing Phoenix is known for its elegant silver and black plumage. Their body is typically silver, while their wings and tail feathers have darker black markings with a slight iridescent sheen. This beautiful contrast creates a visually stunning bird.
  
  
• Long Flowing Tail Feathers: One of the most defining features of the Silver Duckwing Phoenix is its long, flowing tail feathers. These tail feathers are fine and delicate, often reaching impressive lengths. They give the bird a regal and graceful appearance, making it an ornamental favorite among poultry enthusiasts.
  
  
• Slender, Graceful Build: The Silver Duckwing Phoenix has a slender and graceful body, with a long neck and sleek frame. They are a medium-sized breed, with hens typically weighing around 4-5 pounds and roosters around 5-6 pounds. Their long tail feathers and slender build contribute to their elegant appearance.
  
  
• Small Comb and Wattles: Like many Phoenix chickens, the Silver Duckwing Phoenix has a small single comb that is upright and neat. Their red wattles and earlobes contrast beautifully with their silver plumage and add to their overall visual appeal.
  
  
• Graceful Posture: The Silver Duckwing Phoenix stands tall and proud with an elegant posture. Their long legs and refined body shape make them stand out in any flock, and their flowing tail feathers contribute to their majestic and ornamental look.

What is the origin of the White Phoenix Standard Chicken?
The White Phoenix Standard Chicken was developed in post-World War II Germany by crossing the Japanese Onagadori breed with game birds, resulting in a distinct breed known for its long tail feathers.

How long do the tail feathers of a White Phoenix rooster grow?
Depending on their bloodline, male White Phoenix chickens can grow tail feathers that range from 4 to 5 feet long. Their tail feathers stay blood-filled, allowing continuous growth.

Are White Phoenix hens good egg layers?
White Phoenix hens are not prolific layers, but they do produce small tinted eggs. They are highly broody and make excellent mothers, which adds value to those looking to raise chicks.

What is the difference between the Phoenix and the Onagadori chicken breeds?
The Phoenix was developed from the Onagadori, but it differs in tail length. While the Onagadori can have extraordinarily long tail feathers, the Phoenix has more moderately long tails, usually reaching up to 4-5 feet in length.

• Poultry Show Class: All Other Standard Breeds, Orientals Class
  
• Weights – Hen—–4 lbs
  Rooster——5 1/2 lbs
  Pullet—3 1/2 lbs
  Cockerel—–4 1/2 lbs
  
• Purpose and Type: Egg Laying, Long Tail Feathers; Exhibition
  
• Egg Shell Color: Cream or Tinted
  
• Egg Production: Poor
  
• Egg Size: Small
  
• Temperament: Active
  
• Fertility Percentage: 40-55%
  
• Broody: Setters
  
• Mating Ratio: 9 Females to 1 Male
  
• Roost Height: 6+ feet
  
• Country of Origin – Japan
  
• APA: No
  
• TLC: Not listed
  
• Breeder Farm Source: Poultry Breeding Farm developing our bloodline or strain of pure White Phoenix  since 2014