There are hundreds of chicken breeds across the world, and you've probably seen some of them. However, several chicken breeds have stood out due to their appearance as well as their egg and meat producing capacities. Here we will cover five interesting breeds although there are so many other interesting chicken breeds.

Some of these chicken breeds have achieved recognition and even become cultural icons in their respective countries. Note that the five are not listed in any particular order since they are all equally interesting. So, lets get started:

#1 La Flèche

This breed of Chicken is known for its purposes of providing rich meat and eggs. Because of its arrow-shaped comb, it got its name from the French term, "la flèche", which translates to "the arrow". La Flèche is believed to have originated in the 15th century around La Flèche, Sarthe. La Flèche is well-known for the superb quality of its meat.

#2 Onagadori

Every chicken breed has a distinguishing trait that sets it apart. Onagadori's long, beautiful tail is one of its most remarkable features. Onagadori comes from Japan, and because of its protected status its eggs are not allowed to be exported. Due to its specificity, only the most pampered and well-cared-for roosters can keep their feathers and long tail. Although you may find a few nowadays since they are on the verge of being extinct, Onagadoris used to be exported before becoming protected species and a cultural icon in Japan.

#3 Frizzle Chicken

Its name was derived from the term "frizzling", which occurs when the feather curls upward and outward away from the body. Frizzle Chicken is said to have originated in Asia, more precisely in Far East Asia. This breed is not uncommon and was first mentioned in the 1600s. Frizzle Chickens make good pets but are very delicate and prone to numerous health issues, which often limits their life span. They are kept more as ornamental pets than for their eggs or meat, although they do produce eggs.

#4 Sebright Chicken

This breed is one of the earliest and most popular British bantams. Sebright Chicken as a breed was first mentioned around the 1800s and named after its breeder, Sir John Saunders Sebright. Sebrights are notable for their size and lace-patterned plumage. Although it is unique because of its appearance, it is not suitable for beginner chicken keepers, as it has a below average ability to produce good eggs and meat.

#5 Mille Fleur d’Uccle Chicken

This breed is probably one of the most visually-pleasing chicken breeds. Aside from their attractive appearance, Mille Fleurs, whose name means thousand flowers in French, make excellent companions since they like being handled and have a friendly demeanor. The downside of this breed is that it doesn't lay many eggs. However, their companionship as pets compensates for their poor egg productivity.

Conclusion

These chicken breeds have earned their place among the most interesting breeds from around the world. Although they might be appealing in terms of their traits and characteristics, there are weaknesses and shortcomings. All chicken breeds hold important characteristics that make them special. However, It would be wonderful to shine a focus on these breeds as unusual and distinctive breeds worldwide.

When it comes to keeping our hens happy and healthy, we usually think about what we should be feeding them. However, we should also highlight foods that aren't advised for chickens to consume.

Let's have a look at the foods that you should not feed your chickens with.

#1 Green Potatoes
This garden potato contains solanine, a harmful chemical that chickens should not ingest. You can, however, offer them various types of potatoes, just be sure to prepare them properly.

#2 Junk Foods
Junk foods, in general, are heavily processed and packed with chemicals that harm the health of any living creature, including chickens, in the long run. It's best not to give them these unhealthy foods as a treat by accident.

#3 Citrus
This is included in this list because giving your chickens such large amounts is not advisable. Yes, chickens can still consume citrus fruits if they want to. However, just a small amount will suffice to ensure they get the needed nutrients. Chickens also are not super interested in citrus fruits so you are better off mixing very small quantities with their regular feed. This issue with citrus fruits is that they may cause issues with calcium absorption, which is essential for egg formation and it is a mineral which preserves the sturdiness of eggshells. Citric acid, present in citrus fruits, can also change the flavor of a hen's egg, in an unfavorable way.

#4 Sweet and Salty Foods
Just like how junk foods are considered to be bad for us humans, too many sweets and salty foods can do harm to your chickens as well. Similarly, chickens can suffer from obesity due to their high sugar and salt intake, which leads to increased health concerns and their greater susceptibility to a host of illnesses. Chocolate is one of the best examples of this, since over time it can cause heart problems for chickens. But junk foods are not the only ones high in sugars. Even too many sweet fruits are not advisable.

#5 Avocado
As a result of a toxin called "persin", chickens cannot consume avocado. Both avocado pits and skins can be hazardous to chickens. Even though avocados have health advantages for humans, for chickens it's preferable to find a substitute which provides similar health benefits. A good source of fats for chickens can be any form of insects, whether live or dried and some of the most popular ones would be black soldier fly larvae and mealworms.

#6 Rotten Foods
Neither us nor our chickens are able to consume (without negative implications) or attracted to rotten food. And there's a good reason for it - rotten foods and the various molds and bacteria that form on it, make us ill. Note that fermenting foods is fine and even beneficial since fermentation is done in a controlled setting with an understanding of the type of (usually beneficial) bacteria produced.

#7 Dried and Raw Beans
Dried Beans are very harmful to chickens and not only are they dangerous, but can prove to be lethal. Dried beans, like avocado peels and pits, carry a toxin known as "phytohemagglutinin". Once ingested, the toxin spreads very rapidly so the bet thing to do is to ensure you keep any kind of dry and raw beans as far away from your chickens as possible.

Conclusion

A good rule of thumb is if anything is damaging to your health it is probably damaging to your chickens' health as well. This however cannot be applied in reverse - not everything that is good for you is good for your chickens. Their bodies work differently than ours, so before you toss your kitchen waste as a treat for your birds think about all the single components that went into it. Spend some time researching not only what you should be feeding your birds with but also what you need to avoid. After you gain some experience, you'll be able to perfectly tailor and optimize your bird's diet to support their growth and of course happiness.

It's definitely molting season again if your backyard appears to be a mess with a smattering of feathers. But don’t fret, it is a normal occurrence although it may halt egg production for a short time due to seasonal changes.

These are some effects you should pay attention to when molting season comes.

Chickens Might Feel Stressed

Chickens may feel agitated and uneasy due to sensitivity in this situation. Avoid holding them unnecessarily to avoid stress. They may not look angry or in pain, but chicken keepers have most likely noticed changes in their behavior during this period.

Decrease in Egg Production

A halt in egg production is a regular occurrence during molting season. It signifies that the molting season will start again. However, always look after the chickens, as a decline in egg-laying might lead to a potential health issue.

They'll Need more Protein

Chickens shed a lot of their old feathers during the molting season which occurs on an annual basis. However, it is better to assist them by speeding up the regrowth process. A high-protein intake helps ensure feather growth. Make sure to select a treat that they will both like consuming and will be helpful in this process. Supreme Grubs Black Soldier Fly Larvae is a high-protein treat that is high in minerals and protein throughout the molting season. Who wouldn't want a special treat during this time of year? Chickens need a nice, excellent treat to be comfortable during a season when they are generally fragile.

Conclusion

Molting season occurs naturally for chickens every year. It's nothing to be worried about, and the most important thing is that you keep observing your chicken's health during this time more closely and ensure that you support them throughout the process. Support during molting encompasses nutritional boosts with protein rich feeds or treats as well as providing an environment where they can enjoy some quiet time without too many disturbances.