When is comes to raising chickens either in backyard or commercial level, there is no better chickens breed than the Kadaknath chicken Breed. It’s very important to choose the right chicken breed before starting chicken farming for better outcome.
In this blog post you will get to know in details about the Kadaknath Chicken Breed: Temperament, characteristics, Egg production, meat production care, management etc.
Kadaknath Chicken Breed
The Kadaknath chicken is a dual-purpose and popular breed among poultry farmers in India. These chickens are also gaining popularity in different parts of the world due to its unique black meat and medicinal properties. This breed of chicken is prized for its meat, which is said to be present high protein, low in fat and cholesterol.
Here’s a table outlining some key characteristics of the Kadaknath chicken breed:
|Origin||Madhya Pradesh, India|
|Plumage Color||Jet-black throughout (due to fibromelanosis, excessive melanin deposition)|
|Local Names||“Kali masi” (black meat), “Black Gold”|
|Culinary Appeal||Distinctive flavor, tender meat|
|Nutritional Value||Higher protein, lower fat content compared to others|
|Adaptability||Well-suited to local climates and conditions|
|Growth Rate||Slower growth, contributing to flavor uniqueness|
|Cultural Significance||Used in religious rituals and tribal ceremonies|
|Medicinal Beliefs||Traditionally believed to have health benefits|
The Kadaknath chicken breed is believed to have originated in the Kathiwar Alirajapur jungles in Jhabua district of Madhya Pradesh, India. It is a rare breed and is considered to be a heritage breed by the Indian government. This chicken is a popular breed among poultry farmers in India.
The Kadaknath chicken is named after the Kathiwar Alirajapur jungles, where it was first found. In Hindi the name Kadaknath means strong bone. The breed is known for their black color of meat. The black in color of their body is due to excessive melanin in the chicken’s skin.
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The Kadaknath chicken breed is a unique and beautiful breed. They are completely black, from their feet to their eyes, and even their wattles. The black coloration of Kadaknath is not matte, the feathers have a green shine. Their legs, tongue, nails, beak, comb, and wattle are all grayish black in color. Even their meat, body organs, and bones are also gray.
There are three varieties of Kadaknath chickens: Jet Black, Pencilled Black, and Golden Black.
- Jet Black Kadaknath: This is the most common variety. They are completely black, from their feathers to their skin, bones, and organs.
- Pencilled Black Kadaknath: This variety has black feathers with white markings on the neck.
- Golden Black Kadaknath: This variety has black feathers with golden markings on the neck.
Kadaknath chicken breed is known for its gentle and polite temperament. They are also very intelligent bird and can be easily trained. Kadaknath chickens are good foragers and can be kept outdoors in a coop or run. They are also relatively low-maintenance and do not require lot of space to live.
Here are some key traits that define the temperament of the Kadaknath chicken breed:
Kadaknath chickens are known for their ability to survive in various environmental conditions. Their hardiness is a result of their adaptability to the local climate of their origin, which makes them well-suited for both hot and humid as well as cold climates.
These chickens exhibit a relatively independent nature. They are known to forage for food or can find their foods by themselves, which can be an advantage in free-range or backyard setups. Their self-reliant behavior makes them suitable for open environments.
Kadaknath chickens are known for their docile temperament. They are not aggressive and are unlikely to harm people or other animals. They are also very social and enjoy being around people. They can easily become habituated to human, especially if they are raised in socialized environment.
Kadaknath hens are known to be good brooders. They have a tendency to go broody, means they may sit on their eggs and incubate to hatch chicks. This broodiness can be both an advantage and a challenge, that is depending on the goals of the chicken keeper.
V) Foraging Skills:
The Kadaknath breed was found from jungle, they have strong foraging instincts, which makes them adept at finding their own foods. This can be particularly beneficial for those who are looking to raise chickens in a natural and sustainable manner.
VI) Low Maintenance:
Due to their adaptability, independence, and hardiness, this chicken can be relatively low-maintenance compared to other chicken breeds. They are very well-suited for both traditional and rural poultry farming systems.
Also Read About: Black Australorp Chicken Breed
4) Kadaknath Chicken Chicks
Kadaknath chicken chicks are a rare and expensive breed of chicken native to India. Chicks are completely black, from their feathers to their skin, bones, and organs. They have a sturdy build and a long, curved neck. Their comb and wattles are small and black.
Kadaknath chicks can be found online or at some specialty poultry farms. The price of the chicks varies depending on the breeder, location, quality, sessions, and availability. However, they typically cost anywhere from ₹35 to ₹100 per chick.
5) Kadaknath Murga / Rooster
Kadaknath roosters are relatively small in size. They typically weigh between 1.8 and 2 kilograms (4.0 and 4.4 pounds). They have a sturdy build and a long, curved neck. Their comb and wattles are small and black. Kadaknath roosters are a good choice for both backyard flocks and commercial farm, as they got high in demand on the market.
These roosters are quite interesting, let’s know all about them and their role in the flock:
- Confident and Proud: When the Kadaknath rooster walks, it holds its head high and looks confident. Their black feathers shine in the sunlight, that stand out from other chickens on the flock.
- Red on Black: On top of its head, there’s a red, fleshy part called the “comb.” And under its beak, there are more red fleshy parts called “wattles.” These red parts really pop against the black feathers.
- Watching Over the Gang: Roosters are like the protectors of the group. Kadaknath roosters are good at watching out for any danger and letting the others know if something’s not right.
- Keeping the Family Safe: Kadaknath roosters are extra careful about their hens and baby chicks. They stay close to make sure they’re safe while the hens sit on eggs or the chicks play around.
Read More: RIR Rooster Vs Hen
6) Kadaknath Murgi / Hen
kadaknath hens are also small in size. they typically weigh between 1.2 and 1.5 kilograms (2.6 and 3.3 pounds). they have a sturdy build and a long, curved neck. their comb and wattles are small and black. kadaknath hens are also good choice for both backyard flocks and commercial farms, as their meat and eggs have high in demand on the market.
The role of Kadaknath hens on the flock is similar to that of other breeds of chickens. They are good layers. They are also good mothers and will take care of their chicks. Hens are also relatively quiet, which makes them a good choice for people who live in City or populated area.
7) Kadaknath Chicken Price
The price of Kadaknath chicken can varies, However, they are typically more expensive than other breeds of chickens. In India, the price of Kadaknath chickens can range from Rs. 500 to Rs. 1,000 or more per kilogram. The price of the chickens is not fixed, somewhere it can be more or less.
In other countries, the price can be even higher. For example, in the United States, the price of Kadaknath chickens can range from $500 to $1,000 per bird. The high price of this chicken is due to their rarity, unique appearance, and health benefits, as their meat and eggs are high in protein and low in fat.
Also Read: 5 Best Egg Laying Chicken Breeds
8) Kadaknath Egg
Kadaknath eggs are a popular choice for people who are looking for a healthy and delicious egg. These chickens can lay about 120-150 eggs per year. They are also a good choice for people who are looking for a unique and exotic egg. Kadaknath eggs are typically more expensive than other types of eggs.
I) When They Start Laying Eggs:
Kadaknath chickens start laying eggs at around 6-8 months of age. However, some chickens can start laying eggs earlier or some can start laying later. When chickens will start laying eggs it totally depends on how a farmer caring their chickens such as, chicken diet, nutrients, diseases, daily light exposer etc.
II) Size and Egg Color:
The eggs are small in size, about 40-45 grams each, and the eggs are cream in color or some time light brown, while every-one says that kadaknath hens will always lay black color of eggs, but somewhere it’s myth, black color of eggs from kadaknath can be seen very rarely.
III) Kadaknath Egg Price:
The price of Kadaknath chicken eggs varies and it’s depending on the location. In India, unfertile Kadaknath eggs can range from 10 to 50 rupees per egg, on the other hand, the fertile eggs price can be more expensive ranges from 30 to 100 rupees per egg.
In other countries, the price can be even higher. For example, in the United States, Unfertile Kadaknath chicken eggs can range from $2 to $5 per egg. on the other hand, the price of the fertile eggs can be ranges from $5 to $10 or more per egg.
9) Care and Management
Kadaknath chickens are a hardy breed that they are relatively easy to care and manage. However, there are few things that you should need to keep in mind before starting keeping them to ensure their health, well-being and productive. However, here are few things that you should follow up:
Kadaknath chickens can be housed in a variety of ways, including in a free-range system, a semi-intensive system, or a fully-intensive system. The best system for you will depend on your goal, budget, available space, and climate. If you choose to free-range system for your chickens, make sure that they should have secure area that is free of predators.
If you choose to house your Kadaknath chickens in a semi-intensive system, you will need to build a coop for them with a run attached. The coop should be large enough for the chickens to move around comfortably, and the run should be fenced in to prevent the chickens from escaping.
If you choose to house your Kadaknath chickens in a fully-intensive system, you will need to build a large with proper in size, well-ventilated coop. The coop should be divided into separate areas for the chickens like, brooding area, nesting or to lay their eggs, roost, and eat.
II) Feed Requirement:
As like other chicken breeds Kadaknath chickens are also need a balance diet which has present high in protein, calcium and other important nutrients. You can feed them a commercial chicken feed that is specifically designed for their needs, or you can make your own feeds.
If you want to make your own feed than, you will need to include a variety of ingredients, such as corn, wheat, barley, soybean meal, fish meal etc. You will also need to add calcium supplements to their feed to increase their egg production and overall health.
Also Read About: 9 Free High Protein Natural Chicken Feeds
Kadaknath chicken breeds are relatively resistant to disease, but it is still it’s important to vaccinate them against common poultry diseases such as Newcastle, Fowlpox, Gumboro etc. Vaccination is an important part of preventive healthcare for chickens. It can help to protect them from a variety of diseases.
Here is a Video About Kadaknath Chicken Farming (in Hindi):
10) Kadaknath Chicken Benefits
Kadaknath chicken is a breed of chicken that very popular for their heathy eggs and meat, however, these chickens are fully packed with many health benefits. Here are some common benefits that you can get by consuming their eggs and meat.
- Improved heart health: This chicken meat is low in saturated fat and cholesterol, and it is high in protein and omega-3 fatty acids. These nutrients can help to improve heart health by lowering blood pressure, reducing the risk of heart attack and stroke, and improving blood sugar control.
- Boosted immunity: Their meat is a good source of zinc, which is essential for a healthy immune system. Zinc helps to protect the body from infection and disease.
- Reduced inflammation: Their meat is a good source of antioxidants, which can help to reduce inflammation. Inflammation is a major factor in many chronic diseases, such as heart disease, cancer etc.
- Improved bone health: Their meat is a good source of calcium and phosphorus, which are essential for strong bones. Calcium helps to build and maintain bone mass, while phosphorus helps to absorb calcium from the gut.
- Weight loss: Their meat is a lean protein, which means that it is low in calories and fat. This makes it a good choice for people who are trying to lose weight or maintain a healthy body weight.
In conclusion, the Kadaknath chicken is a unique and flavorful breed of chicken that is rich in nutrients. It is a good choice for people who are looking for a healthy and sustainable protein source. If you are looking for a new type of chicken to try, I recommend you can go with Kadaknath chicken breed.
Hopefully, all the doubt related Kadaknath chicken breed is cleared, if you already have an experience with this chicken breed, then please drop your valuable feedback by commenting bellow and don’t forget to share this post with your friends or chicken lovers.
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Q1: Why Kadaknath chicken is costly?
Ans: Kadaknath chickens are expensive because of their unique appearance and highly nutritive value on their eggs and meat.
Q2: What is the price of Kadaknath chicken 1kg?
Ans: In India, the price of Kadaknath chicken 1kg ranges from Rs. 500 to Rs. 1,500. In other countries, the price may be even higher.
Q3: Is Kadaknath meat black?
Ans: Yes, Kadaknath meat is black. The black color is due to the high levels of melanin in the meat.
Q4: Is Kadaknath farming profitable?
Ans: Yes, Kadaknath chicken farming can be profitable.