Asiatic breeds

The Asiatic class is made up of large, heavily built breeds that trace to China and neighboring regions of eastern Asia. These are the giants of the standardized poultry world, characterized by broad frames, abundant soft feathering, and feathered shanks and toes. Their arrival in the West during the mid-1800s helped spark the poultry-breeding enthusiasm often called the hen fever, and their influence can still be seen in many later meat and dual-purpose breeds.

The class includes the Brahma, a stately bird with a pea comb and profuse foot feathering; the Cochin, famous for its exceptionally fluffy plumage and gentle, almost ornamental presence; and the Langshan, a taller, more upright fowl with a glossy coat and long legs. Colors range from the light and dark Brahma patterns to the deep black of the Langshan and the many self and patterned Cochins.

Asiatic breeds are calm, cold-hardy, and often quite tame, which makes them popular as pets and gentle exhibition birds. Hens lay brown eggs and are inclined to broodiness, so they make dependable natural mothers. Because their leg and foot feathering can pick up mud and break easily, keepers should provide clean, dry footing, and exhibitors must pay close attention to the condition of foot feather when preparing birds for the table.

The historical influence of the class is hard to overstate: the importation of these massive fowl reshaped Western expectations of size and body, and Asiatic blood stands behind many later breeds valued for meat and dual purpose. For today's keeper, the group rewards patience, since the young grow slowly and take longer than lighter breeds to fill out their broad frames and reach full feather. Feeding for steady rather than forced growth helps them develop the deep, well-covered body the class is known for. Their gentle bulk means fences need not be tall, as these birds seldom fly, but sheltered, roomy quarters and low, sturdy roosts suit their weight and keep feet and feathering in good order.