The Kuroiler chicken is a hybrid chicken breed that provides a high production of eggs every year. This breed also provides valuable sources of income to small farmers because they are relatively low maintenance and don’t require a lot of space. The value of this breed is high across India and Africa. If you’re interested in adding a Kuroiler chicken to your farm, continue reading to learn whether this breed is right for you.
Quick Facts about the Kuroiler Chicken
| Breed Name: | Kuroiler |
| Place of Origin: | India |
| Uses: | Meat & egg production |
| Male (Rooster) Size: | Large (5-7lbs) |
| Female (Hen) Size: | Large (2-6lbs) |
| Color: | Many varieties (black, white, buff, red, silver-grey, blue |
| Lifespan: | 5-8 years |
| Climate Tolerance: | All climates |
| Care Level: | Easy |
| Production: | Medium (150 eggs per year) |
Kuroiler Origins
The Kuroiler chickens were first bred in the 1990s in the state of Andhra Pradesh in South India. They were bred with the intention of growing to large sizes and producing eggs at a faster rate. They have grown to be bred in Africa as well, with plans of expanding to other countries with time.
Kuroiler Characteristics
The characteristics of the Kuroiler chick are that of a friendly, calm, and rarely aggressive manner. They are a hardy breed that lives relatively healthy and disease-free. They can also withstand a wide variety of climates, whether cold or hot. They have very high egg productivity levels – more than the average farm chicken.
The breed can also be described as field scavengers, enjoying walking around looking for leftover food scraps or grazing on wheat or grasses. Lastly, they are known to lay medium-sized, brown eggs.
With the intention to be easy to breed, low cost and low maintenance, and not needing commercial-sized habitats, they are of high value for those who live on small farmland. They are a great option for populations in countries where they can grow their own food and create additional income by selling chickens and their eggs.
It might be difficult to recognize the Kuroiler chicken among others. It can come in a variety of feather colors including the more common black feathers with white or silver speckles. They can also be dark red, white, or completely black.
Uses
The Kuroiler was bred for a specific use and has continued to be productive in that sense. They are dual-purpose chickens meaning they are meant for both meat & egg production. The larger size of the bird results in higher amounts of meat. This is good for both food resources and reselling.
Appearance & Varieties
The Kuroiler comes in many color varieties. Due to its crossbreeding between the everyday white chicken and the dark red coloring of the rooster, the Kuroiler does not have one distinct color. They can be all black or almost a deep blue color. There are breed varieties that look like their genetic parent breeds; all white or all red. Additionally, there are silver or grey color varieties. They also have different patterns sometimes, such as white spots on black feathers.
Like other chicken breeds, the Kuroiler does not have feathered legs. They are a crossbreed of the Rhode Island Red and the White Leghorn chicken breeds.
Population/Distribution/Habitat
This breed can handle many different climates and environments and is resistant to common diseases that chickens can contract. They can be productive growing in both small and larger habitats. They grow relatively quickly so both environments are suitable.
Kuroilers should be bred properly to achieve the specifics of the breed’s advantages. Their habitat needs adequate space (which isn’t relatively large) for scavenging. Additionally, they need an ample supply of water, and space with chicken-specific flooring (scraps, grass, etc.).
This breed can be found now in its country of origin, India, in addition to countries across Africa.
Are Kuroilers Good for Small-Scale Farming?
Kuroilers are great for small-scale farming. Not only are they low maintenance, but they don’t need large commercial spaces. These chickens can grow to maturity in smaller spaces, so they are good options for a rural backyard or small plot of land.
They are also a great option because they provide value with their high production of eggs, a great size for meat, and lay good-looking, large eggs with healthy yolks.
Featured Image Credit: Jen Watson, Shutterstock
