The German Langshan is a
breed
A breed is a specific group of domestic animals having homogeneous appearance (phenotype), homogeneous behavior, and/or other characteristics that distinguish it from other organisms of the same species. In literature, there exist several slig ...
of
chicken
The chicken (''Gallus gallus domesticus'') is a domesticated junglefowl species, with attributes of wild species such as the grey and the Ceylon junglefowl that are originally from Southeastern Asia. Rooster or cock is a term for an adult m ...
developed from the exported
Croad Langshan
The Croad Langshan is an old, heavy, soft-feathered chicken breed which probably originated in China.
Origin
The first recorded imports came from the Langshan ('Wolf Mountain') area in the outskirts of Nantong, just north of the lower reac ...
in
Germany
Germany,, officially the Federal Republic of Germany, is a country in Central Europe. It is the second most populous country in Europe after Russia, and the most populous member state of the European Union. Germany is situated betwe ...
. It is a large, robust breed of exceptional height. Though most often raised for show, it has practical application as a layer and meat bird, as well. The standard-sized German Langshan is uncommon in both the
United States
The United States of America (U.S.A. or USA), commonly known as the United States (U.S. or US) or America, is a country primarily located in North America. It consists of 50 states, a federal district, five major unincorporated territorie ...
and the
United Kingdom
The United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland, commonly known as the United Kingdom (UK) or Britain, is a country in Europe, off the north-western coast of the continental mainland. It comprises England, Scotland, Wales and North ...
, but the
bantam form is popular in the latter.
History
The Croad Langshan was first shipped to the United Kingdom in 1969, and thence to Germany. Along with the
Minorca
Menorca or Minorca (from la, Insula Minor, , smaller island, later ''Minorica'') is one of the Balearic Islands located in the Mediterranean Sea belonging to Spain. Its name derives from its size, contrasting it with nearby Majorca. Its capita ...
and
Plymouth Rock
Plymouth Rock is the traditional site of disembarkation of William Bradford and the ''Mayflower'' Pilgrims who founded Plymouth Colony in December 1620. The Pilgrims did not refer to Plymouth Rock in any of their writings; the first known writt ...
, the Croad Langshan was used in the creation of the German Langshan. Through selective breeding, this resulted in a brown-tinted fowl, distinctly different from other Langshan varieties which are normally only recognised as having white, black or blue feathering. The German Langshan's creation was completed by the early twentieth century.
Appearance
The German Langshan is a large, heavy chicken:
rooster
The chicken (''Gallus gallus domesticus'') is a domesticated junglefowl species, with attributes of wild species such as the grey and the Ceylon junglefowl that are originally from Southeastern Asia. Rooster or cock is a term for an adult m ...
s weigh about 9 pounds or 4 kilograms. The chickens have a contoured back and a relatively small tail. With its long legs and upright posture the breed's profile is often likened to a wine glass. They have a single
comb
A comb is a tool consisting of a shaft that holds a row of teeth for pulling through the hair to clean, untangle, or style it. Combs have been used since prehistoric times, having been discovered in very refined forms from settlements dating ba ...
. As said above, their legs are bare.
Colors
The German Langshan is most often found in only three
colours
Color (American English) or colour (British English) is the visual perceptual property deriving from the spectrum of light interacting with the photoreceptor cells of the eyes. Color categories and physical specifications of color are associa ...
: Black, Blue, and White; others are known, but are rather rare.
Characteristics
German Langshans are strong, vital chickens that grow up fast. They lay cream-colored eggs which are quite large. Their weight hinders flight. They can be tamed without much difficulty.
See also
*
Australian Langshan
The Australian Langshan is an Australian chicken breed, derived from the Croad Langshan and accepted by the Australian Poultry Standard as a recognized breed. The Australian Langshan is little known outside Australia but is a popular breed insid ...
*
Croad Langshan
The Croad Langshan is an old, heavy, soft-feathered chicken breed which probably originated in China.
Origin
The first recorded imports came from the Langshan ('Wolf Mountain') area in the outskirts of Nantong, just north of the lower reac ...
*
Modern Langshan
The Modern Langshan is a breed of chicken derived from the Croad Langshan. Though today it is rarely seen, the breed was at one time fairly popular.
History
The Croad Langshan was brought to the United Kingdom from Northern China by Majo ...
*
List of chicken breeds
There are hundreds of chicken breeds in existence. Domesticated for thousands of years, distinguishable breeds of chicken have been present since the combined factors of geographical isolation and selection for desired characteristics created regi ...
References
{{Chicken breeds of Germany
Chicken breeds
Chicken breeds originating in Germany
Animal breeds on the GEH Red List
category:Langshans