Agriculture Reference
In-Depth Information
Brabanter
Persian Rumpless (Manx)
Manx or Persian Rumples, in a variety of colors, are indeed ornamental, but also quite
functional. Most are excellent layers, and raisers will enjoy an abundance of eggs nearly
all year long. They are called “rumpless” because they do not possess a tailbone. This
physical trait (another genetic mutation) makes reproduction very tough, as the lack of a
tailbone allows the feathers on the rump to grow over the anus, acting much like a birth
control device. For the eggs to be adequately fertilized the feathers on the rump must be
plucked or carefully trimmed. Fortunately, both genes for the trait are present (in the ho-
mozygous condition) making the trait not lethal, unlike short legs in Japanese bantams
Brabanters
Don't neglect to consider the unique Brabanter breed for your backyard flock. They are
of Dutch origin and have a unique tuft of feathers that stick straight up from the top of
the head. It is not a crest, but an actual tuft. (A
crest
comes from a large bony knob on
the head, while a
tuft
grows from regular tissue.) Brabanters come in two color varieties
in North America — Gold and Cream — and lay a white egg. Egg size is rather large
for a bird of such middling stature. These fowl are active and take to foraging with zeal.
Oriental Varieties
Orientals include Yokahamas, Shamos, Phoenix, Malays, and Aseels, among others. All
are showy birds with unique characteristics.
Yokohamas
are a long-tailed breed developed in Japan. They are a bit larger than
Cubalayas and come in several color varieties.
