The ISA Brown Hen breed is a reasonably latest introduction to the poultry world and is a highly regarded lady. She will lay numerous lovely eggs for you and has an incredible persona.
They’re medium-sized, affectionate, docile hen which is suited to household residing.
The usefulness of the breed can’t be denied – such a excessive egg output is difficult to argue with whenever you evaluate to heritage chickens which are extra modest of their output.
In as we speak’s article, we’re going to talk about this breed intimately supplying you with some info on their historical past, look, temperament, egg-laying potential, and at last, if they’re the correct breed in your yard flock.
Isa Brown Hen Historical past and Background
The ISA Brown is a reasonably lately developed hybrid rooster designed by man to put eggs.
Initially developed in France round 1978, the ISA stands for Institut de Sélection Animale. In 1997 the Institut was merged with Merck and Co and the breed then grew to become the Hubbard ISA.
The corporate has since merged once more a number of occasions and is now a part of the Group Grimaud La Corbière SA.
Their precise genetic make-up is a carefully guarded commerce secret, however hypothesis has been pointed on the Rhode Island Pink and white breeds with enter from White Leghorns. What different breeds could also be concerned is a thriller.
Breed Customary and Look of the Isa Brown Hen
As this can be a hybrid there isn’t a ‘commonplace of perfection’ in place from the American Poultry Affiliation or some other Membership or Affiliation.
The hen is nevertheless, ‘copyrighted’. You can’t name your look-alike chickens ISA browns or promote them as such.
When you want to point out your ISA brown on the native poultry present, there may be nothing to cease you from doing so, however it is not going to be accepted within the bigger extra prestigious exhibits.
Look
At a fast look, you might be forgiven for mistaking them for Rhode Island Reds. While you look extra carefully you’ll discover their crimson/brown is lighter in shade – extra of a light-weight chestnut brown.
The ISA brown is a medium-sized chook with an oblong physique and a slight dip to the again. The tail is held upright, they often have some white tail feathers.
The comb and wattles are crimson in coloration with the comb being single and upright. Eyes vary from a yellow to a bay crimson coloration. They’re categorised as small to medium hen weighing round 5lb.
Breeding
As a hybrid chook, they won’t breed true. No matter it’s possible you’ll get in the way in which of chicks shouldn’t be prone to stay as much as its’ mother and father skills.
It has additionally been famous that offspring are extremely liable to endure from kidney illnesses, in order that they aren’t the healthiest of chicks. It’s most likely higher to not attempt to breed them yourselves.
ISAs’ come from a white rooster over a crimson hen subsequently they’re a ‘sex-link’ rooster; which means chicks at start may be instantly sexed – white chicks are boys and tan chicks are ladies.
ISA Brown Hen Temperament and Disposition
The ISA brown is of a pleasant, candy and docile nature. They’re a reasonably quiet hen and so swimsuit yard residing properly.
They’re identified to be affectionate with their homeowners and luxuriate in being held and cuddled; usually leaping into your lap unannounced to take pleasure in some affection and treats.
ISAs stand confinement very properly however take pleasure in foraging for bugs and different tasty morsels!
Egg Laying Skill of the Isa Brown
These hard-working ladies can lay in extra of 300 massive brown eggs per yr! They barely pause for the molt and get proper again to it, making them one of many finest breeds for egg laying round.
Since they work so arduous utilizing all of the protein and calcium accessible of their small our bodies, it’s sensible to feed them a barely larger protein base (+18%) and ensure they’ve oyster shell accessible always (particularly after the primary molt).
They hardly ever go broody, they’ve been bred to not, however often you’re going to get a broody lady. They are going to sit properly they usually make nice Mothers.
Isa Brown Hen Frequent Well being Points
ISA’s have been ‘engineered’ to put eggs, and with that has come to a profusion of illnesses after they stay to be over 2 years previous.
A chook that may lay 300+ eggs every year with out relaxation shouldn’t be going to stay right into a wholesome previous age.
It’s traditional within the industrial world to cull chickens after their second yr, as their egg manufacturing does drop noticeably right here. It’s at this level they’re thought of ‘spent’ and despatched for slaughter.
Because of the work of the British Hen Welfare Belief and different such organizations worldwide, many of those hens are rescued and go to stay with odd folks like us for the remainder of their lives.
Though their ‘finest’ laying years could also be behind them, they may nonetheless lay eggs for you, simply not as prolifically and they’re going to bless you with their affection and presence.
When hens are bred to put eggs in such enormous portions they may usually endure from reproductive tract points similar to prolapse, tumors and cancers. They’ll additionally endure from kidney issues too.
Is the Isa Brown Hen Proper For You?
The ISA Brown is a superb ‘starter rooster’ as they’re very low upkeep, in order that they are perfect for these simply beginning their rooster dependancy!
They’re suited to household life as they’re affectionate and non-aggressive hens. They actually like to be held, which makes them an very best rooster for youths.
Their egg manufacturing is unmatched. They are going to lay you numerous eggs – maybe too many if you’re a small household, however then you’ll be able to at all times give them away or maybe promote your extra!
They’re winter hardy and tolerate warmth pretty properly, though shade and water ought to in fact be supplied. Isa Brown’s can tolerate all kinds of climates – ISAs’ are highly regarded in Australia and the US.
The ISA was bred to final for about two years, nevertheless, in a great, caring atmosphere they will stay from 5-8 years.
Isa Brown Hen Abstract
They’re most actually a prolific layer of enormous brown eggs; she is a ‘working lady’ par excellence!
As at all times, the excessive egg yield is detrimental to the long-term well being of the hen. The ISA is one in all a number of breeds developed for prime egg yield on the expense of longevity and pure replica.
When you want a hen that can lay a great deal of eggs for your loved ones I feel the ISA brown could be eminently appropriate for the job.
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