subject: Is The Asil Chicken The New Rover? [print this page] The Asil chicken is growing in popularity, not for the food that they can provide. Rather, they are gaining popularity for the company that they offer. At first, the chicken may seem to be a strange idea for pet. Especially, if you have never spent time on or lived on a farm. Although, you will probably need to have some land available to you, the Asil chicken can fulfill your need for a family pet.
This breed of poultry can trace its roots back as far as 1500BC in the areas of India and Pakistan. This is a well-muscled chicken, so they are not really meant to be eaten. Although some cultures have made some tasty recipes. They were bred because of their natural tendencies to fight one another. These traits along with the larger size made them more attractive to those that where into cockfighting. Cockfighting today is illegal and immoral, of course.
However; since then there are bigger and more fierce breeds that are being bred today for cockfighting, they have fallen out of favor. Since it is in their nature to fight, one does have to be careful how they house them together.
Two male chickens, or cocks, should not be penned together. A group of hens can live together and sometimes a cock can be added to the mix. If you need to introduction a new bird to the group, you need to allow time for natural posturing to see whether group of birds are compatible with each other. The fighting can be vicious and will lead to serious injury or death.
Young chicks will fight each other; separation at a young age will be in order before they are big enough to hurt each other. Knowing the birds' personalities will go a long way to knowing who can live with who. Following basic guidelines is always helpful but will not apply to every animal. All animals require sufficient supervision, especially when they are experiencing a new interaction.
What about these chickens makes them a decent pet? It would have to be their overwhelming affection and intelligence that sets them apart from the poultry breeds. Their tendency for affection will make them seek out their owners for attention, much like a cat or dog. When they are happy with their surroundings, the owners will notice that happiness; making them a fun animal to have around. They are filled with unique personalities and are truly interactive.
They do lay eggs, but they do not yield as many eggs as a typical chicken. They make very good egg sitters, though. The Asil chicken is a healthy breed of chicken and does succumb to the diseases that other fowl fall prey to. Their living conditions will naturally affect overall health, but they are less prone to disease.
Ultimately, it is up to you whether you decide that a chicken is a pet for you and your family. They can be pet and cuddled like a cat or dog, but they are not going to be likely to be found lying next to a fireplace on a cold night. They may fit in as a cute, little barnyard animal.
