Aseel Chicken 🐔 : The Perfect Blend of Elegance and Strength
The Aseel chicken is a fascinating breed with a rich history and unique traits. Known for its strength and aggressive nature, it has been a popular choice as a pet, showbird, and cultural symbol in Pakistan, India, and other parts of South Asia. The name “Aseel” comes from the Arabic word meaning “pure.” As one of the oldest and most recognized breeds of gamefowl, the Aseel belongs to the Asian Hard Feather category.
Origin/history
The Aseel chicken is one of the oldest known breeds, with its origins tracing back over 2,000 years. This remarkable bird was first bred in the southern regions of Pakistan, such as Punjab and Sindh, as well as in parts of India, including Uttar Pradesh, Andhra Pradesh, and Rajasthan. By the 1840s, the Aseel chicken was introduced to Europe, where it gained recognition for its unique traits and rich heritage.
Physical Appearance of Aseel Murgha 🐔
Aseel chickens are renowned for their distinctive and impressive physical appearance with the life span of 8-10 years, making them stand out among other chicken breeds. Their unique characteristics are not only visually striking but also indicative of their robust and hardy nature. Here’s a detailed look at the physical traits of Aseel chickens:
Body Structure
Aseel chickens have a compact and muscular build. Their upright posture gives them a proud and commanding presence. They feature a narrow stern, broad shoulders, and wide hips, creating a balanced yet powerful body structure.
Feathers
The feathers of Aseel chickens are short, hard, and tightly held to their bodies, giving them a sleek and polished appearance. They are often found in solid patterns and come in a variety of colors, including black, red, and mixed shades. This unique feathering not only enhances their aesthetic appeal but also contributes to their robust and hardy nature
Skin Color
Aseel chickens typically have white or yellow skin. Exposed body parts, such as the breast, exhibit a pinkish-red coloration, adding to their striking appearance.
Head and Facial Features
Their head is small and round, with tiny ears and red ear lobes. Aseel chickens are noted for their fierce and neatly centered pale eyes, which contribute to their intense and alert expression.
Comb: The combs of Aseel chickens vary, with single, pea, and rose combs being commonly found. Many Aseel chickens have a large or triple-shaped comb, adding a distinctive feature to their appearance.
Beak: The beak of an Aseel chicken is small, curved, and hawk-like. It is typically yellow, complementing their overall color scheme.
Legs and Shanks
Aseel chickens have short, strong legs that are yellow in color. Depending on the specific type, their legs may or may not have feathers. Their shanks are robust, contributing to their reputation as a durable breed.
Fun Facts
One remarkable feature of Aseel chickens is their large heart relative to their body size, signifying their endurance. Additionally, they have shorter intestines compared to other chicken breeds, an adaptation linked to their hardy nature.
Purpose Of Asil chicken
Aseel chickens are versatile and highly valued in the poultry world. They are popular for meat production, as show birds, and even as pets.
For meat: Aseel chickens are primarily raised for their meat, which is highly valued for its rich flavor and nutritional value. Their meat contains high levels of protein and minimal fat, making it a healthy option for consumers. Despite being slow growers, Aseel chickens yield meat that is both tender and delicious, making them a favorite among farmers who prioritize quality over quantity.
Show Bird: Beyond their practical uses, Aseel chickens are admired for their striking appearance. With their muscular build, upright posture, and vibrant plumage, they are often showcased as ornamental birds in exhibitions and competitions.
Additionally, Aseels hold cultural significance, particularly in South Asia, where they symbolize tradition and pride.
Broodiness and Maternal Instincts: Aseel hens are not prolific egg layers, producing only 6 to 40 small, cream-colored eggs annually. Despite their low egg production, these hens excel as mothers. Once they hatch chicks, Aseel hens exhibit strong protective instincts and nurture their young with care.
This natural brooding ability makes them ideal for small-scale and backyard farming operations, where artificial incubation is less common. Their maternal traits ensure the survival and well-being of their offspring, adding to their overall utility.
Crossbreeding Potential: These birds have been used extensively in crossbreeding programs to enhance meat production traits in other breeds. Their slow-growing nature and robust build contribute to offspring with improved meat yield and overall hardiness, such as the Cornish chicken.
Average Weight of Aseel Chickens
Their weight varies depending on their age and gender. Below is a breakdown of the average weight of Aseel chickens, categorized by cocks, hens, cockerels, and pullets.
Weight of Aseel Cocks:
Aseel cocks are the heaviest among the breed, showcasing their strong and muscular physique. On average, they weigh between 3 to 4 Kg (6.61-8.81 lbs).
Weight of Aseel Hens:
Aseel hens are slightly lighter than the cocks, with an average weight ranging from 2.5 to 3 kg (5.51-6.61 lbs).
Weight of Aseel Cockerels:
Cockerels, or young male Aseel chickens, typically weigh between 2.5 to 3.5 kg (5.51-7.71 lbs).
Weight of Aseel Pullets:
Pullets, or young female Aseel chickens, are the lightest in the breed, with an average weight of 1.5 to 2.5 kg (3.0-5.51 lbs).
Hardiness
These birds grow well in dry conditions and show remarkable heat tolerance, allowing them to withstand high temperatures with ease. Unlike many other breeds, Aseel chickens are resistant to numerous diseases commonly found in backyard flocks. However, they are not well-suited for cold climates, as their natural adaptability favors warm and dry environments.
Temperament
Aseel chickens are well-known for their bold temperament, which includes a strong combative instinct and remarkable stamina. They are naturally aggressive towards other chickens, with chicks starting to display combative behavior as early as a few weeks old. Mature roosters are especially territorial and may battle each other to the death if not properly managed.
Even the hens can exhibit aggression towards one another, making it essential to keep them separated to prevent conflicts. Despite their pugnacious nature with other birds, Aseel chickens are generally tame and friendly towards humans, making them manageable for experienced poultry keepers.
Varieties Of Aseel
Aseel chickens are admired not only for their hardiness and temperament but also for their striking color variations. These color varieties add to the breed’s appeal, making them a favorite among poultry enthusiasts and breeders. Here are some of the most popular Aseel chicken varieties based on their colors:
1. White Aseel (Safed Aseel)
The White Aseel, also known as Safed Aseel, is characterized by a silver or white base color with a specific black pattern, often more uniform and elegant. “Chitta” translates to “white” or “bright” in some regional languages, highlighting the bird’s predominantly light-colored plumage. This variety is highly sought after for ornamental purposes and is a symbol of beauty in poultry collections.
2. Black Aseel (Kaala Aseel)
The Black Aseel, or Kaala Aseel, is characterized by its glossy black feathers. Its sleek and shiny plumage adds to its striking appearance. This variety is often associated with power and dominance due to its bold color.
3. Red Aseel (Lal Aseel)
The Red Aseel, also known as Lal Aseel, is one of the most vibrant varieties. Its reddish-brown feathers are complemented by a robust and muscular body, making it a favorite for its stunning look and strength.
4. Black and White-Silver Aseel (Chitta or Grey)
The Black and White-Silver Aseel, referred to as Chitta or Grey, features a stunning combination of black and silver feathers. This variety’s unique pattern adds to its ornamental appeal, making it a standout in any collection.
5. Golden Aseel (Sonali Aseel)
The Golden Aseel, also known as Sonali Aseel, boasts a rich golden hue in its feathers. This rare and exquisite variety is often prized by breeders for its luxurious appearance.
6. Spangled Aseel (Kariak Aseel)
The Spangled Aseel, or Kariak Aseel, is easily recognizable by its multicolored plumage with spots or streaks of white, black, and brown. This variety is a visual delight and is popular for its ornamental value.
7. Brown Aseel (Bhura Aseel)
The Brown Aseel, or Bhura Aseel, features earthy brown tones in its feathers. Its natural and understated color gives it a rustic charm that many poultry enthusiasts admire.
8. Pied Aseel (Pukhta Aseel)
Pied or Pukhta Aseel chickens have a mix of two or more colors in their feathers, often irregularly distributed. Common combinations include white with black, red, or brown patches. The term “Pukhta” might refer to the solid or patchy distribution of colors, emphasizing the bird’s bold and distinctive appearance.
9. Light red Aseel (Reza)
The Reza Aseel features a lighter, more subdued red tone, often resembling shades of orange-red or rust. The feathers are predominantly light red, and may show subtle gradients or shading, particularly on the neck and wings. The lighter color gives the Reza Aseel a softer, less intense appearance, making it distinct from the bold Lal Aseel.
10. Black and Red Aseel (Yarkin and Amroha)
This variety features a striking combination of black and red feathers. The red feathers are typically concentrated on specific areas, such as the neck, chest, and shoulders, creating a sharp contrast with the black base. Yarkin and Amroha refer to regional or sub-varietal names within this color type, with slight variations in shade or distribution.
11. Black with green shades Aseel (Shamo)
This variety is predominantly black but with an iridescent green sheen that appears when the feathers catch the light. The green shades are subtle and shimmer over the black base, giving the bird an elegant and glossy appearance. Mushka and Shamo refer to birds with this specific black-and-green plumage, often linked to regional naming traditions.
Popular Aseel Murga Breeds In Pakistan
Aseel chickens have various distinct breeds in Pakistan. Each variety has unique features, making them stand out in appearance and performance. Let’s explore the most popular Aseel breeds found in Pakistan.
1.Reza Aseel (light red Aseel)
The Reza Aseel is medium-sized with a lean, muscular build. Their feathers are typically light red or rust-colored with subtle gradients, giving them a sleek look. Known for their toughness and exceptional battling skills, this breed comes in various colors and is considered a standard in the Aseel category.
2. Shamo Aseel
The Shamo Aseel, originally developed in Japan from imported Aseel chickens, is known for its upright posture, long legs, and robust build. With an aggressive temperament, this breed is taller, smarter, and often regarded as an expert warrior.
3. Heera Aseel
Heera Aseel is named for its shiny, gem-like appearance. It features medium to long legs, a thick neck, and a long tail. This breed is easily recognizable due to its striking color and unique characteristics, making it popular among poultry lovers.
4. Amroha Aseel
The Amroha Aseel is a rare breed thought to have originated in the Amroha State of India. This breed stands out with its medium to large curved body, glossy feathers, prominent chest, and thick thighs. Typically black with red accents on the neck and shoulders, the Amroha Aseel is difficult to find in its original form.
5. Parrot Beak Aseel
As the name suggests, this breed has a parrot-like beak, with the front half yellow and the back half red. It also boasts a rounded head, long tail, and large eyes. Its thick, long legs make it a distinctive and visually appealing breed.
6. Mianwali Aseel
Originating from the Mianwali district in Punjab, this medium-sized breed has a slim, muscular build with a long neck, sharp beak, and strong legs. Commonly found in black, white, and light red shades, the Mianwali Aseel is known for its speed and agility, making it a top choice across Pakistan.
7. Thai Aseel
The Thai Aseel, as the name implies, originates from Thailand and features a tall, lean structure. Its well-muscled body and vibrant plumage in colors like glossy black, golden, and red make it a visual treat. With sturdy legs and a sharp stance, the Thai Aseel is a blend of beauty and strength.
8. Lasani Aseel
Native to Pakistan, particularly the Faisalabad region, the Lasani Aseel is a rare breed. Medium in size with lighter plumage colors such as white or pale golden, this breed is known for its unique competitive style and strong strikes on neck, earning the nickname “Neck Breakers.”
9. Mushka Aseel
The Mushka Aseel is another rare variety with black feathers that exhibit an iridescent green sheen. Known for its sleek body, long neck, and grey feet, this breed is admired for its beauty and strength.
10. Sindhi Aseel
The Sindhi Aseel, originating from the Sindh province of Pakistan, is a strong and resilient breed known for its endurance. This tall bird has strong legs, a slightly curved beak, and glossy feathers, often in dark red or black shades. Renowned for their competitive nature, Sindhi Aseels are popular in traditional contests of skill and strength.
11. Peshawari Aseel
The Peshawari Aseel, originating from the Peshawar region of Pakistan, is a compact and agile breed renowned for its speed and reflexes. This small to medium-sized chicken features a muscular body, shorter legs, a sharp upright beak, and glossy plumage in light red or brown shades.Known for its quick movements, it is often favored in traditional competitive events due to its exceptional agility.
12. Lakha Aseel
Commonly found in Punjab and Sindh, the Lakha Aseel is a large breed known for its strong legs and striking plumage, often golden or reddish with black markings. It is kept for ornamental purposes, cultural significance, and competitive events.
Aseel‘s Profile
Breed Name:
Aseel
Scientific Name:
Gallus gallus domesticus
Breed Origin:
India and Pakistan
Breed Purpose:
For Gaming, and for Meat
Breed Size:
Medium/Heavy (4-8 lbs)
Broodiness:
Yes (Frequent)
Comb Type:
Pea Comb/Rose Comb
Egg Color:
Creamy White
Egg Size:
Small to Medium
Skin Color:
Yellow
Rarity:
Common in South Asia
Lifespan:
8-10 years
Mature Age:
22-26 weeks
Rooster Weight:
6-8 lbs
Hen Weight:
4-6 lbs
Feathered Legs:
No (Clean Yellow or White Legs)
Care Requirements for Aseel Chickens
Aseel chickens are robust and hardy birds, but they require specific care to thrive and perform well, especially given their active and aggressive nature. Below are the key care requirements:
1. Housing
🐓 Spacious Coops: Provide a large, well-ventilated coop with sufficient space to prevent stress and injuries due to their territorial behavior. Include open areas for roaming and foraging, and avoid overcrowding to minimize stress and aggression by maintaining an appropriate bird-to-space ratio.
🐓 Separate Housing: Aggressive roosters should be housed separately or partitioned to avoid battles.
2. Feeding and Nutrition
🐓 High-Protein Diet: Offer a protein-rich diet to support their muscular build and energy needs. Include grains, seeds, vegetables, and commercial poultry feed.
🐓 Clean Water: Ensure a constant supply of fresh and clean water to keep them hydrated.
🐓 Supplements: Provide vitamins and minerals to boost their immunity and overall health.
3. Health and Hygiene
🐓 Regular Health Checks: Monitor for signs of illness or injuries, especially wounds from combats, and consult a veterinarian if needed.
🐓 Clean Environment: Maintain cleanliness in the coop to prevent infections and parasites like mites and lice.
🐓 Vaccinations: Ensure they are vaccinated against common poultry diseases such as Newcastle disease and fowlpox.
Common health problems in Aseel chickens and how to treat 💉 them?
Aseel chickens are known for their hardiness, but they are still susceptible to various diseases. Below are some common diseases that affect Aseel chickens, their causes, symptoms, and treatments.
1. 💊Vitamin A Deficiency
Vitamin A deficiency occurs when Aseel chickens do not receive enough Vitamin A in their diet, typically due to the absence of Vitamin A-rich foods. Common symptoms include pale or whitish patches in the mouth and throat, swollen eyes or eyelids with discharge, poor growth, reduced egg production, and weak immunity, making them more prone to infections.
Treatment:
2. Chickenpox (Fowlpox)
Fowlpox is a viral disease spread by mosquitoes🦟 or through direct contact with infected birds. It manifests in two forms: the dry form, with scabby lesions on the comb, wattles, earlobes, and other unfeathered areas, and the wet form, characterized by yellowish lesions or plaques in the mouth and throat, causing difficulty eating or breathing. Additional symptoms include reduced appetite, lethargy, and weight loss.
Treatment:
3. 🕷️Parasitic Infections
Parasitic infections are caused by external parasites like mites, lice, and ticks or internal parasites such as roundworms and tapeworms. Symptoms include irritation, feather loss, reduced productivity from external parasites, and poor growth, weight loss, and digestive disturbances from internal parasites.
Treatment:
4. 🤧Respiratory Issues
Respiratory diseases like Chronic Respiratory Disease (CRD) and Infectious Bronchitis are caused by poor ventilation, dusty environments, or bacterial/viral infections. Symptoms include coughing, sneezing, nasal discharge, difficulty breathing, reduced appetite, and lethargy.
Treatment:
5. 🧀Nutritional Deficiencies
Nutritional deficiencies occur due to inadequate intake of essential nutrients like calcium, Vitamin D, or protein. Symptoms include weak bones, poor egg quality, reduced immunity, and general weakness.
Treatment:
6.🩹 Aggression-Relating Injuries
Aseel chickens are territorial and aggressive, often resulting in injuries from clashes. Symptoms include cuts, bruises, fractures, swelling, or infection at injury sites.
Treatment:
7. Bumblefoot
Bumblefoot is a bacterial🦠 infection caused by footpad injuries, often due to rough surfaces or unhygienic conditions. Symptoms include swelling and redness in the footpad, lameness, and discomfort.
Treatment:
8. Coccidiosis
Coccidiosis is a parasitic disease caused by protozoa , often spread in damp and dirty conditions. Symptoms include diarrhea (sometimes bloody), weight loss, lethargy, and reduced appetite.
Treatment:
9.😷 Avian Influenza (Bird Flu)
Avian influenza is a highly contagious viral infection caused by the influenza virus. Symptoms include sudden death in severe cases, respiratory distress, swelling around the head and neck, lethargy, loss of appetite, and yellow discoloration of the comb.
Treatment:
10. Marek’s Disease
Marek’s Disease is a viral disease caused by the herpesvirus, leading to tumors and paralysis. Symptoms include paralysis of wings or legs, weight loss, reduced productivity, and tumors in internal organs.
Treatment:
11. 🥵 Heat Stress
Heat stress occurs due to exposure to extremely hot climates or inadequate cooling measures. Symptoms include reduced productivity, dehydration, panting, drooping wings, and lethargy.
Treatment:
12. Newcastle Disease (ND)
Newcastle Disease is a highly contagious viral disease caused by a virus from the Paramyxoviridae family. Symptoms include respiratory issues like coughing, sneezing🤧, nasal discharge, and swelling around the eyes and head; digestive issues like greenish diarrhea, loss of appetite, and weight loss; and nervous symptoms like tremors, paralysis, neck twisting (torticollis), and loss of coordination.
Treatment:
Timely intervention and proper management can significantly reduce health issues and ensure a healthy flock.