Hatching eggs
Beijing Fatty Chicken
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The Beijing Fatty Chicken (Chinese: 北京油鸡）also known as the Peking Oil Chicken or the "Imperial Yellow Chicken of China," is a prestigious and historic indigenous poultry breed with over 300 years of history. Historically, it served as an exclusive tribute bird for the Qing Dynasty imperial court.
1. Unique Appearance: The "Three Yellows, Three Feathers, and Five Toes"
Beijing Youji is instantly recognizable due to its distinct genetic traits:
- "Three Yellows" (San Huang): Yellow feathers, a yellow beak, and yellow shanks.
- "Three Feathers" (San Mao): A prominent crest on the head (Tuft/Maojun), a distinct beard under the chin (Maozhe), and feathered legs/shanks (Maotui).
- "Five Toes" (Wu Zhi): Unlike standard chickens with four toes, this breed possesses a rare five-toed trait.
2. History and Heritage
- Imperial Status: Cultivated since the mid-Qing Dynasty, it was famously favored by Empress Dowager Cixi.
- Conservation: After facing near-extinction due to the rise of commercial broiler breeds, it was successfully rescued and preserved through dedicated breeding programs. In 2001, it was listed under China's National Livestock and Poultry Genetic Resources Protection List.
3. Meat and Egg Quality
- Exceptional Flavor: Known for its fine-textured muscle fibers and optimal fat distribution, the meat offers a rich, traditional "country chicken" flavor, making it ideal for slow-cooked soups.
- Nutritious Eggs: The hens lay eggs with deep orange-yellow yolks, high lecithin content, and a superior, rich taste.
Breed profile
- Origin
- Beijing and surrounding regions, China; a historic breed with over 300 years of history, formerly reserved as an imperial tribute bird during the Qing Dynasty.
- Meat and Egg Quality
- Exceptional Flavor: Fine-textured muscle fibers ideal for slow-cooked soups, offering a rich traditional country-chicken taste. Nutritious Eggs: Deep orange-yellow yolks with high lecithin and nutrient content.
- Appearance Traits
- "Three Yellows, Three Feathers, and Five Toes": Yellow plumage, beak, and shanks; a prominent head crest, beard, and feathered shanks/toes; plus a rare five-toed genetic trait.
- History & Status
- Favored by Empress Dowager Cixi; after facing near-extinction, it was successfully rescued and is now listed under China's National Livestock and Poultry Genetic Resources Protection List, holding a National Agricultural Product Geographical Indication.