Japanese Onagadori Chicken History And Origin

Shop Baby Chicks For Sale!

The Japanese Onagadori chicken is a truly unique and fascinating breed of chicken with a rich history and cultural significance. This breed, also known as the "long-tailed chicken," is known for its exceptionally long tail feathers, which can grow up to 30-40 feet in length.

The Onagadori chicken has a long and storied history in Japan, with records of the breed dating back to the 17th century. The breed is native to the island of Shikoku in Japan, where it has been bred for over 400 years. The Onagadori chicken is considered a symbol of status and wealth in Japan, and has been featured in traditional Japanese art and literature.

During the Edo period (1603-1868) in Japan, the Onagadori chicken was a very popular bird among the upper class and the nobility. These chickens were kept in the gardens of wealthy families and were considered a status symbol. The long tail feathers of the Onagadori chicken were also used in traditional Japanese dance performances and ceremonies.

However, the breed faced a serious threat of extinction in the 20th century. The Onagadori chicken population declined rapidly due to a lack of interest and breeding efforts. But, a group of dedicated breeders made efforts to preserve and protect the breed, and today, the Onagadori chicken is once again thriving.

The Onagadori chicken is considered a national treasure in Japan and is protected by the Japanese government. The breed is also considered an endangered species, and the number of Onagadori chickens is still relatively small. The chickens are very expensive and hard to find, but there are breeding and exhibiting programs to preserve the breed as a part of Japan's cultural heritage.

In conclusion, the Japanese Onagadori chicken is a unique and fascinating breed with a rich history and cultural significance in Japan. The breed faced extinction but was saved by dedicated breeders, and it is considered a national treasure and symbol of Japan's cultural heritage. The preservation of the Onagadori chicken is important not only for the sake of the breed itself, but also as a symbol of Japan's rich cultural heritage.


Leave a comment

Please note, comments must be approved before they are published