Types, Purposes and Features of Poultry Birds for JSS 1

Types of Poultry Birds

Performance Objectives

By the end of the lesson, students should be able to:

1. identify categories of poultry birds based on purpose;
2. identify poultry birds based on features.

What Are Poultry Birds?

Poultry birds are domesticated birds raised by humans for their meat, eggs, or sometimes for their feathers. They are an important part of livestock farming in Nigeria and around the world.

Common examples of poultry birds include chickens, turkeys, ducks, and geese. These birds are kept in farms or homes and provide food for people.

Categories of Poultry Birds Based on Purpose

Poultry birds are raised for different reasons, which farmers call their “purpose”. Knowing the purpose helps farmers choose the right type of bird to raise. The main categories of poultry birds based on their purpose are:

1. Broilers: These are chickens raised specifically for their meat. They grow very fast and reach market weight quickly. Broilers are usually harvested when they are young, often between 6 to 9 weeks old.
2. Layers: These are chickens raised specifically for producing eggs. They are bred to lay many eggs consistently over a long period. Layers start laying eggs when they are around 18 to 22 weeks old and continue for about a year or more.
3. Cockerels: These are young male chickens. While some cockerels can be raised for meat, they generally grow slower than broilers and are sometimes kept for breeding or as replacement birds for layers.
4. Turkeys: Turkeys are larger poultry birds primarily raised for their meat. Their meat is popular, especially during festive seasons. Turkeys are known for their distinctive appearance and larger size compared to chickens.

Physical Features of Poultry Birds

Poultry birds have various physical features that can help in identifying them or telling them apart. These features can also sometimes indicate the bird’s breed, age, or health. Some important physical features include:

1. Comb Type: The comb is the fleshy growth on top of a chicken’s head. Combs come in different shapes and sizes. Common comb types include:

   1. Single Comb: This is the most common type, standing upright with several points.
   2. Rose Comb: This comb is broad, flat, and covered with small bumps.
   3. Pea Comb: This comb is small, low, and has three ridges.

   The comb’s size and colour can also change with the bird’s age and health.

2. Ear Shape: The earlobes are small fleshy patches located just below the ears of chickens. Their shape and colour can vary. Some chickens have white earlobes, while others have red or bluish earlobes. The colour of the earlobe is often linked to the colour of the eggs the hen will lay (white earlobes usually mean white eggs, red earlobes usually mean brown eggs).

3. Shank Length: The shank is the part of the bird’s leg between the hock joint (knee-like joint) and the foot. The length of the shank varies among different breeds and types of poultry. For example, some breeds have longer shanks, while others have shorter ones. This feature can be used to distinguish between different types of birds.

4. Colour of Feathers: Poultry birds come in a wide range of feather colours and patterns. Some birds have solid colours like white, black, or brown, while others have mixed colours or intricate patterns. For instance, some broilers are typically white, while many layers can be brown or black. Turkeys often have dark, iridescent feathers.

Classifying Poultry Birds Based on Features

Classifying poultry birds means grouping them based on their shared physical features. This skill helps farmers and enthusiasts to identify different breeds or types of birds. For example, if a chicken has a large, upright single comb and white feathers, it might be a specific breed known for those features.

To classify birds based on features, observe the following:

1. Look at the comb: Is it a single comb, rose comb, or pea comb?
2. Check the earlobes: What colour and shape are they?
3. Observe the shank: Is it long or short?
4. Note the feather colour: Is it solid, mixed, or patterned?

By carefully observing these features, different poultry birds can be grouped and identified.

Making Pictorial Presentations of Different Birds

Making pictorial presentations helps to visually understand and remember the different types and features of poultry birds. This can be done by drawing, sketching, or collecting pictures of various birds.

The procedure for making a pictorial presentation involves the following steps:

1. Choose a Bird: Select a specific poultry bird, such as a broiler, a layer, or a turkey.
2. Gather Information: Find out its purpose and key physical features (comb type, ear shape, shank length, feather colour).
3. Find or Draw Pictures: Look for clear pictures of the chosen bird in magazines, books, or online. Alternatively, draw the bird yourself, paying attention to its unique features.
4. Label Features: On your drawing or collected picture, clearly label the comb, earlobe, shank, and feather colour. Also, write down its purpose (e.g., “Broiler – for meat”).
5. Organise: Arrange your pictures or drawings neatly on a poster board or in a notebook. You can group birds by purpose or by similar features.

This activity helps to reinforce your understanding of poultry bird identification and classification.