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The Phoenix breed was created in Europe by combining strains of the Japanese Onagadori with more commonly available birds, Leghorns, Dutch, and various games were most commonly used. There are three recognised colors by the APA: Silver, Golden, and Black-Breasted Red, although breeders have developed many additional colors.
A Phoenix is a long-tailed bird that will molt every 1-2 years. Their tails typically reach 2-3 feet in length, with longer lengths possible only from a few select breeders. They should have a full curtain of saddle feathers and it is desirable that they touch or reach the ground. They are not to be confused with their distant ancestors, the Onagadori, who are non-molting longtail birds who have tails exceeding 12 feet in length. There are no Onagadori currently in the US, although there are some birds of partial heritage. The Phoenix should have a pheasant-like appearance, white earlobes, a single comb, and slate colored legs. The tail should be carried horizontally in roosters and slightly higher in hens. Phoenix hens are good layers of small to medium sized eggs, and go broody frequently. They are an active bird with excellent flight skills, and can make a great free range bird if given proper shelter and escape routes from predators. Keeping a Phoenix in a small coop is not recommended for best tail growth, as the tail will be stepped upon by coop-mates and ruined by frequent contact with feces and dirt. Large coops with runs that are cleaned regularly are great options for these birds. Covered, or elevated waterers, and a fully sheltered pen are a must if tail length is important to you, as are deep bedding in the pens. Otherwise, their care is no different than that of any other chicken breed.
Details:
Detail Value
Breed Purpose Ornamental
Comb Single
Broodiness Average
Climate Tolerance Heat
Egg Productivity Low
Egg Size Small
Egg Color White
Breed Colors/Varieties Silver, Silver Duckwing, Golden, Golden Duckwing, Black, White, Black-Breasted Red, Golden, Black, Blue, Gold Duckwing, others.
Breed Size Large Fowl
APA/ABA Class Single Comb Clean Leg
Pic by @ella
Pic by @ScratchesWithChickens
Pic by @Vcomb
Pic by @Vcomb
BYC Breed Reviews:
https://www.backyardchickens.com/products/phoenix
BYC Breed Discussions:
https://www.backyardchickens.com/t/701041/phoenix-thread/0_30
https://www.backyardchickens.com/t/273550/post-phoenix-pics-please/0_30
Do you own Phoenix? Are you a Phoenix breeder? If so, please reply to this thread with the your thoughts and experiences, including:
· What made you decide to get this breed?
· Do you own them for fun? Breeding? Some other purpose?
· What are your favorite characteristics about this breed?
· Post some pics of your birds; male/female, chicks, eggs, etc!
We have a bunch of other awesome breed-focus threads for you to enjoy. You can see all of them here: https://www.backyardchickens.com/threads/chicken-breed-focus-project.975504/
A Phoenix is a long-tailed bird that will molt every 1-2 years. Their tails typically reach 2-3 feet in length, with longer lengths possible only from a few select breeders. They should have a full curtain of saddle feathers and it is desirable that they touch or reach the ground. They are not to be confused with their distant ancestors, the Onagadori, who are non-molting longtail birds who have tails exceeding 12 feet in length. There are no Onagadori currently in the US, although there are some birds of partial heritage. The Phoenix should have a pheasant-like appearance, white earlobes, a single comb, and slate colored legs. The tail should be carried horizontally in roosters and slightly higher in hens. Phoenix hens are good layers of small to medium sized eggs, and go broody frequently. They are an active bird with excellent flight skills, and can make a great free range bird if given proper shelter and escape routes from predators. Keeping a Phoenix in a small coop is not recommended for best tail growth, as the tail will be stepped upon by coop-mates and ruined by frequent contact with feces and dirt. Large coops with runs that are cleaned regularly are great options for these birds. Covered, or elevated waterers, and a fully sheltered pen are a must if tail length is important to you, as are deep bedding in the pens. Otherwise, their care is no different than that of any other chicken breed.
Details:
Detail Value
Breed Purpose Ornamental
Comb Single
Broodiness Average
Climate Tolerance Heat
Egg Productivity Low
Egg Size Small
Egg Color White
Breed Colors/Varieties Silver, Silver Duckwing, Golden, Golden Duckwing, Black, White, Black-Breasted Red, Golden, Black, Blue, Gold Duckwing, others.
Breed Size Large Fowl
APA/ABA Class Single Comb Clean Leg
Pic by @ella
Pic by @ScratchesWithChickens
Pic by @Vcomb
Pic by @Vcomb
BYC Breed Reviews:
https://www.backyardchickens.com/products/phoenix
BYC Breed Discussions:
https://www.backyardchickens.com/t/701041/phoenix-thread/0_30
https://www.backyardchickens.com/t/273550/post-phoenix-pics-please/0_30
Do you own Phoenix? Are you a Phoenix breeder? If so, please reply to this thread with the your thoughts and experiences, including:
· What made you decide to get this breed?
· Do you own them for fun? Breeding? Some other purpose?
· What are your favorite characteristics about this breed?
· Post some pics of your birds; male/female, chicks, eggs, etc!
We have a bunch of other awesome breed-focus threads for you to enjoy. You can see all of them here: https://www.backyardchickens.com/threads/chicken-breed-focus-project.975504/
Last edited by a moderator:
I loved caring for them very much! Mine were extremely friendly. 
