Dong Tao – A Rare Breed of Chicken in Vietnam

[dongtao]

Dong Tao chickens, better known as "Dragon Chickens" are native to Dong Tao Commune in Khoai Chau District. This is a special kind of chicken that looks horribly deformed but they are among the world's most expensive poultry as their huge thighs are a delicacy in Vietnam.

It is very difficult to breed this rare species because they are extremely sensitive to changes of temperature and weather and tend to lay fewer eggs than common chickens. Their huge legs and feet also make the hatching process more difficult, so more attention is needed from farmers to produce chicks.

 

[casportpony]

Welcome to BYC!

 

[AllenK RGV]

Welcome to BYC, wow that is a new breed to me. Thanks for the information.

 

[BantyChooks]

Welcome to BYC! Is there any chance you have pictures of this breed as a chick? That is something I've long been curious about.

 

[dongtao]

Welcome to BYC! Is there any chance you have pictures of this breed as a chick? That is something I've long been curious about.

chicks

 

[BantyChooks]

chicks

Thank you! They look like little dinosaurs.

 

[Flufferes]

Dong Tao chickens, better known as "Dragon Chickens" are native to Dong Tao Commune in Khoai Chau District. This is a special kind of chicken that looks horribly deformed but they are among the world's most expensive poultry as their huge thighs are a delicacy in Vietnam.

It is very difficult to breed this rare species because they are extremely sensitive to changes of temperature and weather and tend to lay fewer eggs than common chickens. Their huge legs and feet also make the hatching process more difficult, so more attention is needed from farmers to produce chicks.

I love looking at different chicken breeds. I've seen these before, such interesting birds. I dont know much about them, though. Welcome to BYC!

 

[Beer can]

I think they are the coolest chickens ever.

 

[exoticpoultry]

Dong Tao chickens, better known as "Dragon Chickens" are native to Dong Tao Commune in Khoai Chau District. This is a special kind of chicken that looks horribly deformed but they are among the world's most expensive poultry as their huge thighs are a delicacy in Vietnam.

It is very difficult to breed this rare species because they are extremely sensitive to changes of temperature and weather and tend to lay fewer eggs than common chickens. Their huge legs and feet also make the hatching process more difficult, so more attention is needed from farmers to produce chicks.

Do you raise these birds ?

 

[dongtao]

Do you raise these birds ?

Yes of course, we have a small farm to raise this breed.
A pair of chickens have price up to $2,500 (pure). Once reserved for royalty and ritual offerings, the rare breed is now prized by chicken breeders and its meat is served in exclusive restaurants that cater to the wealthy.