Stara Zagora Red
Breed of chicken
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The Stara Zagora Red (Bulgarian: Старозагорска червена кокошка, Starozagorska chervena kokoshka) is a Bulgarian breed of domestic chicken from the oblast of Stara Zagora, in the central-southern part of the country. In the mid-20th century local chickens of Stara Zagora were crossed with Rhode Island Red chickens.[1][3]
History
The Stara Zagora Red breed was created in about 1970 by cross-breeding local hens of the region, of various colours, with Rhode Island Red cocks.[2][4] The red colour became fully established after the second generation. The initial results were published in 1969.[4]
Nowadays it is considered to be a rare breed. Its conservation status was listed as "critical" by the SAVE Foundation in 2009.[1] It is kept by Bulgarian Poultry Institute in Stara Zagora and a few Bulgarian breeders, members of the Bulgarian Poultry Breeders Association.[citation needed] In 2013 the total number for the breed reported to DAD-IS was 360.[2]
Characteristics
The Stara Zagora Red is a medium-built bird with bright red feathering, a broad straight back, full breast and well-developed wattles and comb.[4] Cocks weigh about 3–3.5 kg and hens 2.3–2.5 kg. Hens start laying at about 165 days, and lay 215–220 brown eggs per year, with a weight of 55–60 g.[1][2]