3. Good Organic Gardening - May-June 2016 AvxHome.in

FEATHERED FRIENDS | Australian Langshan
record-breaking layer while the Langshan
faded into obscurity. But exhibitors kept the
Langshan going and the quiet life obviously
suited this breed as, while the name has
changed from Chinese to Australian
Langshan, its docile nature, adaptability and
economic feed intake are still strong features.
Easy-care bird
Don’t expect the ingratiating behaviour
common with ISA hens — Langshans are
docile and friendly but standard birds are a
little standoffish. Bantams are not; they’re more
outgoing and boisterous. Owners adore them.
All this means the birds readily accept
different styles of housing and management.
They also get on well with other breeds and
are not known for bullying or being bullied.
Roosters are good-natured; feisty or
roguish behaviour is unknown. They’re just
easy-going fellows.
There are two issues that need considering
with Langshan. The first is their leg and foot
feathering. Fortunately, it’s sparse, so you
don’t have problems with wet, muddy feathers
as with Pekins, Silkies, Belgian d’Uccle or
Faverolles. But scaly leg mite delight in hiding
under leg/foot feathers, so it makes sense to
check monthly. Regular application of cooking
oil will soon smother the mites if present.
Heat can stress these black-plumaged
fowls, so extra summer care is recommended.
Good layers will be juggling daily egg lay with
coping with heat, so don’t be surprised if your
Langshans go into a partial moult — it’s their
way of coping.
Recognising a
Langshan
Not every black-plumaged bird with leg
feathering will be an Australian Langshan and
there are other colours the breed comes in,
but black is most common. White and blue
varieties are growing in popularity.
You notice the elegance of the breed at
first glance: they are medium-sized, appear
fine boned and have glossy, neat, close-fitting
plumage. Breeders say their body shape is
reminiscent of the map of Tasmania. In other
words, the head is carried high and the small
tail rises to an angle of not more than 35
degrees, with discreet curved sickle feathers.
The black plumage is tinged with a brilliant
green lustre.
Comb and wattles are medium-sized and
a beautiful cherry red, as is bare skin on the
face. Dark-brown eyes stand out and are
complemented by the dark shading on the
beak. Legs and feet are blue-black, but the
soles of the feet must be pink-white, deep
pink being ideal.
Breeders say their body shape
resembles the map of Tasmania
Langshan eggs are strong-shelled
Utility traits
Eggs are large, strong shelled and beige or
tinted in colour. The shells are usually still
strong even at the end of seasonal laying.
A good pullet will produce more than 300 eggs
the first season.
Spare cockerels can be used for the table but
weight wise you have a bird roughly as heavy
as a Leghorn, so you may need two birds for a
family meal.
Have I sold this lovely bird to you? Perhaps
I don’t need to. Track down a couple and test
them. You are sure to want more.
For further information, contact the
Langshan Club of Australia Inc on
(02) 6372 1640.
... the birds readily
accept different
styles of housing and
management. They
also get on well with
other breeds and are
not known for bullying
or being bullied.
68 | Good Organic Gardening