Standard
Varieties of Chickens:
Langshans
Langshans are the smallest and most active of the
Asiatic class. They are a practical fowl in more
senses than one, and their prolific laying and
excellent qualities make them a profitable fowl for
the farmer and market poultryman. They are one of
the oldest varieties of poultry and have always been
held in popular esteem. The shape of Langshans is
distinct from that of the Brahma or Cochin, and
should not be confused with either of the last-named
varieties. Fig. 16 shows the accepted contour of the
Langshan, and a comparison with those shown on
figs. 9 and 11 shows at a glance the characteristics
of the Langshan as compared with the other
Asiatics. Langshans have white flesh and dark legs,
while the others are yellow skinned and yellow
legged. The quality of the flesh of the Langshan is
excellent, being fine grained, tender, and nicely
flavored. As layers they rank among the best,
averaging from twelve to thirteen dozen a year, and
as winter layers they are to be recommended. The
chicks are hardy and mature early. Langshans are
good sitters and mothers, being of gentle
disposition; they are easily kept in confinement or
on free range. Being excellent foragers, they are
ideal fowls for the farm, and will gather during the
year a considerable proportion of their food.
The Langshan is a stylish, medium sized bird, not
overgrown or gawky in appearance, of active nature,
and lively disposition. Many confound the Black
Langshan with the Black Cochin. This need not be, as
the following comparison between the two varieties
shows: The Black Cochin is square in shape, with
heavy-looking neck and legs, plenty of fluff and leg
feathering, cushion rising from middle of back to
tail, tail short, small and almost concealed by
cushion; neck, breast, cushion, and tail all
represented by convex lines. Langshan head, small
for size of body, comb medium sized, well up in
front, and arch shaped; Cochin head larger than that
of the Langshan and not so arched over the eye; comb
smaller, low in front and almost straight on top of
serrations. Langshan back, short and concave; that
of the Cochin, medium length, slightly convex, and
large convex cushion. Langshan fluff, moderate and
close; that of the Cochin extremely full and
loose. Langshan wings somewhat large and inclined
downward, quite prominent at shoulders; the Cochin
wings smaller and almost hidden by the fluffy
plumage of cushion and fluff. Langshan breast full,
deep, and carried well forward; Cochin breast not so
full and deep, but broader. Langshan legs medium in
length, small bone, long tapering toes, color of
shank, bluish black showing pink between scales,
which are nearly black; Cochin legs shorter,
stouter, larger bone, toes shorter and stouter,
color of shanks black or yellowish black.
There are two varieties of Langshans - the Black
and the White. The Black in plumage of neck, back,
saddle, sickles, a glossy metallic black, with
greenish sheen; breast, primaries, secondaries, tail
fluff, shank, and toe feathers, black. The under
color is black or dark slate. The White Langshan is
pure white throughout.
The standard weight of cocks for both varieties is
10 pounds (4.5 kg); hens, 7 pounds (3.2 kg);
cockerels, 8 pounds (3.6 kg); and pullets, 6 pounds
(2.7 kg).
FOR
FURTHER READING...
The first two images come from the Oklahoma State
University Department of Animal Science's Poultry
Breeds pages. The third and fourth images are
from the FeatherSite, "an on-line zoological garden of domestic poultry".
The Langshan
page at Oklahoma and the Langshans
page at FeatherSite contain further information
about this breed's
history and more images of these fowl. Clicking on
each image takes you to the page specifically about
that particular variety.
Image Credits
(from left to right):
Copyright © 1996, Oklahoma State University
Board of Regents;
Copyright © 1996, Oklahoma State University
Board of Regents;
Courtesy of Donna West;
Courtesy of Mark Davis
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