Hetian Black
Hetian black is a dark-plumaged form or line associated with Hetian chickens from Xinjiang. The name points to black coloration as the distinguishing feature, but the bird should still be understood within the regional Hetian poultry context. Dark feathers can be useful for identification, marketing, and breeding selection, yet they do not by themselves define the whole value of the line. The better description is a black local chicken connected to oasis and smallholder poultry traditions in western China.
Keepers should manage Hetian black chickens for both color consistency and practical soundness. Birds need the same basic support as other landrace chickens: safe roosts, clean water, adequate feed, and disease prevention. Breeders should avoid selecting only the darkest birds if that sacrifices fertility, growth, or resilience. When stock is scarce, maintaining unrelated families and documenting parentage can help protect the line from bottlenecks.
Colors: Barred, Birchen, Black, Blue, Brown, Buff, Columbian, Crele, Cuckoo, Duckwing, Gold, Gold Laced, Laced, Lavender, Mille Fleur, Mottled, Partridge, Penciled, Porcelain, Red, Silver, Silver Laced, Spangled, Splash, Wheaten, White
