Minqing Booted

Minqing Booted is a Chinese local chicken from Minqing County in Fujian Province, with the translated name referring to feathering on the shanks and feet. It is part of China's broad group of indigenous village chickens, many of which are valued as regional genetic resources as well as farm poultry. Compared with smooth-legged utility chickens, the booted feet are the obvious identifying trait, while body size, plumage color, and production level may vary by line. The breed is not widely distributed internationally.

In its home region, birds have been kept in smallholder systems for meat, eggs, and household breeding rather than intensive commercial output. Feathered feet need dry litter and clean ground, especially in humid weather, because mud can mat the feathers and irritate the skin. Conservation or research flocks should select for the booted trait along with fertility and local adaptation, not only for appearance. Outside China, anyone seeking stock should expect limited availability and should follow applicable poultry import and health rules.

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