Kalahandi

Native tract

Widely distributed in Bhawanipatna, Khariar and Nawapara subdivisions of Kalahandi district of Odisha.

Characteristics

• Birds are alert, active and vary from small to medium in size with well-proportioned body.
• Plumage colour differs on the 3 different varieties:
  -Brown or Khairi
  -Black or Kabri
  -Barred or Chitri.
• Average Body length:
  -Male: 70 cm
  -Female: 55 cm.
• Height:
  -Male: 69 to 78 cm
  -Female: 51 to 64 cm.
• Single comb with 5 serrations is very common.
• Wattles are fairly large and well-rounded and red in colour.
• Head is small to medium in size.
• Eyes are medium sized, usually gray or black in colour.
• Standard Weight:
  -Cock: 2 to 3 kgs
  -Hen: 1.3 to 1.7 kgs.
• Egg laying age: 5 to 6 months.
• Average annual egg production: 100 to 150 eggs.
• Egg shell colour: White

Cultural / Economic Significance

The birds are raised in the backyard in the smallholder production system. Flock size varies from 8 to 100 birds. It is a dual purpose bird for production of both eggs and meat. About 50% of the eggs are for consumption and the remaining for hatching.
The birds are well adapted to their environment and capable of protecting themselves from predators.