The handsome and robust Aseel chicken is known for being friendly with humans but aggressive toward other chickens, including other Aseels. The hens, although not especially prolific layers, are excellent broodies and fiercely protective mothers. This slow growing breed is especially flavorful when raised for meat. Aseel chickens are hardy, heat tolerant, and super active foragers.
What is an Aseel chicken?
Aseel chickens have an upright stance, square shanks, and short legs set wide apart. Their ears are red, and they have a pea comb and minimal wattles. They have well developed muscles, but their compactness and their short, hard, tight plumage makes them look much less heavy than they actually are.
What size is an Aseel chicken?
The standard weights are 4½ pounds for cockerels; 5½ pounds for roosters; 3 pounds for pullets; 4 pounds for hens. The upright height of Aseel chickens ranges from 18 to 24 inches.
Where do Aseel chickens come from?
They are an ancient game fowl breed originating from Indian, Pakistan, Bangladesh, and Sri Lank.
Why is this chicken called Aseel?
At one time the word Aseel applied to any game chicken. In Arabic, the name of this indigenous breed translates as “pure” or “thoroughbred.” In Hindi the translation is “high-born, high caste, pure, and original.” Alternative spellings include Asil and Azeel.
What are Aseel chickens known for?
- Ancient — They were first referred to in documents from 1280 B.C. or earlier.
- Cockfighting — Aseel chickens were originally bred as game fowl.
- Crowing — The rooster’s crow is short and loud.
- Brooding — The hens are outstanding at raising chicks.
- Meaty — Aseels are slow growing and produce flavorful meat.
- Affection — Aseels typically show affection toward humans.
- Attitude — Individuals are aggressive toward other chickens.
Does the APA approve Aseel chickens?
First exhibited in the United States at the Indiana State Fair in 1887, Aseel chickens were finally standardized by the American Poultry Association (APA) in 1981. The APA classifies them under All Other Standard Breeds (AOSB) in the Oriental group.
What color is an Aseel chicken?
They come in several color varieties, of which five are standard. Recognized by the APA in 1981 are black breasted red, dark, spangled, and white varieties. Wheaten was accepted into the American Standard of Perfection in 1996.
Aseel chickens offered by Cackle Hatchery®
Since 1996, Cackle Hatchery® Breeding Farms have selectively bred three varieties:
|
Variety |
Rooster Color |
Hen Color |
|
Red and black |
Brown and black |
|
|
Mostly glossy black |
Solid glossy black |
|
|
Orange, red, black |
Wheaten and black |
What are the pros and cons of keeping Aseel chickens?
Pros:
- Friendly toward humans
- Wonderful broody hens
- Flavorful meat
- Excellent foragers
- Predator wary
- Disease resistant
- Heat tolerant
Cons:
- Aggressive toward chickens
- Low to moderate egg production
- Slow growth rate
- Require plenty of space
- Resent confinement
Frequently Asked Questions
Are Aseel chickens rare?
Yes. Aseel chickens are quite rare. The Livestock Conservancy lists them as “critical,” meaning the global population is less than 1,000. The United States has fewer than 500 breeding birds, including five or fewer primary breeding flocks.
Are Aseel hens good layers?
Some Aseel hens lay better than others. An average hen lays about 40 small brown-shell eggs per year.
Are Aseel hens broody?
They may not be great layers, but they are excellent broodies and vigorously protective mothers. They can be highly aggressive when raising chicks.
Are Aseels good to raise for meat?
Yes. Although they are slow growing, they are compact and muscular. And the meat is rich and flavorful.
Are Aseel roosters aggressive?
Yes. They are highly territorial and aggressive toward one another and toward other chickens. They begin sparring as chicks. By the time they reach 3 months of age, if not housed separately, the roosters fight viciously. Even mature Aseel hens constantly fight among themselves.
Are Aseel chickens friendly?
Yes. Typically Aseel chickens are extremely friendly toward their keeper and other humans. The hens especially like attention, except when they’re raising chicks.
And that’s today’s news from the Cackle Coop.
Gail Damerow has raised chickens and various other poultry for more than 5 decades and has written several books about them, many available from the Cackle Bookstore.
