

The tightly wound feathers of the Dong Tao chicken give it the appearance of having a “lion’s mane”, adding to its distinction. These chickens can grow up to 3 feet tall, weigh between 6-10 lbs, and can have up to three cascading layers of feathers. They are prized for their meat, eggs, feathers, and even their unique characteristics and appearance. Uses of Dong Tao Chickenĭong Tao chickens are a rare Vietnamese chicken breed known for their extravagant feathers and dramatic size. There are currently three recognized varieties of the Dong Tao chicken, all of which have their own distinct characteristics. This type of chicken has disproportionately large and heavy legs that are covered with a colorful set of feathers of various hues.ĭue to their rather ungainly yet exotic look, they are sometimes referred to as the “ lobster chicken”. They are typically medium-sized, with a wingspan measuring around 24.4 inches.Īlthough their wings and tail feathers are noticeably smaller in comparison to other breeds, the real distinguishing feature of the Dong Tao chicken is its legs. In comparison to other breeds of chickens, Dong Tao chickens are quite unusual in both their appearance and varieties.Īppearance: Dong Tao chickens are characterized by their unique physique. The Dong Tao chicken, which translates to “money chicken” in Vietnamese, is a breed of chicken that is native to Vietnam. The average rooster stands about 85 cm (33 inches tall), while the hens stand at around 60 cm (24 inches tall).ĭong Tao chickens also feature a large, upright comb and wattles that are typically bright red in color. The breed is easily recognizable by its large feet and legs, which tend to stay upright with each step. These two breeds were selectively crossbred in Vietnam to create the Dong Tao chicken, which was then further developed in the country over several generations. The Dong Tao chicken breed is a hybrid of two ancestors, the Chinese Shanghai Chicken and the Burmese Shan Chicken.

They are also a popular food choice throughout Southeast Asia. Meat Flavorĭong Tao chickens are well known for their meaty flavor and low fat content, making them one of the best sources of lean protein. It is one of the most distinctive breeds of chicken in the world, distinguished by its large legs and feet, large comb, and unusual coloration. Dong Tao Chicken Characteristicsĭong Tao chicken is a unique breed of chicken of Vietnamese origin, native to Vietnam’s Dong Tao commune in Vinh Phu province. They are well known for their mouth-watering meat, and have become one of the most sought after dishes throughout the country. It is commonly raised by many farmers in Vietnam, especially those from the hilly region of Sapa. Today, Dong Tao chickens have become quite popular not only domestically, but internationally as well. This bird is cultivated primarily for its distinct flavor and incomparable meat, both simple yet surprisingly rich. The breed had been a local secret for many years, until the late 1990s when it started to gain popularity.įarmers began to take pride in raising the bird due to its obvious uniqueness, and soon it began to be accepted as a local breed in the north. The breed is believed to have originated from the cross-breeding of native chickens and a specialized breed of Thai birds. This striking bird is known for its peculiar appearance, being both much larger than a normal chicken. This breed originates from the Dong Tao region in Northern Vietnam. Quick Facts about Dong Tao Chickens OriginĪ Dong Tao Chicken Origins This is because of the density and texture of their meat, and they are usually simmered in spicy chili pepper sauce.ĭong Tao chickens make excellent crêpes, and they are also known for their excellent stewed soups. In terms of cooking techniques, Dong T have an advantage in that they do not take much time to cook. Over time, the breed has spread out to other parts of Vietnam and is a popular choice in many local restaurants.

Unlike other breeds, Dong Tao chickens have flesh that is incredibly dense and meaty, making them perfect for slow, stew-like dishes. Originally created by Nguyen Huu Canh, the last Vietnamese king, Dong Tao chickens were used for royal feasts. These features make them highly sought after for local cuisines. Pros and Cons of keeping a Dong Tao Chickenĭong Tao chickens have white feathers, an orange crest of feathers atop their heads, and legs that are densely covered with scales.Are Dong Tao Chicken Good for backyard Farming?.
