Onagadori
Tail feathers grow over 20 feet long.
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Onagadori are stunning ornamental birds known for their extraordinary tail feathers, which can grow over 20 feet long. They have a slender build, long necks, and a graceful posture. Their plumage is typically varied, showcasing rich colors like black, white, and gold. These birds are gentle in temperament, making them suitable for backyard settings where they can be admired.
History
The Onagadori originates from Japan, specifically the Shimane Prefecture, and has been celebrated for centuries for its impressive tails. They were developed during the Edo period and became popular among samurai and nobility as symbols of beauty and status. The breed spread gradually in Japan, and efforts have been made to preserve it due to its unique characteristics.
Care tips
Onagadori require ample space to accommodate their long tail feathers, ideally a larger coop and run. They are hardy birds but benefit from protection against extreme weather conditions. Regular grooming is essential to prevent feather damage, and they may show broodiness at times, so monitoring for nesting behavior is advised.
Color varieties
Fun facts
- Onagadori was designated a national treasure in Japan, reflecting its cultural significance.
- Their tail feathers can take years to reach full length, requiring careful management.
- These birds are relatively quiet compared to other breeds, making them great for urban settings.
- Onagadori have a distinctive waddling gait due to their long tails, adding to their charm.
Understanding the Onagadori
The Onagadori is a long-tailed chicken from Japan, from the Kochi area on the island of Shikoku. It is famous for roosters with tails that can grow to extreme lengths, many feet long in the best birds. Japan designated the Onagadori a Special Natural Monument in the 1950s, which gives it legal protection there.
Why the tail keeps growing
Most chickens molt all their feathers once a year. In the Onagadori, some tail and saddle feathers do not molt every year, so they keep growing year after year. That is what lets the tails get so long.
Special housing
In Japan, top birds are kept in tall, narrow boxes that protect the tail, and they are let out carefully on a schedule. A bird with a long tail cannot live like a normal backyard chicken. Mud, roosts and other birds would break or soil the feathers. If you keep long-tailed birds, plan on high perches, clean dry housing and very little crowding.
Hens and eggs
Hens have much shorter tails. They lay small cream or tinted eggs and are not kept for production.
Rarity outside Japan
True Onagadori are very rare outside Japan, and export has been restricted. Many birds sold in the US as Onagadori are actually Phoenix or crosses. If someone sells you an Onagadori, ask about the source and whether the tail feathers truly skip the molt. The Phoenix and Yokohama are long-tailed breeds developed from Japanese birds, and they are much easier to find.
Common questions about Onagadori
How long can an Onagadori tail grow?
In the best birds, many feet, since some tail feathers do not molt every year.
Are Onagadori and Phoenix the same?
No. The Phoenix was developed from Japanese long-tails, but its tail molts each year.
Can you buy Onagadori in the US?
True ones are very rare. Ask the seller about the source.
