Introducing the Minohiki!

This video, titled "Minohiki (Protected Species) - An Ornamental Chicken in Danger of Extinction" (蓑曳鶏（みのひきどり 国指定天然記念物 ）～絶滅危機の観賞用ニワトリ～), introduces the Minohiki, a chicken bred for its beauty. The video was released by "Toyohashi Dot Television."

The minohiki is characterized by its beautiful feathers, called minoge (saddle feathers), which grow from the center of its body.
The origin of the name minohiki comes from the fact that the minoge grows to the point of dragging it on it on the ground (hiki meaning pull in Japanese).
In this article, we'll introduce the minohiki in detail along with the video.

What Kind of Chicken Is the Minohiki?

Source :YouTube screenshot

The Minohiki is a type of Japanese chicken that is said to have been bred during the mid Edo period (1700-1800s).
It's a medium-sized pheasant, and is thought to be a cross between the long-tailed chicken, the shokoku chicken of China, and the game fowl of Thailand and is similar in build to the long-tailed chicken.
It weighs approximately 2 kg. As shown at 1:35 in the video, the minohiki lays its eggs in the spring.

There are several species of minohiki, including the Akazasa, Shojo, Shirafuji, Shiro, and Goshiki.
Because the minohiki shed their feathers after summer, the best time to admire them is from spring to June.
You can see a beautiful white minohiki at 2:24 in the video.

On the Brink of Extinction?

Source :YouTube screenshot

The minohiki, a native Japanese species, was designated a protected species in 1940 (Showa 15).
During the Showa Period (1926-1989), more than 1,500 chickens are said to have lived in the Mikawa region of Aichi Prefecture and the Enshu region of Shizuoka Prefecture.

However, the number of bird lovers has declined and they are now on the verge of extinction.
The Minohiki is difficult to raise individually, but you can see them at zoos and other places.

Summary of the Minohiki

Source :YouTube screenshot

If you're interested in seeing the minohiki up close, consider dropping by
The Toyama Family Park. The park currently raises minohiki.

Japan is also home to many other unique types of chickens, such as Chabo (Japanese bantam), Shamo (game fowl), and Cochin.
When you go to the zoo in Japan, be sure to keep an eye out for a variety of chicken species.