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Langshans

Langshans are the smallest and most active of the Asiatic class. They are practical in more senses than one, and their prolific laying and other excellent qualities make them profitable for the farmer and market poultryman.

They consitute one of the oldest breeds of poultry and have always been held in popular esteem.

Functionality

Langshans have white flesh and dark legs, while the others are yellow-skinned and yellow-legged.

The quality of the flesh of the Langshans is excellent, being fine grained, tender, and nicely flavored.

Black Langshans

As layers they rank among the best, averaging from twelve to thirteen dozen a year, and as winter layers they are to be recommended.

The chicks are hardy and mature early. Langshans are good sitters and mothers, being of gentle disposition; they are easily kept, either in confinement or on the free range. Being excellent foragers, they are ideal fowls for the farm, and will gather during the year a considerable proportion of their food.

Description

The shape of the Langshan is distinct from that of the Brahma or Cochin, and should not be confused with either of the last named breeds. Fig. 16 shows the accepted contour of the Langshans, and a comparison with the birds in fig. 9 and 11 shows at a glance the characteristics of the Langshan as compared with other Asiatics.

Light Brahmas
Buff Cochins

The Langshan is a stylish, medium-sized bird, not overgrown or gawky in appearance, of active nature, and lively disposition. Many confuse the Black Langshan with the Black Cochin. This need not be, as the following comparison between the two varieties shows: The black Cochin is square in shape, with heavy-looking neck and legs, plenty of fluff and leg feathering, cushion rising from middle of back of to tail, tail short, small, and almost concealed by cushion; neck, breast, cushion, and tail all represented by convex lines.

Langshan head, small for size of body, comb medium-sized, well up in front, and arch shaped; Cochin head larger than that of the Langshan and not so arched over the eye; comb smaller, low in front, and almost straight on top of serrations.

Langshan back, short and concave; that of the Cochin, medium length, slightly convex, and large convex cushion. Langshan fluff, moderate and close; that of the Cochin extremely full and loose. Langshan wings somewhat large and inclined downward, quite prominent at shoulders; the Cochin wings smaller and almost hidden by the fluffy plumage of cushion and fluff.

Langshan breast full, deep, and carried well forward; Cochin breast not so full and deep, but broader. Langshan legs medium in length, small bone, long tapering toes, color of shank, bluish black showing pink between scales, which are nearly black; Cochin legs shorter, stouter, larger bone, toes shorter and stouter, color of shanks black or yellowish-black.

There are two varieties of Langshans -- the Black and the White.

The Black in plumage of neck, back, saddle, sickles, a glossy metallic black, with greenish sheen; breast, primaries, secondaries, tail, fluff, shank, and toes feathers, black. The undercoat is black or dark slate.

The White Langshan is pure white throughout.

Characteristics

The standard weight of the Langshans are:

  • Cocks, 10 pounds,
  • Hens, 7 pounds
  • Cockerels, 8 pounds
  • Pullets, 6 pounds