Asil Chicken – Characteristics, Origin, Weight, Price

Asil chicken (also spelled Aseel or Asli) is an ancient breed of chicken from India. They are originally kept for cockfighting, but nowadays these birds are also kept for ornamental purposes. They are gaining popularity throughout the world rapidly.

Asil chickens were brought to Europe around 1750. They are considered as the strongest game bird in the world. They are very smart, strongly muscled and they contributed to the modern Cornish (broiler) breed.

Sometimes Asil chickens are friendly when they are kept apart from other roosters. But you should not keep many roosters together, because they will fight until death.

Hens can sometimes be kept together but have to be watched closely in case of fighting. They are friendly, very tame and trusting towards humans.

Asil chicken breed entered the American Poultry Association’s Standard of Perfection in 1981. Asil hens are not among the good layers, but they are excellent sitters and mothers.

Popularity of this chicken is increasing gradually throughout the world. It is mainly popular as pets, but also popular as show bird and also used for exhibition purpose. It is a very old breed and was very popular for cockfighting in the past.

Asil chickens have compact, and extremely muscular body which is held in a distinctive upright position. And they are much heavier than they appear. They are so pugnacious that the hens will often fight each other for hours.

Even the little chicks have been seen sparing each other and chicks of other breeds (sometimes to the point of wounding them). However, read origin, physical characteristics, behavior, varieties, uses and other information related to this breed below.

Origin and History

Asil is a beautiful chicken that has a long and interesting history. The breed is believed to have originated in India, specifically in the region of Punjab. It is thought to be one of the oldest chicken breeds in the world, with a history that can be traced back several thousand years.

This chicken breed was developed for its fighting ability and was bred to be strong, aggressive, and fierce. The breed was highly valued by the Indian aristocracy for its fighting prowess and was often used in ceremonial fights and other events. They were also used for meat and eggs, but their primary value was as a fighting bird.

Characteristics

Asil chickens have wide and very beautiful chest. Their body structure is very good and they become very strong. Legs and neck of these chickens are very long compared to other common chicken breeds.

Both roosters and hens have short and hard feathers which are held tightly to their body. They have a meaty carcass and they are especially noted for having a large heart as compared to their body size. They also have short intestines as compared to some other common chicken breeds.

There are many varieties of Asil chickens are available. Depending on the variety, the color of feathers can be black, red or mixed. They have a small pea comb.

Most of the Asil varieties are big in size and very hardy. Diseases are pretty less. On an average an adult Asil rooster weights about 3kg – 4kg, and an adult hen can weight about 2.5kg – 3kg.

asil chicken, asil chickens, aseel chicken, aseel chickens, asil chicken characteristics, asil chicken behavior, asil chicken temperament

Temperament

Asil chickens are known for their aggressive temperament. That’s why they have been bred for fighting purposes for centuries. They are highly territorial and can be fiercely protective of their owners. However, they are also known to be loyal and affectionate with their owners, and can form strong bonds with them.

Behavior

Asil hens are seasonal layers and lay a few eggs. But they are excellent mothers. Hens become broody and make excellent sitters and protective mothers.

Asil chicks take more time to be mature and they will often fight with other chicks from a very early age. So, it will be wise to keep them separate.

Otherwise they will fight to the death if given the chance. Asil chickens require more space to grow perfectly compared to other chicken breeds.

Despite being a fighting bird, these birds are very friendly towards humans and can be tamed very easily. These chickens do not do well in a cold climate and they usually prefer dry conditions..

Housing Requirements

When it comes to their housing requirement, there are several key factors to consider, including their size, temperament, and need for protection from the elements.

Asil chickens are larger than many other breeds of chicken, and they need plenty of space to move around and exercise. They also require a high level of security, as they are highly territorial and can become aggressive if they feel threatened. You should keep your Asil chickens in a secure coop or pen, and ensure at least 6-8 square feet space per bird.

Install good ventilation system and try to provide some good bedding materials. And don’t forget to clean the house on a regular basis.

Dietary Requirements

Feeding the Asil chickens properly is the most important part of their care. Good food helps to maintain their good health. They have unique dietary needs that differ from other breeds of chickens. And it is important to understand these needs in order to keep them healthy:

Their food should contain at least 18-20% protein. You can also supplement their diet with high protein foods such as soybeans, mealworms, and crickets.

These chickens also need a variety of vitamins and minerals for staying healthy. A balanced diet is recommended for them that includes a variety of fresh fruits and vegetables, as well as a mineral supplement. You can also provide your chickens with access to a grit supplement, which helps them digest their food properly.

Along with good and nutritious food, fresh and clean water is essential for Asil chickens. They need access to water at all times. And try to change their water frequently to prevent the build-up of bacteria and other harmful substances.

Reproduction/Breeding

Like many other breeds, the Asil chickens are naturally very good breeders. They will breed easily if you keep a good ratio of hens and roosters in your flock.

Caring

Taking good care of these chickens is very important. Asil is a very strong and hardy chicken breed and it requires special caring. Try to provide them with a good shelter, feed them nutritious food, and monitor their health on a regular basis.

Uses

Asil chickens were used for cockfighting purpose in the ancient time. But now they are raised mainly as pets or as a hobby or just for ornamental purpose. They are valued for their ornamental beauty, flavorful meat and unique genetics.

These chickens are very good for very high quality meat production (although, their growth rate is very slow). The Asil hens are not among the very good layers, but they sit well. Generally, a hen lay about 70 eggs per year.

Popularity and Price

Asil is a very popular chicken breed in many countries around the world. Today, they are raised mainly as pets or as a hobby or just for ornamental purpose.

Exact price of these chickens may vary from place to place. But these birds are generally sold for $10 to $100. And price of the exhibition rooster can go up to few hundred dollars. A good English fighter rooster may cost anywhere from $50 to $100, whereas the price of a show or exhibition rooster may go up to $800.

Lifespan

Average lifespan of an Asil chicken is around 10 years.

Cultural and Historical Significance

Asil chickens have a long and rich history, and they are an important cultural symbol in many parts of the world. They have been used in many traditional cultural events, religious ceremonies, and even in certain types of artwork. In some regions, these chickens are considered to be a national treasure and are protected by law.

Breed NameAsil
Other NameAlso spelled as Aseel or Asli
Breed PurposeOrnamental
Breed TemperamentAggressive, Friendly Towards Humans, Bears Confinement well, Easily Handled, Quite, Docile, Hens are Very Good and Protective Mothers
Breed SizeLarge Fowl
BroodinessFrequent
CombPea Comb
Climate ToleranceAll Climates
Egg ColorLight Brown
Egg SizeMedium
Egg ProductivityVery Low
Feathered LegsNo
RarityPure Breed Asil Chickens are Rare
VarietiesBlack, Black Breasted Red, Blue Breasted Red, Dark, Duckwing, Spangled and White
Country of OriginIndia

Pros and Cons

Like many other chicken breeds, Asil Chickens also have some pros and cons. Here are some pros and cons of this breed:

Pros

  • Beautiful game birds
  • Very friendly towards humans
  • Hens are good sitters and excellent protective mothers
  • Very intelligent
  • Very hardy
  • Roosters are very strong and protect the hens

Cons

  • Aggressive
  • Will fight to death when many hens or roosters are kept together
  • Generally take long time to be mature
  • Asil hens are not good layers

Is Asil Chicken Good for You?

Yes, Asil chickens are good for you if you…….

  • Want to have some beautiful birds.
  • Are willing to raise some game birds.
  • Want to have a few chickens as pets.
  • Are looking for some intelligent and hardy chickens.
  • Need some chickens which are friendly towards humans.
  • Are looking for some protective mothers who can take care of the chicks perfectly.
  • Want to enhance the beauty of your backyard by keeping some beautiful chickens.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

There are lots of questions and queries related to Asil chickens. Here we are trying to list the common questions about this beautiful chicken breed and trying to answer them. Hope you will find answers of your questions. But if not, don’t hesitate to ask.

What is an Asil chicken?

An Asil chicken, also known as Aseel or Asli, is a breed of gamefowl that has been bred for centuries for their fighting abilities. They have a unique appearance, with a small triple-comb and a large, broad head. These chickens are highly valued for their physical characteristics, unique personality, and cultural significance.

What are the physical characteristics of Asil chickens?

These chickens are known for their muscular build, strong legs, and powerful wings. They have a unique appearance, with a small, triple-comb and a large, broad head. Their plumage can come in a variety of colors, including black, white, red, and grey.

What is the temperament of Asil chickens?

Asil chickens have a unique and distinct personality, with a strong sense of independence and a tendency to be aggressive towards other chickens. They are highly intelligent and can be trained to recognize their owners and respond to commands.

How do you care for Asil chickens?

Asil chickens require proper housing, feeding, and care to stay healthy and happy. They should be kept in a clean, dry, and well-ventilated coop with plenty of space to move around.

They should also be fed a balanced diet of high-quality feed and fresh water, with occasional treats like fruits and vegetables. Regular health check-ups and proper hygiene practices are also important for their well-being.

What is the purpose of Asil chickens?

These chickens were originally bred for their fighting abilities, but are now primarily used for ornamental purposes or for their meat. They are also highly valued for their genetics and are often used as a base for crossbreeding with other breeds.

Are Asil chickens endangered?

No, these chickens are not currently considered an endangered breed, but their populations may be threatened in certain areas due to habitat loss, disease, or other factors.

What is the history of Asil chickens?

Asil chickens have a long and rich history, with their origins dating back over 2,000 years to the Indus Valley civilization in present-day Pakistan and India.

They were highly prized for their fighting abilities and were considered a symbol of power and wealth.

Today, they are still considered a national treasure in many countries and have played an important role in many cultures and traditions around the world.

How to identify Asil chicken?

It’s actually very easy to identify an Asil chicken. These chickens have a long slender face that is not covered with a feather, their eyes are compact, neck is long, their tail is small, and their legs are straight and very strong.

How many eggs do Asil chickens lay?

An Asil hen may lay about 70 eggs per year. The eggs vary from cream-colored to brownish, and weigh approximately 40 grams.

Where do Asil chickens come from?

India. It is an ancient chicken breed of India.

Do Asil chickens lay eggs?

YES, definitely! An Asil hen may lay about 70 eggs per year. The eggs vary from cream-colored to brownish, and weigh approximately 40 grams.

Do Asil hens sit on eggs?

YES, they sit well!

How long does Asil chickens live?

Average lifespan of an Asil chicken is around 10 years.

Is Asil chicken good for meat?

YES, sure! Actually, Asil chickens are noted for their very high quality meat. Although, their growth rate is very slow.

What are Asil chickens used for?

Mainly exhibition purpose. They were used for cockfighting in the past. But now they are kept mainly as pet, as a hobby, and exhibition or ornamental purposes. They are also noted for producing very high quality meat.

At what age Asil hen start laying eggs?

An Asil hen start laying eggs when it reaches 5-6 months of age.

What do you feed an Asil chicken?

They are fed on regular foods just like most other chicken breeds. You can feed them barley, rice, maize, oats, millet, wheat, oilseeds, pulses, and different types of greens.

What breed of chicken is used for fighting?

Asil. It was a very popular breed in the past. But now, cockfighting is illegal in many states.

Do Asil hens go broody?

YES! And the hens sit well on eggs.

Is Asil chicken good for health?

YES! The Asil chicken’s meat is very healthy.

How many varieties of Asil are popular among Indian?

8 varieties. But among these, Yellow and Black varieties are most common.

What is the difference between Shamo and Asil?

Asil is a breed of thick feathered fighting chicken that originated in India, while Shamo is a breed of hard feathered cockfighting chicken that originated in Japan.

Is rooster fighting illegal in USA?

YES! Cockfighting is illegal in all 50 states of the Unites States. It is also illegal in the District of Columbia, but remains legal in Guam, the Northern Mariana Islands, Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands.

What is the best Asil breed?

The most popular varieties of Asil are Reza (light red), Teekar (brown), Chitta (black and white silver), Kagar (black), and Peela (golden-red).

How much do fighting roosters cost?

A good English fighter rooster may cost anywhere from $50 to $100, whereas the price of a show or exhibition rooster may go up to $800.

What is the difference between Asil and Aseel?

No difference! The difference is only in spelling. Some people spell it as “Asil”, while others spell as “Aseel”. But most common spelling of this breed is “Asil”. Asil chicken (also spelled Aseel or Asli) is an ancient breed of chicken from India.

Which is the biggest Asil breed?

The males are generally larger than the females. Some males can reach about 4 kg of body weight.

How much a Asil chicken price?

Vary from place to place. But these birds are generally sold for $10 to $100. And price of the exhibition rooster can go up to few hundred dollars.

Do you have Asil chicken for sale?

Right now we don’t have this breed for sale. Please search any of your local chicken breeder.

How many Asil chicken colors?

Many color varieties of Asil chicken available. Among these colors, yellow and black is most popular and common.

How to identify pure Asil?

It’s actually very easy to identify an Asil chicken. These chickens have a long slender face that is not covered with a feather, their eyes are compact, neck is long, their tail is small, and their legs are straight and very strong.

Leave a Comment

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Scroll to Top