Denizli Roosters

"Denizli Rooster", the symbol of Denizli province is a domestic species which is well known all over Turkey with its color and body building, harmonious long and beautiful crowing. According to some rumors, Berat roosters having long crowing were brought to Istanbul during the Ottoman Empire from Albania and then brought to Denizli and crossbred with domestic local chicken and thus Denizli Rooster species were originated. Probabily this is not true because there are no similarities between the two species when compared in terms of color and body structure. Denizli rooster was probabily originated upon great care shown by the local people to long crowing rooster for centuries.

Denizli rooster's eyes are black and blackened with kohl. Its legs are dark grey or purple, its comb is in big axe comb, and atrium is red or white spots on red background; general color is black and dirty white together. Sometimes wing features have brown colors as well. Red roosters have black-white mixture. Their live weight is about 3-3.5 kgs (7 pounds). They are divided into 3 groups according to their colors, body building and comb types. According to their colors they are classified into 6 groups as: Demirkir (iron), Pamukkir (cotton), Kinali (henna), Al (red), Siyah (black) and Kurklu (with fur). According to their body shape they are divided into 3 types: Yuksek Boyun (high neck), Sulun (fasan) and Kupeli (with earings). According to their combs, they are divided into

2 types: Genis Ibik (big comb) and Dar Ibik (small comb).

The sound of Denizli roosters are classified according to the tone and clearness. According to sound tones they are divided into 3 groups: Ince (low), Davudi (bass), Kalin (high). Davudi voice is between high pitched and deep voice and is the only sound close to deep voice. According to clearness, they are divided into 4 groups: sad voice, shrill voice, wavy voice, funny voice.

Crowing of Denizli roosters is performed upon use of all abilities. Crowing is divided into 4 groups depending on body position during crowing, which are Lion crowing, Wolf crowing, Hero crowing, Pus crowing.

A good Denizli Rooster must have: alive appearance; long and strong legs and neck; wide and deep chest; sharp and sloped toward head tail. The same features are true for the chicken. The crowing period of Denizli Roosters in the first year must be 20 to 25 seconds.

Breeding roosters are selected under the control of Directorate of Province Agricultural Affairs and the rest are sold according to the demands made from various parts of the country between March - April, and sales of chicks are made between March - June.