If you’re into unique chickens, you’ll want to learn about the Aseel (Asil) chicken breed.
These birds are famous for being strong, tough, and full of personality.
But aside from these traits, you will see how special this breed by its looks!
Unlike other “fluffy” chickens, the Aseel chicken is known for its long neck, narrow body, and tall frame.
Their posture is similar to that of animals walking on their hind legs.
If you didn’t believe that chickens came from dinosaurs, the looks of an Asil chicken will make you think otherwise!
But of course, it makes sense since they have been around for a very long time and are still loved by chicken keepers today.
In this article, you will learn the following about the Asil chicken breed:
- Its rich history and physical characteristics
- The proper way of taking care of them
- The common challenges of raising one
- Tips for new chicken owners of the Aseel chicken breed
Let’s explore what makes the Aseel chicken breed so special!
Aseel (Asil) Chicken Breed: Overview
| Aseel Chicken Breed Overview | |
| Height | 1.5 – 3 ft |
| Weight | Males – 5 to 7 lbs Females – 4 to 6 lbs |
| Comb | Pea/Triple |
| Varieties | Black, Red-Spangles, White, Grey, Pyle, Duckwing, Spotted mixes |
| Eggs per year | 40 – 60 eggs |
| Personality | Strong, brave, great mothers |
Aseel Chicken Breed: History
The Aseel chicken breed has a long and proud history that stretches back over 1,000 years!
These chickens first appeared in India and Pakistan, where they quickly became famous for their strength and bravery.
In fact, the word “Aseel” comes from an Arabic word that means “pure” or “original,” showing how people saw this bird as something special and true to its roots.
Long ago, Aseel chickens were mainly bred for cockfighting, a practice where roosters were made to fight each other.
Because of this, breeders focused on making the birds as strong, tough, and fearless as possible.
Their thick legs, muscular bodies, and hard feathers all helped them in these matches.
While cockfighting is banned in many places today, the breed’s reputation for strength and stamina remains.
Over time, people in other countries also became interested in the Aseel chicken breed.
European breeders brought them over to improve the toughness and size of their own chicken breeds.
In fact, the modern Cornish chicken, which is used for much of the chicken meat we eat today, was developed using Aseel bloodlines!
Today, Aseel chickens are no longer used for fighting in most areas.
Instead, they are admired for their beauty, strength, and role in breeding programs.
Many backyard chicken keepers love them because they are living pieces of history and bring something unique to the flock.
What Do Aseel Chickens Look Like?
The Aseel chicken breed has a very special look that makes it easy to spot.
They have a narrow yet strong and muscular body, which their feathers mold into.
The Asil chicken has hard feathers, found plump ang firm in the head.
If you also look closely at this breed, you’ll see that it has white or yellow skin, prominent shoulders, thick thighs, heavily fleshed breast, and wide hips.
With these characteristics, it’s no surprise that they have all the features ready for cock fights.
They have yellow curved beaks and small head appendages with triple or pea-shaped combs.
Varieties: Asil Chicken Breed
Aseel chickens come in many colors, like:
- Black
- Red-Spangles
- White
- Grey
- Pyle
- Duckwing
- Spotted mixes
No matter the color, they always have that strong, bold look!
How Big Do Aseel Chickens Get?
Aseel chickens are pretty big and heavy compared to other breeds.
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Roosters (males) can weigh between 5 to 7 pounds (and some even heavier!).
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Hens (females) are smaller, usually around 4 to 6 pounds.
Even though they’re heavy, they are very active and love to move around.
What Is Their Personality Like?
Regarding personality, the Aseel chicken breed differs greatly from your average fluffy backyard chicken.
These birds are known for being bold, independent, and sometimes feisty!
They have a strong will and aren’t afraid to stand up for themselves.
Roosters are Brave but Bossy
Aseel roosters are famous for their courage and confidence. They are very territorial and like to be the boss of the yard.
They may not get along well with other roosters.
If you have more than one male Aseel, you must keep them separated to prevent fights.
However, with humans, many Aseel roosters can be friendly and even enjoy a little attention, as long as they are handled with care and respect.
ALSO READ: Aggressive Rooster: How to Train Him to be ‘Mr. Nice Guy’
Hens are Proud and Protective
Aseel hens have a calmer personality but are still quite independent.
They make excellent mothers and are very protective of their chicks.
Many chicken keepers say that Aseel hens are some of the best at sitting on eggs and raising babies.
They don’t mind doing things their own way and enjoy exploring their surroundings.
They Need Space
Because of their active and spirited nature, Aseel chickens do best when they have plenty of space to roam.
They are not well-suited to small, crowded coops.
Giving them room to move helps keep them happy and reduces the chance of fights breaking out.
Want to keep your active flock happy and entertained? How about building them a chicken playground!
CHECK THIS OUT: Chicken Playground: How To Build One
Not Bullies, Just Brave
While their tough nature might sound scary, many chicken lovers admire Aseels for their loyalty and bravery.
They are great protectors of the flock and, with their alertness and bold stance, can even help keep predators away.
The Aseel chicken breed is known for being brave and strong-willed.
They are not your average gentle chicken!
But remember that roosters can be very territorial and may not get along with other roosters.
They like space and don’t do well in small, tight coops.
Giving them room to roam can make them happy, active birds.
ALSO READ: Chicken Bullying: How to Stop Them Pecking Each Other
Do Aseel Chickens Lay Eggs?
Yes, but the Aseel chicken breed is not famous for laying many eggs.
They lay around 40 to 60 eggs per year. Their eggs are usually small and light brown.
Hens are known to be excellent mothers and love to sit on their eggs to hatch them.
If you want chickens mainly for eggs, other breeds might lay more. But if you want strong and unique chickens, Aseels are great!
ALSO READ: 10 Breeds of Chicken That Will Lay Lots of Eggs for You
How to Care for Aseel Chickens
Taking care of the Aseel chicken breed differs slightly from looking after regular backyard chickens.
Because they are strong and independent birds, they need special attention to stay healthy and happy.
Give Them Plenty of Space
Aseel chickens do not like being crowded. They need lots of room to move around.
A big run or free-range area is best so they can stretch their legs and explore.
Keep Roosters Separate
Male Aseels are naturally territorial and can be aggressive toward other roosters.
Keeping each rooster in his own space is a good idea to prevent fighting.
If you want to keep multiple roosters, ensure they can’t see each other easily, as even eye contact can spark a battle.
Strong and Safe Coop
Aseels are powerful birds, so you’ll need a sturdy coop with strong fencing.
They can sometimes break weaker materials, so make sure everything is secure.
Healthy Diet
Like all chickens, Aseels need a balanced diet with plenty of protein to maintain their muscle strength.
Giving them treats like fruits, vegetables, and grains can make their diet more exciting, but always keep the main feed as their main source of nutrients.
ALSO READ: 9 Healthy Treats Your Chickens Will Love
Clean Water and Shelter
Make sure they always have access to clean water.
Aseels can handle hot weather well, but still need shade and shelter to protect them from extreme heat or cold.
Regular Health Checks
Watch for signs of illness like lethargy, coughing, or runny eyes.
Because Aseels are so muscular, they can sometimes hide sickness until it gets worse, so it is important to check them regularly.
Why People Love the Aseel Chicken Breed
Even though they don’t lay many eggs, many still choose the Aseel chicken breed. Here’s why:
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Strong and healthy: They are less likely to get sick.
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Good for breeding: Their strong traits help improve other breeds.
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Beautiful and unique: Their powerful look makes them stand out.
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Great mothers: Aseel hens are excellent at raising chicks.
If you love other special and unique chicken breeds like the Aseel breed, this video might give you more ideas!
Fun Facts About the Aseel Chicken Breed
- In some places, Aseel chickens are called the “gladiators” of the chicken world!
- They are one of the oldest chicken breeds still raised today.
- Some types of modern chickens, like the Cornish breed, have Aseel ancestors.
- Aseel chickens have a deep voice—their crowing sounds lower than other roosters!
Common Challenges When Raising Aseel Chickens
While Aseel chickens are strong and unique, they do come with a few challenges that new chicken owners should be ready for.
Aggression Between Roosters
One of the biggest challenges is dealing with their natural aggression, especially among males.
If you plan to keep multiple roosters, you must provide separate areas to keep everyone safe.
Need for Space
As mentioned, Aseels do not do well in small, crowded spaces.
They get bored and stressed when confined, leading to fighting and other problems.
You must have enough space for them to roam freely and happily.
If you lack the needed space for this chicken, you might want to check out these other chicken breeds that do well in confinement.
Not the Best Layers
The Aseel chicken breed might not be the best choice if you’re looking for lots of eggs.
Hens lay fewer eggs than popular egg-laying breeds like Leghorns or Rhode Island Reds.
They are better suited for people who value their historical background, beauty, and protective nature rather than high egg production.
Can Be Loud and Proud
Aseels are vocal birds, especially the roosters.
They like to crow and make their presence known, which might not be ideal if you have close neighbors.
ALSO READ: How To Deal With A Loud Rooster
Requires Strong Fencing
Their strength means they can sometimes break through weak fencing or damage structures in the coop.
This means you’ll need to invest in tougher materials and check your setup regularly for repairs.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) About Aseel Chickens
Are Aseel chickens good for beginners?
The Aseel chicken breed might be a little tricky if you’re just starting with chickens.
They are strong, independent, and sometimes aggressive, especially the roosters.
While they are fun and interesting birds, beginners usually find it easier to start with calmer breeds like Orpingtons or Australorps.
ALSO READ: Best Beginner Chicken Breeds
Can Aseel chickens live with other breeds?
It depends!
Hens can sometimes get along with other breeds if they have plenty of space.
However, Aseel roosters are known to be territorial and may not mix well with other roosters or even some hens.
If you want to keep them with other chickens, you must monitor them closely and provide plenty of room.
Do Aseel chickens lay eggs?
Yes, but not a lot. Aseel hens are not champion layers.
They produce a small number of eggs each year, usually around 40 to 60 eggs.
Their eggs are usually cream or light brown.
People who raise Aseels usually do it for their beauty, history, and strong build rather than for eggs.
Are Aseel chickens friendly with people?
With their owners, Aseel chickens can be quite loyal and even friendly.
They recognize people who care for them and can become tame over time.
However, they are naturally feisty toward other chickens, so always be cautious.
Can I keep Aseel chickens in cold weather?
Aseels are built for hot climates.
They come from India and Pakistan, where the weather is warm.
However, they can live in cooler places with proper shelter and care.
You just need to ensure they have a warm, dry coop during the cold months.
How big do Aseel chickens get?
Aseel chickens are known for their muscular bodies.
Roosters can weigh 5 to 6 kilograms (11 to 13 pounds), while hens are a little lighter.
Their strong, upright posture makes them look even larger!
Is the Aseel Chicken Breed Right for You?
If you’re thinking about adding the Aseel chicken breed to your backyard flock, here are some things to consider:
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Do you have enough space? These birds like to roam.
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Can you handle their strong personalities? Roosters can be feisty.
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Are you looking for more than just eggs? They are better for beauty and strength than for egg production.
If you answered yes to these, then the Aseel chicken might be a perfect fit for your flock!
Aseel Chicken Breed: Before You Go…
The Aseel chicken breed is a strong, beautiful, and historic bird that has captured the hearts of chicken lovers for centuries.
While they may not lay the most eggs, they make up for it with their bold looks, protective nature, and tough health.
If you want a chicken that stands out and adds something special to your backyard, the Aseel chicken breed is a great choice.
Just remember: they need space, good care, and respect for their powerful personality!