The Naked Neck, also known as the Turken or naked-neck chicken, is a domestic chicken (Gallus gallus domesticus) breed distinguished by a naturally occurring lack of feathers on its neck and vent region. This characteristic is the result of a single dominant gene (Na) that inhibits feather development in those areas.
Origin and Development
- The breed originated in the early 20th century in the United States, with initial development attributed to crossing native American birds with the African “Naked‑neck” strain.
- In the 1930s, the American Poultry Association (APA) recognized the breed, and it later gained acceptance in the United Kingdom, Australia, and several other poultry‑keeping nations.
Physical Characteristics
- Neck and Vent: The defining feature is a smooth, feather‑free neck extending from the wattle to the breast, often with a slight covering of downy hair‑like feathers.
- Body: The rest of the plumage may be solid or patterned, with common color varieties including white, black, barred, and partridge.
- Size: Males (roosters) typically weigh 2.7–3.4 kg (6–7.5 lb); females (hens) weigh 2.0–2.5 kg (4.5–5.5 lb).
- Comb: The breed normally displays a single, upright comb; however, some strains may have a rose or pea comb.
Genetics
- The Na gene is autosomal dominant; heterozygous (Na/na) birds exhibit the naked‑neck trait, while homozygous dominant (Na/Na) individuals may display a more pronounced lack of feathers.
- The gene does not affect other aspects of growth, fertility, or egg production.
Utility
- Egg Production: Hens lay medium‑sized brown or white eggs, with typical production ranging from 180 to 260 eggs per year, depending on management.
- Meat Production: The breed’s reduced feather coverage improves heat dissipation, resulting in higher feed conversion efficiency in warm climates; consequently, it is valued for both dual‑purpose and specialized meat production, especially in tropical and subtropical regions.
- Thermoregulation: The naked neck provides an advantage in hot environments, reducing the risk of heat stress compared with fully feathered breeds.
Breed Standards and Recognition
- Recognized by the American Poultry Association (APA) in the Standard of Perfection (1938).
- Included in the United Kingdom’s Poultry Club of Great Britain (PCGB) and the Australian Poultry Standard.
Conservation Status
- The Naked Neck is not listed as endangered; it remains a common breed in backyard flocks and small‑scale commercial operations, particularly in regions where heat tolerance is advantageous.
References
- American Poultry Association, Standard of Perfection, 13th edition, 1938.
- Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), The State of the World’s Animal Genetic Resources for Food and Agriculture, 2007.
- D. A. T. L. Smith, “Genetics of the Naked‑Neck Trait in Chickens,” Poultry Science, vol. 55, no. 3, 1976, pp. 667‑672.
