The Totenko - the LONG-TAILED LONGCROWER
- (Sometimes written: Tohtenkoh)
- A magnificent masterpiece of animal breeding!
The TOTENKO, a member of the long-crowing group
along with the Kurokashiwa, the Tomaru and the Koyeoshi, should not be confused
with the German Phoenix, with which it has many similarities (white earlobes,
long feathers).
Two distinguishing factors between the TOTENKO
and the PHOENIX are its olive green legs and its open, rather than tightly
closed tail as in the PHOENIX. Another differenciating factor is the carriage
and body, which are lighter and more delicate in structure than the Phoenix.
It was denied recognition in Germany for the past few years because the
characteristics of the Phoenix were too similar. Now that the Phoenix must
have slate legs, the TOTENKO will be accepted as a Japanese purebred.
There are perhaps 10 breeders of the TOTENKO in
Germany. I know of two of us in in Italy, one in England, but none in America
or Holland. If this bird were to come into the hands of the exhibition minded
Longtail Fowl breeders, the danger exists that the visual show points would
predominate in the selection process and that the long-crowing qualities
would diminish. This story has already happened to other breeds such as
the Bergische Kraeher.
If you breed Totenko, ALWAYS REMEMBER that it
is primarily a longcrower and secondarily a longtail! The voice can be lost
rather quickly if outcrossed to other breeds. The most important factor
in breeding this delicate breed is to network with other breeders and exchange
animals when fresh blood is necessary.
The TOTENKO is extremely rare and yet it is a
spectacularly beautiful and its crow is a song unto itself. Thos who wish
to breed this and many of the other Japanese breeds must be prepared to
dedicate time and effort, as these breeds are not of the strong nature of
many of our European breeds. The Totenko, as well as the other newly-imported
ornamentals (the Shamo, Ko-Shamo, Chibi being hardy exceptions) are very
sensitive to bacterial and viral infections of our Western World. Be prepared
especially with coccidiose medications while young, as many can die suddenly
from this rather common bacterial infection.
Within the past 4 - 5 years many of my German
colleagues, however, have been able to ascertain greater increasing hardiness
in their diverse lines (Koeyoshi, Minohiki and Totenko being exceptionally
delicate). With dedication, these lines are already becoming stronger. 
Japanese Standard for Minohiki - sent to me by Julia Keeling,
Asian Gamefowl Society, Contact person for UK and the British Isles
TOTENKO
Single comb, white earlobe, red brown eye colour
Weight: cock 2250g, hen 1800g (young birds 1350
1600g)
Red hackled (Black Breasted Red)
Long tail has 30 angle in cocks, 20 angle in hens
-
