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 coccidiosis medications while young, as many can die suddenly from this rather common bacterial infection.

After 4 to 5 years after the initial appearance of the Totenko in Europe many of my German colleagues were 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. Julia Keeling on the Isle of Man has also had increased success with the Totenko's successive generations. Here in Italy, I stopped breeding them altogether due to their delicate health. I miss them, this masterpiece of animal breeding!

THE TO(H)TENKO             <return to JAPANESE BREEDS index

A perfect blend of Singer and Long-tail elegance!

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 differentiating factor is the carriage and body, which are lighter and more delicate in structure than the Phoenix. It was denied recognition in Germany right after its introduction from the Orient 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 long-tail 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 Long-crower and secondarily a Long-tail! 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.

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 / Red Duckwing)

Long tail has 30 angle in cocks, 20 angle in hens