Rutin Chicken: The Tiny Bird Taking The Pet World By Storm

Have you heard the latest buzz in the pet world? It's not a dog, a cat, or even a hamster. It's the rutin chicken, a bird so small it fits in the palm of your hand. These miniature chickens have taken social media by storm, leaving many wondering, What exactly

is a rutin chicken, and why are they so popular?

What is a Rutin Chicken?

Often mistaken for quails due to their similar egg size, rutin chickens are not your average farmyard fowl. According to research, they are a hybrid breed resulting from the crossbreeding of the painted quail and the blue-breasted quail.

Unlike common chickens (Gallus gallus domesticus), rutin chickens don't appear in the National Catalogue of Livestock and Poultry Genetic Resources (2021 Edition) from the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs of the People's Republic of China.

The Appeal of the World's Smallest Chicken

Social media platforms are filled with posts about rutin chickens, often touted as the world's smallest chicken. These posts range from sharing care tips to showcasing videos of people collecting eggs from their tiny flocks. Some keep them as companions, while others are drawn to the prospect of a constant supply of fresh eggs.

One enthusiast, Xiao Ting, shared her experience of raising rutin chickens at home, aiming for “egg freedom.” She enjoys collecting eggs daily and finds that rutin chickens are easy to care for as long as the temperature of their coop is well-controlled.

Online retailers are capitalizing on this trend, selling pairs of rutin chickens for around 40 yuan or more, with prices varying depending on the color. Sellers advertise that a hen can lay up to 280 eggs per year and assure customers of the birds' health and vaccination status, providing guidance on how to raise them.

They emphasize that these birds weigh only about 50 grams, leading most owners to keep flocks of around ten.

Beyond the chickens themselves, vendors also offer fertilized eggs, incubators, breeding boxes, feed, and even decorative items to create elaborate “chicken villas”. Some sellers market them as “pet chickens” or “mini chickens,” catering to those seeking a unique companion animal.

Considerations Before You Buy

Despite their growing popularity, potential owners should consider a few factors before acquiring rutin chickens. Duan Biao, an associate professor of zoology at Southwest University, suggests that rutin chickens, as an artificially bred species, should be subject to the approval of the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs.

The breeding of such hybrids should undergo ethical, welfare, genetic resource, and environmental impact assessments.

Duan Biao also pointed out that developing a new hybrid poultry breed is a lengthy process. While some may argue that raising a few rutin chickens at home is harmless, the lack of official approval makes their breeding and promotion potentially illegal.

He urges relevant authorities to step in, provide information, and encourage people to approach these “new species” with a rational mindset, avoiding blindly following trends.

Are Rutin Chickens Right for You?

Rutin chickens present a unique option for those seeking a pet that can offer companionship and fresh eggs.

However, it’s essential to consider the legal and ethical implications before bringing these tiny birds home. Further research is recommended to ensure you are fully informed and prepared to provide the best possible care for your rutin chickens.