| | The German Salmonhen is a breed of domestic hen (Gallus gallus domesticus) descended from the Brahma and Dorking varieties. Unusually for Gallus, the German Salmonhen is anadromous: it is born in fresh water, migrates to the ocean, then returns to fresh water to lay eggs. Folklore has it that the birds make an arduous journey upriver to the exact spot where they were born to breed, and tracking studies have shown this to be true, but the nature of how this memory works has long been debated.
 German Salmonhens differ from other Salmonhen breeds in a number of ways. For instance, they have a ruff of feathers above the gill-line, and their feet have five toes instead of the usual four. The plumage on the body is very thick compared to other varieties. Since they are rarely inclined to flight, they are suitable for farming in open-net cages.
The German Salmonhen is a very productive egg layer, as well as being a popular food. Classified as an "oily bird", Salmonhen is considered to be healthy due to the meat's high content of protein, Omega-3 fatty acids, and vitamin D. The eggs are considered to be especially tasty when cured, smoked, and cut into very thin strips then eaten with lemon juice and dill.
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| | Posted 6/1/2009 6:48 AM - 4 Views - 0 eProps - 0 comments
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