The Naked Neck is a breed of chicken that is naturally devoid of feathers on its neck and vent. The breed is also called the Transylvanian Naked Neck, as well as the Turken. The name "Turken" arose from the mistaken idea that the bird was a hybrid of a chicken and the domestic turkey. Naked Necks are fairly common in Europe today, but are rare in North America and very common in South America. The trait for a naked neck is a dominant one controlled by one gene and is fairly easy to introduce into other breeds, however these are hybrids rather than true Naked Necks, which is a breed recognized by the American Poultry Association since 1965, it was introduced in Britain in the 1920s. There are other breeds of naked necked chicken, such as the French naked neck, which is often confused with the Transylvanian, and the naked necked gamefowl.
Naked Necks are adaptable and can be found in a variety of environments. They are common in Europe and South America, thriving in areas with warmer climates due to their reduced feather coverage, which helps with heat dissipation. They are suitable for backyard farming and can be kept in both free-range and confined settings with appropriate care.
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 4/5
The Naked Neck's unique appearance with a bald neck makes it especially resilient to heat, which is advantageous in warmer climates. Despite their unusual appearance, they are genetically similar to other chickens and have a friendly disposition. They are recognized by many poultry associations and are valued for both meat and egg production.
Naked Neck chickens
Naked Neck hens in Italy