Dong Tao chicken is an exquisite and rare breed, known for its delicious and tender meat. This unique chicken commands a high price, and its reputation for quality meat has made it a sought-after delicacy. To learn more about this exceptional breed, as well as how to select the best chicken, where to buy it, and why it’s so expensive, read on.
1 What is Dong Tao Chicken?
Origin of Dong Tao Chicken
Native to Dong Tao commune, Khoai Chau district, Hung Yen province, Dong Tao chicken, also known as Dong Cao chicken, is a rare breed with a long history. For centuries, this chicken has been reserved for royalty, nobility, and sacred rituals. It is a source of great pride for the people of Hung Yen and Vietnam as a whole.
Origin of Dong Tao Chicken
Characteristics of Dong Tao Chicken
Dong Tao chickens are large, weighing between 3.5 and 4.5 kg. They have sturdy and robust bodies with thick, red skin and feathers that are a mix of purple and black.
Despite their size, their meat is renowned for its tenderness, free from toughness and sinews, making it a favorite among connoisseurs. Dong Tao chicken is typically prepared by slow-cooking in herbal soups or simply boiled and served with salt dip.
Characteristics of Dong Tao Chicken
2 How to Identify Purebred Dong Tao Chicken
For Adult Dong Tao Chickens
Unlike hybrid breeds, Dong Tao chickens have substantial legs, resembling a human arm in thickness, with rough, red skin. Their four toes are evenly spaced, and adult males can weigh between 4 and 6.5 kg, while females typically weigh between 2.5 and 3.5 kg.
Adult Dong Tao Chicken
For Young Dong Tao Chickens
- For one-month-old chicks: In an era of counterfeits, it’s challenging to distinguish purebreds from hybrids. To ensure you’re getting genuine Dong Tao chicks, source them from reputable and reliable suppliers.
- For 2-3-month-old chicks: At this age, purebred Dong Tao chickens will have noticeably thicker legs and characteristic red skin, setting them apart from hybrids.
- For chicks over three months old: As they mature, Dong Tao chickens display distinct traits: thick, sturdy legs comparable to a human thumb, red skin, thick meat, and a vibrant purple-red comb, all indicating robust health.
Young Dong Tao Chickens
4 How to Select the Best Dong Tao Chicken
When choosing a Dong Tao chicken, look for vibrant red combs and alert eyes. Feel the thighs and legs for firmness and springiness, and when cooked, the meat should be reddish, indicating the superior quality of purebred Dong Tao chicken.
How to Select the Best Dong Tao Chicken
5 Dong Tao Chicken Price and Where to Buy
Due to its rarity and exceptional meat quality, Dong Tao chicken commands a premium price. When sold by weight, adult chickens cost between 400,000 and 600,000 VND per kg, and in some places, prices can exceed 1,000,000 VND per kg.
For chicks and whole chickens, the price ranges are as follows:
- Newly hatched chicks (1-3 days old): 100,000 – 150,000 VND each.
- One-month-old chicks (approx. 300g): 250,000 – 300,000 VND each.
- Three-month-old chicks (approx. 800g): 400,000 – 600,000 VND each.
- Six-month-old chickens (approx. 3.5 kg): 1,300,000 – 1,500,000 VND each.
- Adult chickens: 1,500,000 – 3,000,000 VND each.
- Adults with exceptionally large and sturdy legs: 5,000,000 – 8,000,000 VND each.
Dong Tao Chicken Price
To ensure you’re getting high-quality, safe chickens, it’s best to source them from specialized Dong Tao chicken farms and reputable sellers in the market.
We hope this article has provided valuable insights into Dong Tao chickens and helped you identify reliable sources for purchasing them.