A long-tailed ornamental breed developed in Germany by crossing Japanese long-tail fowl (such as Onagadori) with other breeds to make the long-tail trait more practical in temperate climates. Kept purely for show and ornament.
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Standard: cocks ~2.25 kg (5 lb), hens ~1.6 kg (3.5 lb). Bantam version also kept. Defining feature is the very long tail and saddle feathers (typically 0.6-1 m+
Lifespan
5–8 years
Social needs
group
Native region
Germany
Family
Phasianidae
Genus
Gallus
Part of the Chicken breeds
Recognized chicken breeds — selectively bred for type, purpose, and appearance.
Phoenix roosters have meter-long sickle feathers, so perches must be high (≥ 30 in) on a tall, scrupulously clean coop floor — dragging tails ruin the saddle feathers. Hardware cloth, dry deep litter, and one nest box per 3–4 hens.
Photo coming soon
Recommended
Tail-friendly coop + grass run
6 sq ft/bird coop + 15 sq ft/bird grass run
Tall coop with high roosts, smooth ramps (no wire that catches feathers), and a soft-grass run. Show-quality cocks may need an individual pen with a tail board to protect the train. Mediterranean breed — provide ventilation in heat and a frost-free coop in winter.
Photo coming soon
Ideal
Showroom pen + free-range orchard
Individual roomy pens + supervised free-range
Spacious individual pens for cocks with high perches and pristine bedding, plus supervised free-range orchard time so birds get sunshine and forage without their tails dragging through mud. Best feather quality and reproductive health.
Life & growth stages
How this animal changes through its life — each stage often has its own care, diet and space needs.
Photo coming soon
Egg
Birds develop inside a hard-shelled egg incubated by the parent(s). Egg size, shell color, and clutch size vary by species; the embryo develops over days to weeks before hatching.
Photo coming soon
Hatchling / Chick
Hatchlings are either altricial — naked, blind, and dependent on parents (typical of parrots and songbirds) — or precocial — downy, mobile, and self-feeding soon after hatching (typical of poultry and waterfowl). Down gives way to the first feathers.
Photo coming soon
Juvenile / Fledgling
Fledglings grow in their juvenile plumage and begin to fly and feed themselves, though they may still beg from parents at first. Juvenile feathering is often duller than the adult and is replaced as the bird matures.
Adult
Adults attain full body size and mature plumage, and are capable of breeding. Many species show distinct adult coloration, and in sexually dimorphic birds males and females differ in plumage, size, or markings.
(c) D. N., some rights reserved (CC BY-NC) via iNaturalist — https://www.inaturalist.org/observations/312084723
Color & pattern variants
Natural variants occur in the wild; selectively bred (man-made) variants were developed in captivity.
Tail-care drives the housing: cocks need tall, clean, dry coops with high smooth roosts and ample room so sweeping tail feathers do not drag, soil, or break. Serious exhibitors use raised perches ("tomebako"-style high roosts) and pristine litter. A covered run protects plumage from rain and mud. Provide draught-free shelter for the large single comb in winter.
Diet
A balanced ration with adequate protein supports continual feather growth; some keepers raise protein slightly during heavy molt. Standard grain, greens, grit, and oyster shell for layers. Clean water kept away from the tail.
Behavior & temperament
Purpose: ornamental/exhibition. Alert and active with a flighty, game-like temperament; can be tamed with handling. Modest layer of small cream/tinted eggs. Hens may brood. Unlike the true non-molting Onagadori, Phoenix cocks molt the tail roughly annually, so feathers do not reach extreme lengths.
Health
Generally hardy, but the long tail is prone to breakage, fouling, and feather-related stress if housing is inadequate — the principal welfare consideration. Watch for mites/lice in heavy plumage. The large comb can frostbite in cold climates. No major genetic disorders, but extreme tail-length breeding lines need especially attentive husbandry.
Tips, DIY & hacks
Provide high, smooth roosts and keep litter immaculate to preserve tail feathers. Handle birds by supporting the tail. House show cocks individually or in small groups to avoid feather damage. Do not confuse with Onagadori — Phoenix is the climate-practical, molting long-tail bred for keepers outside Japan.
