The nine-toed chicken is mentioned in the legend of Sơn Tinh – Thủy Tinh as a bridal gift that King Hùng demanded for choosing a son-in-law for his daughter. However, this type of nine-toed chicken is now appearing in real life, and they are being raised by people for high economic efficiency… Currently, the nine-toed chicken is widely raised in Tân Sơn district, Phú Thọ province.
The nine-toed chicken has a majestic appearance with a multi-colored plumage, blood-red comb, bright eyes, a broad chest, and a tail that arches like a rainbow, accompanied by a loud crowing. Notably, the chickens have thick legs, each with 4 to 5 toes, with varying lengths; the top toe is entirely made of horn and curves like a sickle hook.
The nine-toed chicken has a tall stature, red comb, and sharp eyes.
There are two types of toes: horned toes and regular (digit) toes.
The nine-toed chicken is a fierce bird, with ruffled neck feathers that challenge with bright red eyes, capable of delivering a lethal kick to defeat or scare off opponents.
In Tân Phú commune, Tân Sơn district, Phú Thọ province, the nine-toed chickens are raised in natural conditions, which enhances their adaptability to the living environment and their resistance to diseases. The nine-toed chickens are very strong, intelligent, and exhibit instinctual reflexes and speeds akin to wild chickens: they venture into the hills to dig for worms and catch crickets, returning to sleep on the ground or in trees at night.
The nine-toed chickens in Tân Sơn are small in size, with the largest weighing only about 1.5 to 2.5 kg. The number of purebred nine-toed chickens in Tân Sơn district is currently limited, with a natural egg incubation rate of only 30-35%, making those with nine toes a rare find.
Nine-toed chickens are sought after by many enthusiasts, priced in the tens of millions of dong for the Lunar New Year and ornamental purposes.
The nine-toed chicken, which seemed to exist only in the legend of Sơn Tinh – Thủy Tinh, now truly exists and lays “golden eggs” that attract much public interest. The nine-toed chicken is highly coveted by wealthy collectors and enthusiasts, priced in the tens of millions of dong for the Lunar New Year and decorative purposes.
In 2012, the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development issued a supplementary list of rare livestock genetic resources that need to be preserved, including the Phú Thọ multi-toed chicken breed. The identification of this multi-toed chicken breed as a rare genetic resource needing preservation will help enhance the quality and branding of multi-toed chickens.
The “divine chicken” emerging from legend is not only a spiritual symbol for the locals but also represents an opportunity for economic development and tourism for the community.
