About the Yokohama

The Yokohama is an elegant ornamental breed descended from Japanese long-tailed fowl and subsequently developed into its modern form in Europe. It is characterised by its pheasant-like body, extraordinarily long flowing tail and abundant saddle feathers.

Despite its Japanese name and ancestry, the Yokohama recognised today owes much of its development to German breeders. It is primarily an exhibition breed rather than a utility bird

History & Origin

Japanese long-tailed fowl were exported to Europe during the nineteenth century, with a documented shipment reaching Paris in 1864. Because the birds were shipped through the Japanese port of Yokohama, Europeans began referring to them by the port’s name rather than their original Japanese breed names.

Some of these birds subsequently reached Germany. German breeder Hugo du Roi developed and promoted the type that became the modern Yokohama during the late nineteenth century.

The familiar Red Saddled variety was developed in Germany from Japanese ancestral stock, while the related long-tailed birds that became known as Phoenix followed a somewhat different breeding history.

Yokohama in Australia

Long-tailed fowl have been present in Australia for many years, although their precise early history and classification are not always clear.

Under the Australian standard, the recognised Yokohama varieties are Red Saddle and White. Other colours found overseas are not currently standardised as Yokohama varieties in Australia.

Characteristics

Egg colour: Tinted – white to beige

Egg size: Small to medium

Average egg production: Approximately 80–100 eggs per year, averaging around 1–2 eggs per week across the year. Yokohamas are principally ornamental birds and are not regarded as prolific layers.

Weekly egg figures are annual averages. Actual laying varies with age, season, daylight, nutrition and individual bird.

Day-old sexing: Yokohamas are not an autosexing or sex-linked breed, so males and females cannot be reliably distinguished by colour at hatch.

Temperament: Alert, active and independent. They are capable foragers and thrive when provided with plenty of room to roam.

Broodiness: Moderate to high. Yokohama hens may become broody after laying relatively small clutches and can be willing sitters.

Notable features: Extremely long, flowing tail feathers and abundant saddle hackles are the defining features of the breed. Mature males can develop tails exceeding one metre, with long side-hangers and saddle feathers that may trail along the ground. The body is long and elegant with a stylish, pheasant-like carriage.

Hardiness: Generally hardy and active. Chicks are regarded as robust, although the Rare Breeds Trust of Australia notes that growing youngsters benefit from additional protein while developing their extensive tail feathering. Adults require sufficient space and housing arrangements that protect their long tail and saddle feathers from damage.

Rare Breed Status

The large Yokohama is currently classified as CRITICAL by the Rare Breeds Trust of Australia. The bantam Yokohama is also classified as CRITICAL.

Current Availability

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