Onagadori

The most extraordinary long-tailed chicken breed in the world, the Onagadori is a Japanese national treasure developed in Kochi Prefecture on Shikoku Island during the Edo period. Unlike all other chickens, the Onagadori possesses a genetic mutation that prevents its tail feathers from moulting — they grow continuously for the bird's entire life, reaching lengths of 6 to 10 metres (20–33 feet) or more in exceptional specimens. The record tail feather length exceeds 13 metres. In Japan, Onagadori are kept in specialised tall, narrow cages where the magnificent tails are carefully draped and protected from damage. The breed has a walnut comb and clean legs, and is kept purely as an ornamental and cultural treasure — roosters are among the most valuable single chickens in the world, with top specimens valued at tens of thousands of euros. The EE recognises the Onagadori under the Europastandard, though very few exist outside Japan.