Chicken with many spurs in Tan Son, Phu Tho

“Nine-tusked elephant, Chicken with nine spurs, Horse with nine pink hairs” are the symbolic offerings that the 18th Hung King demanded from Mountain God and Water God to choose a groom in the legendary story “Mountain God – Water God” that everyone knows. Many believe that these are mythical creatures only found in legends and mythology, but in reality, that’s not the case. The breed of Chicken with nine spurs (also known as Chicken with many spurs) is actually bred and developed in the core area of Xuan Son National Park, Xuan Son commune, Tan Son district, Phu Tho province. This place is believed to be the origin of the Chicken with nine spurs mentioned in the legend of “Mountain God – Water God.” They are revered as the “King of chicken breeds” and considered an ancient and noble animal used for royal offerings.

Rare and precious breed of chicken

Chicken with nine spurs, or many-spurred chicken, has an unclear origin and was only known through the legend of “Mountain God – Water God.” This type of chicken originates from wild chickens, which were captured and domesticated by the Dao and Muong ethnic groups in Phu Tho province for a long time. However, it was not until 2003, when Xuan Son National Park was established and transportation routes were improved, that more people came to know about this precious breed. As a rare breed, the number of purebred individuals is currently very limited. Therefore, very few people have seen a chicken with 9 spurs in person; usually, chickens with 7 or 8 spurs are the most commonly encountered. Hence, the name “Chicken with many spurs” originated from this characteristic.

According to experienced locals in Coi village, Xuan Son commune, Chicken with many spurs show distinctive features from birth. Three spurs can be clearly seen growing on each leg at the ankle. When mature, each male chicken grows an additional pointed and curved spur (absent in female chickens), and the longer the chicken is raised, the longer and more prominent the spurs become.

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From eggs to young chickens and nurturing them into mature chickens

When fully grown, Chicken with many spurs have a majestic appearance with multicolored feathers, blood-red comb, bright and intelligent eyes, a well-developed chest, and a tail curved like a rainbow. Their crowing is resonant. Notably, these chickens have large, strong, and evenly developed legs with 4.5 spurs on each side, each spur having different lengths. The top spur is entirely horn-like, curved like a sickle. With robust legs and wide wings, this breed is capable of flying.

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Robust appearance of mature chickens

This breed is known for its aggressive and fierce nature. When faced with an opponent, their neck feathers rise challengingly, their eyes turn red, and they unleash deadly kicks that can defeat or drive away the opponent. They are willing to fight to the death, and even larger chickens do not intimidate them. When mating, Chicken with many spurs only mate with their own kind, as attempting to mate with other breeds causes them pain, and the other chickens will flee. When these chickens reach 5 to 6 months of age, weighing 8 to 9 taels (1 tael is approximately 37.5 grams), they start to display their masculinity. Female chickens of this age are ready to lay eggs, and their meat is suitable for consumption.

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Chicken farm with many spurs owned by Mr. Duc in Tan Son

Especially, Chicken with many spurs is considered an offering in important ceremonies of the Muong people. During the New Year, the Muong people gather at the house, offering ancestral spirits with meaningful offerings representing their aspirations and dreams for a prosperous and happy life. Here, young men and women in the village reenact the unique Mơi dance, a distinctive cultural feature of the Muong ethnic group in Tan Son district.

According to the local saying, most Chicken with many spurs have 6 or 7 spurs, and 8 spurs are already rare, while 9 spurs are extremely rare. Chickens with a complete set of 9 spurs are very scarce, with approximately 4 to 5 chickens with 9 spurs in a flock of 1,000 chickens. Currently, very few people in the country own chickens with a complete set of nine spurs.

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Feast with local specialties of Phu Tho, including Chicken with many spurs

The meat of Chicken with many spurs has a distinctive and delicious flavor, resembling that of wild chickens. In the past, Chicken with many spurs was used as an offering to the king not only for its delicious meat but also for its majestic and brave appearance. Compared to other chicken breeds, Chicken with many spurs from Xuan Son has not only a characteristic delicious taste but also carries many meanings, symbolizing luck, prosperity, and wealth.

If you have the opportunity to visit Coi village, Xuan Son commune, you will have the chance to admire Chicken with many spurs and enjoy dishes made from these chickens, which are incredibly delicious, flavorful, and unforgettable.