Wheaten Aseel

Wheaten Aseels, also known as Asils, are the quintessential game or sporting bird. These birds look like they are always ready and can handle anything that comes their way. Aseels carry themselves with authority, and their name was given to them out of deep respect. It translates to ‘noble and pure’ or ‘of long pedigree’ in Arabic and to ‘highborn and original’ in Hindi. The Livestock Conservancy has described this breed as having an “indomitable spirit.”

Aseels have a very upright carriage and short feathers, which show off their musculature. They have smallish heads and are long, with their tail positioned downward. They are strong, with a wide set and prominent legs, and are heavy for their size. Small and very forward-set pea-style combs and the absence of full wattles adds to this breed’s “no-nonsense” appearance.

Production: Aseels are not raised for production. Hens are poor layers of light brown eggs and tend to be very seasonal in laying habits. They are slow-growing but do get to be quite meaty. Aseels are part of the breeding legacy that produced the

Colors: The Wheaten Aseel Rooster is mostly black with green and purple sheen, but sports bright golden red feathering on the head and neck and over the saddle and back. The shoulders have reddish-chestnut coloring. Overall, the Wheaten Aseel is a very striking bird. Hens have a little black in the tail but are mostly shades of golden brown and tan, or “wheat” colors. Both sexes have light eyes, bright red combs, ear lobes, and faces. Aseels have yellow legs and feet and yellowish beaks with brown, horn-colored streaks.

Conservation Status: Critical

Weight: Cockerel 4.5 lbs, Pullet 3 lbs

APA Class: All Other Standard Breeds Class