ABSTRACT
This study aimed to determine the qualitative and quantitative characteristics of free-range chickens in Gu District, Central Buton Regency. A total of 300 free-range chickens, comprising 134 roosters and 166 hens, were used for this study. The parameters observed included qualitative characteristics such as coat color, comb shape, and shank color, as well as quantitative characteristics like body weight, chest circumference, back length, wing length, femur length, tibia length, shank length, and beak length. The data were analyzed using descriptive statistical analysis by calculating the mean, standard deviation, and coefficient of variance. The study found that free-range chickens in Gu District, Central Buton Regency, had colorless feathers (53.67%), Columbian feather patterns (31.33%), plain feather patterns (50.67%), silver flickering (66.67%), pea comb shapes (58.00%), and white/yellow shanks (77.67%). Quantitative characteristics comprised a body weight of 1688.95 grams for roosters and 1418.69 grams for hens. The chest circumference was 28.27 cm in roosters and 29.29 cm in hens. The back length was 19.88 cm in roosters and 18.58 cm in hens. The wing length measured 21.61 cm in roosters and 20.88 cm in hens. The femur length was 10.32 cm in roosters and 9.22 cm in hens. The tibia length was 11.51 cm in roosters and 10.59 cm in hens. The shank length for rooster chickens was 9.76 cm, and for hens, it was 9.74 cm. The beak length measured 2.03 cm in rooster chickens and 1.84 cm in hens. The external characteristics of village chickens in the Gu District, Central Buton Regency, include variations in feather color and pattern, comb shape, and leg color. Quantitatively, there are differences in body weight and dimensions between roosters and hens, with roosters tending to have more considerable body weight and dimensions. The population of village chickens in the area exhibits genetic diversity that reflects variations in morphological aspects and body size of the chickens.
