Kalasthi is a country chicken of south Andhra Pradesh, kept mainly for meat. NBAGR thinks it was named after Srikalahasti, a town where these birds are found, though farmers there simply call it desi (ICAR-NBAGR). It is registered as a chicken breed of Andhra Pradesh (ICAR-NBAGR).
How to recognise it
- Colour: bluish-black or brown, in patches; NBAGR describes the blue as peacock-like. Cocks have shining bluish-black feathers (ICAR-NBAGR).
- Neck and tail: a long neck covered with golden feathers. Brown birds have dark brown neck feathers and a bluish-black or dark brown tail (ICAR-NBAGR).
- Wings: set high on the back, so the thighs, covered in smooth feathers, show (ICAR-NBAGR).
- Head and legs: a red pea or single comb of medium size, standing upright, red ear lobes, white or pinkish skin, and grey or yellow shanks (ICAR-NBAGR, NBAGR survey).
- Weight: adult cocks weigh about 2.5 kg and hens about 1.9 kg (ICAR-NBAGR, NBAGR survey).
What it is kept for
- Meat. NBAGR lists meat as its main use (ICAR-NBAGR), and so did families in NBAGR's survey of village flocks in Chittoor district (NBAGR survey).
- Chicks rather than eggs. Farmers in its area eat few eggs, because selling chicks pays well (ICAR-NBAGR).
- Few eggs. In villages, about 34 a year (30–42), of about 43 g, with light brown to dark brown shells; hens start laying at 5–9 months (ICAR-NBAGR, NBAGR survey).
- Good sitters. Hens usually go broody, and in NBAGR's record about 72% of all eggs set hatched (60–85%) (ICAR-NBAGR).
Where it is mainly found
NBAGR names Chittoor, Cuddapah (Kadapa) and Nellore districts of Andhra Pradesh (ICAR-NBAGR). These districts were split in 2022, so the home area now spans Chittoor, Tirupati, Annamayya, YSR Kadapa and Sri Potti Sriramulu Nellore districts; Srikalahasti itself is now in Tirupati district. NBAGR's field survey of the breed, covering 512 birds kept by 40 families, was done in Chittoor district (NBAGR survey).
Looking for Kalasthi chickens?
See chicken ads in the districts where Kalasthi chickens come from, or search “Kalasthi” in the Kattutharai app to find them near you. The seller names the breed and Kattutharai does not check it, so look at the birds yourself before you pay.
Chicken ads in its home districts, 1 Nov 2026:
Rearing tips
- Protect the young chicks, above all in winter. NBAGR records that 20–30% of chicks die before 2 months of age, and up to 50% in winter (ICAR-NBAGR). Keep chicks warm and dry at night and shut them in a safe shelter: see how country chickens are raised.
- Small village flocks. A flock averages about 14 birds (3–53), more than half of them chicks (ICAR-NBAGR). Keep grown cocks apart so they do not peck and injure each other.
- Health. Vaccinate as your vet advises, keep the shelter clean, and keep newly bought birds away from your flock for a month: see keep chickens healthy.
Buying tips
- Check the signs: bluish-black or brown feathers, a long neck with golden feathers, wings set high so the thighs show, and a pea or single comb (ICAR-NBAGR).
- Crosses are common. In the home area the birds are called desi, not Kalasthi (ICAR-NBAGR), so a name in an ad may mean little. The breed name in an ad is the seller's word, and Kattutharai does not check it. Check the signs yourself, and see the parent birds if you can.
- Chicks. Ask your nearest veterinary dispensary about a government or registered hatchery, and buy chicks there where you can.
- Health and papers: ask which vaccinations the birds have had, and look for signs of sickness before you pay: see buying country chickens.
Frequently asked questions
Why is it called Kalasthi?
NBAGR thinks it was named after Srikalahasti, where these birds are found. Farmers there simply call it desi (ICAR-NBAGR).
How many eggs does a Kalasthi hen lay?
Few: about 34 a year in villages (ICAR-NBAGR). It is a meat bird; for eggs, look at an improved variety such as Gramapriya.
Is Kalasthi the same as Aseel?
No. NBAGR registers them as separate breeds (ICAR-NBAGR), and Kalasthi is much lighter: about 2.5 kg for an adult cock, against about 4 kg for an Aseel cock (ICAR-NBAGR).
Next
Compare Kalasthi with Ghagus, whose home area also takes in old Chittoor district, and with Aseel. Read Country chicken in South India: breeds, buying and care for buying, care and bird flu, and browse chickens for sale.