The Zhongshan Shalan Chicken, one of Guangdong's four renowned native breeds, boasts a breeding history of over 200 years. Its journey spans glory, near-extinction and revival through dedicated conservation. Recently, China's sole Shalan Chicken conservation base, Baihezui Breeding Farm, is experiencing peak hatching season.

Feb 6: Technicians load breeding eggs into an incubator.

Feb 25: A technician is doing egg inspection and transferring healthy eggs to hatching trays.

Feb 27: Newly hatched chicks remain in incubators for 24 hours post-hatching.

Feb 27: Technicians remove hatched chicks from trays.

Feb 28: Chicks undergo gender sorting.

Feb 28: After gender sorting and vaccination, chicks are temporarily housed in an insulated shed before distribution to rearing facilities or sale.

Feb 28: Chicks must be vaccinated within 24 hours of hatching.

Feb 28: A technician is selecting healthy, robust chicks. (Photos by Miao Xiaojian)