Minorca chicken

Minorca Chicken

The Minorca Chicken is a breed of domestic chicken that originated from the Mediterranean island of Minorca, which is part of the Balearic Islands in Spain. This breed is known for its large size, long body, and glossy black plumage.

History

The Minorca Chicken is believed to have been brought to England in the 1700s, where it was further developed and standardized. It was later introduced to other parts of the world, including the United States, where it was recognized by the American Poultry Association in 1888.

Characteristics

The Minorca Chicken is one of the largest of the Mediterranean breeds. They have a long, lean body with a flat back and a fairly broad breast. The plumage is glossy black, and they have a large, single comb that is bright red. The legs are slate-blue, and the earlobes are white, which is a unique characteristic among black fowl.

Egg Production

Minorca Chickens are known for their excellent egg-laying abilities. They lay large, white eggs and are non-setters, meaning they do not have a strong instinct to sit on their eggs to hatch them. This makes them a popular choice for commercial egg production.

Care and Management

Minorca Chickens are hardy birds that adapt well to various climates. They are active foragers and do well in free-range systems. They are also known for their calm temperament, making them a good choice for backyard flocks.

Breeding and Conservation

Despite their many positive attributes, the Minorca Chicken is considered a rare breed. Efforts are being made by various poultry associations and breeders to preserve and promote this breed.

See Also

• List of chicken breeds
• Poultry farming
• Egg production

References

• The Standard of Perfection, American Poultry Association
• Storey's Guide to Raising Chickens, Gail Damerow
• The Chicken Encyclopedia, Gail Damerow