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![]() Breeds of Livestock, Department of Animal Science |
Poultry Breeds - White-Faced Black Spanish Chickens
White-Faced Black Spanish
Origin: Coming from Spain, it arrived in the U.S. via the Caribbean Islands. Spanish are the oldest breed of chickens existent in the U.S. today. At one time known as "The Fowls of Seville", they were very popular in the South during the Colonial period.
Characteristics: The large area of snow white skin surrounding the face and wattles makes this breed unique. Actually this is an over developed earlobe. Its color offers a marked contrast with the black plumage and the red comb and wattles. They are considered non-broody and hold their feathers close to their body contours. Spanish are active and noisy. Many individuals are below recommended weight, and at this time, most of the population is highly inbred.
Standard Weight: Cock: 8 lbs; Hen: 6 ½ lbs; Cockerel 6 ½ lbs; Pullet: 5 ½ lbs.
Varieties: None
Skin Color: White
Egg Shell Color: White
Use: The White-Faced Black Spanish is primarily used for eggs or ornamental purposes.
Reference:
Chicken Breeds and Varieties (A2880), John L. Skinner, University of Wisconsin-Madison
Ekarius, Carol. "Chickens: White-Faced Black Spanish." Pocketful of Poultry: Chickens, Ducks, Geese, Turkeys. North Adams, MA: Storey Pub., 2007. 170-71. Print.
Images:
Watt Publishing, 122 S. Wesley Ave., Mt. Morris, IL 61054 USA