White-Faced Black Spanish

The White-Faced Black Spanish is a Spanish breed of chicken. They are thought to be the oldest breed of fowl in the Mediterranean class. The British have records dating back to 1572 referring to this chicken. This breed was admitted into the American Poultry Association in 1874. This breed originated in Spain, and came to the Americas through the Caribbean Islands.

Nicknames of this breed include "Clown Chickens," but they were also called, "The Fowls of Seville." They were very popular in the South during Colonial times.

Characteristics

The have glossey black plumage, weigh 6-7 pounds, and are closely related to the Minorca and Castilian breeds. Their most distinguishing feature are their white, low hanging ear lobes, which are actually overdeveloped. They have a single comb, four toes, and no crest. Hens are non-setters that lay eggs that are large, and chalk white in color, with an average of three a week, 150-180 eggs a year.

References

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