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Basque Chicken Breed Info

Modified: Feb 6, 2023 by Phil · This post may contain affiliate links ·

The Basque chicken is a beautiful breed that hails from the region between France and Spain. They are best known for being able to thrive in very difficult conditions.

A big beautiful Basque rooster on a dry meadow.

Basque hens are excellent egg layers and rarely go broody. This is a dual-purpose breed, meaning it can be used for both egg and meat production. This makes them an excellent choice for homesteaders.

Jump to:
  • Basque Chicken Breed Quick Info
  • Origins of the Basque Chicken
  • Some Things to Know About the Basque Chicken
  • How Easy is it to Keep Basque Chickens?
  • Special Care and Considerations for Basque Chickens
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Basque Chicken Breed Quick Info

Basque Chicken Description

Basque Type/Size:Standard
Feather Color:Light yellow and white
Leg Type:Clean
Leg Color:Reddish-yellow
Skin Color:White
Basque Ease of Raising/Keeping:Easy
Basque Special Care Needs:No
Is the Basque breed a common, rare, or protected breed of chicken?Rare

Basque Use

MeatYes
EggsYes
Dual PurposeYes
Basque Temperament:Gentle, friendly
Basque Ability/Likelihood to Free Range:Yes

Basque Egg Production

Egg ColorBrown
Egg SizeX-Large
Estimated Number of Eggs Per Year180-220
Likeliness to Brood Eggs/Raise ChicksLow

Basque Meat Production

Dressed Weight Male5 ½ lbs.
Dressed Weight Female3 ¾  lbs.

Basque Climate Tolerance

HeatExcellent
ColdExcellent

Basque Age to Maturity

Number of Months to Reach Full Size5 Months
Number of Months to Start Egg Laying5 Months
Number of Weeks/Months to Reach Meat Harvest Size16 Weeks

Basque Size at Maturity

Male8 lbs.
Female5 ½ lbs.

Origins of the Basque Chicken

An adorable Basque hen gobbling in a backyard pasture.
Image source: Greenfire Farms

The Basque chicken breed was developed in the mountainous region between Spain and France. Here, farmers raised several varieties of landrace chickens that are considered basque chickens. They were raised in rugged, mountainous terrain that other breeds would not be able to survive in.

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They are still rare within the country of Spain and even rare outside of the country. They are a fairly new addition to the United States chicken population.

Some Things to Know About the Basque Chicken

A big tall Basque rooster in a backyard near a tree.
Image source: Greenfire Farms

The Basque chicken is a medium-sized breed of chicken. They have light yellow plumage with white edging and black tails. They also have a red single comb and wattles. This gives them a beautiful, striking look, especially the roosters, with their long tail feathers.

You can also find them in these colors: red, black, silver, and brown striped.

How Easy is it to Keep Basque Chickens?

A Basque flock in a backyard near a fence,
Image source: Greenfire Farms

The Basque chicken is a very hardy bird. It was developed in a very rugged, mountainous area where not many breeds would thrive. They can withstand cold and hot temperatures very well.

When it comes to their temperament, they are known to be easy-going and gentle. They can be tamed fairly easily and enjoy being around humans, especially if they were raised around them.

These birds are excellent free-range birds as they excel at foraging. Overall, these birds make a wonderful choice for backyard chicken owners and homesteaders.

Special Care and Considerations for Basque Chickens

As with all birds with a single comb, frostbite can be an issue. When the temperature drops, you can help to protect their comb with a bit of vaseline.

Otherwise, Basque chickens are extremely healthy, hardy birds who are not prone to any specific health issues or concerns.

Basque Chicken Breed Info pinterest image.

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