The White Faced Black Spanish chicken is a striking, stylish bird that is part of the Mediterranean family of chickens. They are calm, confident birds that carry themselves with a sense of pride.
Hens are good layers of white eggs and rarely go broody. They are not generally used as meat birds, as their meat is considered poor quality.
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- How to Buy Online White Faced Black Spanish Chickens
- White Faced Black Spanish Chicken Breed Quick Info
- Origins of the White Faced Black Spanish Chicken
- Some Things to Know About the White Faced Black Spanish Chicken
- How Easy is it to Keep White Faced Black Spanish Chickens?
- Special Care and Considerations for White Faced Black Spanish Chickens
How to Buy Online White Faced Black Spanish Chickens
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White Faced Black Spanish Chicken Breed Quick Info
White Faced Black Spanish Chicken Description
White Faced Black Spanish Type/Size: | Standard |
Feather Color: | White, red, black, or buff |
Leg Type: | Clean |
Leg Color: | Slate |
Skin Color: | White |
White Faced Black Spanish Ease of Raising/Keeping: | Easy |
White Faced Black Spanish Special Care Needs: | No |
Is the White Faced Black Spanish breed a common, rare, or protected breed of chicken? | Rare, “critical” status |
White Faced Black Spanish Use
Meat | No |
Eggs | Yes |
Dual Purpose | No |
White Faced Black Spanish Temperament: | Gentle, docile |
White Faced Black Spanish Ability/Likelihood to Free Range: | Yes |
White Faced Black Spanish Egg Production
Egg Color | White |
Egg Size | Medium |
Estimated Number of Eggs Per Year | 180 |
Likeliness to Brood Eggs/Raise Chicks | Low |
White Faced Black Spanish Meat Production
Dressed Weight Male | No |
Dressed Weight Female | No |
White Faced Black Spanish Climate Tolerance
Heat | Excellent |
Cold | Poor |
White Faced Black Spanish Age to Maturity
Number of Months to Reach Full Size | 5 Months |
Number of Months to Start Egg Laying | 5 Months |
Number of Weeks/Months to Reach Meat Harvest Size | No |
White Faced Black Spanish Size at Maturity
Male | 8 lbs. |
Female | 6 ½ lbs. |
Origins of the White Faced Black Spanish Chicken
The White Faced Black Spanish chicken is believed to be the oldest breed in the Mediterranean class of chickens.
Not much is known about their past, but they are known to be an old breed. One theory is that they originated in Holland in the 18th century from old Castillion fowl.
They were imported to the United States, and for the majority of the 19th century, they were one of the most popular chickens in America. They also maintained popularity in England.
During the early 20th century, they were overtaken in popularity by hardier egg-laying breeds.
Some Things to Know About the White Faced Black Spanish Chicken
This breed has one of the most striking appearances of any chicken out there. They have long, glossy black feathers and a long, pendulous white face. Their ear lobes are also white under a bright red single comb. This gives them a dramatic appearance.
If you choose to add these magnificent birds to your flock, be aware that it can take a while for their faces to turn fully white. Allow them to go through their first molt, then expect a change in their appearance.
How Easy is it to Keep White Faced Black Spanish Chickens?
Like most Mediterranean fowl, the White Faced Black Spanish developed in a warmer climate and thus does not do well in the cold. This particular breed does not like the cold at all, so if you live somewhere where it gets cold and snowy in the winter, this breed may not be the best for you.
On the other hand, if you live somewhere warm and/or humid, these birds will thrive. They do exceptionally well in warmer climates. Just be sure to provide them with lots of water and shade, as their black coloring can soak up sunlight easily.
This breed prefers to have space to wander around, and they excel as free-range birds. While they can be kept in confinement, they do not prefer it.
They are not a cuddly breed by any means, but they are also not aggressive. They do tend to be noisy, so they may not be the breed for you if you live close to neighbors.
Special Care and Considerations for White Faced Black Spanish 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.
They are not as hardy as other chicken breeds and need care in both cold temperatures and extreme heat.