Chicken Breed History:

The ancestry stock of the Cubalaya originated in the Philippines, and was brought into Cuba in the 1800’s. With careful selection and breeding, the Cubalaya was developed as a breed and first exhibited in the United States, in the 1930’s, at the International Poultry Show in Cleveland, Ohio. Cubalaya are classified as an Oriental Game breed. The breed standard was first approved in 1935, by the American Poultry Association, with the name Cubalaya in honor of Cuba where the breed originated. Cubalaya have a very nice white meat, lay an average of 4 – 5 eggs per week during their peak egg-laying season, and serve as a duel purpose breed in Cuba. Within the United States, they are typically kept for ornamental and exhibition purposes. Caballe, Carlos F.(1944, July). Las Cubalayas. “Tribuna Avicola,” official publication of the “Asociacion Nacional de Avicultura”. Retrieved August 21, 2009, from http://www.ultimatefowl.com/wiki/index.php?title=Cubalaya ALBC. Cubalaya Chicken. Retrieved August 21, 2009, from http://www.albc-usa.org/cpl/cubalaya.html

Chicken Breed Comments / Experience:

Cubalaya are a magnificent and beautiful specimen. The breed exhibits an upright stately carriage, fierce bay colored eyes, and a very “people-friendly” nature. From chick to mature adult, Cubalaya are very curious animals and typically easily tamed. The males, at 6 lbs, have gorgeous long, lobster-shaped tails, rosary spurs, and a fierce, predatory head-shape. The females are slightly smaller at 4 lbs, and though they are pale in color compared to their male counterparts they do make excellent protective brood hens. Please note that Cubalaya may take up to 2 – 3 years to reach full maturity, especially in the males concerning tail growth and weight. The ALBC lists Cubalaya status as Threatened. There are a few hatcheries that offer Cubalaya; however, quality brood stock is currently difficult to locate. While the APA only lists three approved colors, there are various other wheaten based color varieties such as the blue/red, gold & silver duckwing, pyle, blue/gold, ginger, black/red, lemon blue, etc… All photos provided by Cuban Longtails.