Chicken Breed Info:
Breed Purpose: Dual purpose

Comb: Single, medium

Broodiness: Rare

Climate Tolerance: Broad; many kept in Canada despite single comb; Ventilation/dry air recommended


General Egg Info:
Egg Productivity: 180-220 eggs a year

Egg Size: Large to Extra Large

Egg Color: Brown


Breed Temperament:
Friendly, intelligent, curious; excellent foragers


Breed Colors / Varieties:
Marraduna: Barred reddish brown; most common variety in North America
Gorria: Reddish-brown
Beltza: Black
Zilarra: Colombian
Lepasoila: Naked-necked reddish-brown
All have yellow beaks and shanks, red earlobes, and an upright stance.



Breed Details:
Selected from the Basque region of Spain's country fowl in the 1970s, the Euskal Oiloa, or literally "Basque Hen," was developed to preserve the region's genetic heritage. Basque Hens are charming; these outgoing, friendly, intelligent, and curious birds are distinct from the start. Prolific layers of extra large, shiny, brown eggs, these fantastic foragers hold their own in the barnyard or on the homestead. Dual-purpose, the roosters can weigh up to 9 pounds. Because these chickens are new to North America, they are not yet recognized by the APA but can be shown under "Mediterranean Class, Any Other Variety." A proposed standard is in development, and more information can be found at Basque Hens in North America and under the "Links" tab on this page.


Chicken Breed Photos:


Primary Image




Rooster



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Hen


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Egg






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Chick


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Adolescent





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