Poultry Breeds of Spanish Ancestry

[Lacy Blues]

What do you hope to accomplish by crossing all those breeds?

 

[Hangtown Farms]

What do you hope to accomplish by crossing all those breeds?

I would like a blue tailed buff bird down the road.
In Spain there is blue tailed buff and black tail Buff

 

[southernmomma]

I have especially enjoyed the birds that I have. They are fantastic birds. Energetic and sharp, but not flighty. Actually pretty smart birds. Great layers, and all business. No BS. No wasted feed with these birds. I only wish that I had tried finding them sooner. It makes no sense to me why more are not interested in them. Then, looking at what is coming from the hatcheries, it does make sense.

I have some questions if you don't mind entertaining me briefly

I realize they're rare, do you know how rare? I'm wondering about the gene pool in the US.
They're said to be 6-8lbs; is that a historic weight or are you seeing this with your current stock?
Can you speak to the rate of growth and temperament (are you able to keep multiple cock birds)?

My opinion:
I'm sure the Catalana is considered a breed unsuited to new flock keepers (Mediterraneans never/rarely suggested instead losing out to the traditional heritage breeds like Orpingtons and Cochins) but the Mediterranean class in general seems well suited to my purpose and desires; the general description of them as flighty and intolerant of confinement does not dissuade me. The all business and no BS part is especially appealing. Perhaps I'll change my mind, get a breed that will pant in the heat and beg for lap time (tongue firmly in cheek), but that's why I've chosen to begin my research and learning well in advance

Thanks,
M

 

[southernmomma]

Lacy Blues, might we see the new chicks?

M

 

[hillfloweranch]

I can tell you that my andalusians did better and survived longer when confined. Birds I received from the hatchery were not very strong health wise. But the ones I hatched myself did fine.

Lacy blues has awesome birds which shows her dedication to the breed. They are difficult but fun a fun breed as they are talkative lol cute really. I think everyone should try them

 

[ronott1]

I have some questions if you don't mind entertaining me briefly

I realize they're rare, do you know how rare? I'm wondering about the gene pool in the US.
They're said to be 6-8lbs; is that a historic weight or are you seeing this with your current stock?
Can you speak to the rate of growth and temperament (are you able to keep multiple cock birds)?

My opinion:
I'm sure the Catalana is considered a breed unsuited to new flock keepers (Mediterraneans never/rarely suggested instead losing out to the traditional heritage breeds like Orpingtons and Cochins) but the Mediterranean class in general seems well suited to my purpose and desires; the general description of them as flighty and intolerant of confinement does not dissuade me. The all business and no BS part is especially appealing. Perhaps I'll change my mind, get a breed that will pant in the heat and beg for lap time (tongue firmly in cheek), but that's why I've chosen to begin my research and learning well in advance

Thanks,
M

Pita Pintas are very friendly but rare. They would be a great first time flock breed. Basque hens are great too, but are noisier than Pita Pintas.

Basque Hens are easier to find. Both hatch very well from shipped eggs.

 

[southernmomma]

Ron, it's the "very friendly" part that I find so unsettling. I think I'd prefer hand-tame or tolerant of handling to be the best description. Maybe I'm wrong about what friendly means when talking about chickens though. I'm not looking for a pet chicken but a breed that can contribute to a "homestead" in a meaningful way, provide some history and beauty to my world and capture my interest in such a way as to inspire me to breed for integrity.

They would be a great first time flock breed

What makes a breed suitable or unsuitable for someone new to chickens? The answer is important When it comes time for me to establish my flock I'm not interested in in putzing about with mypetchicken but will instead be making an investment--I'd like to get it right....or at least halfway there

Thanks for everyone's time, patience and input. I appreciate it.
M

 

[ronott1]

Ron, it's the "very friendly" part that I find so unsettling. I think I'd prefer hand-tame or tolerant of handling to be the best description. Maybe I'm wrong about what friendly means when talking about chickens though. I'm not looking for a pet chicken but a breed that can contribute to a "homestead" in a meaningful way, provide some history and beauty to my world and capture my interest in such a way as to inspire me to breed for integrity.

They would be a great first time flock breed

What makes a breed suitable or unsuitable for someone new to chickens? The answer is important When it comes time for me to establish my flock I'm not interested in in putzing about with mypetchicken but will instead be making an investment--I'd like to get it right....or at least halfway there

Thanks for everyone's time, patience and input. I appreciate it.
M

It depends on where you live I suppose.

They are very alert and the Cockerels are intense. The Pullets will walk right up to you and they do not think you are going to kill them. They are fine on their own though and so fare are resistant to illnesses.

The cockerals are the fasted Dual Purpose meat so far. Basque hens are good but the PPs are as good as White Bresse! They lay the most big light brown eggs so far too.

They taste very good too.

IF on a homestead, you could have just Pitas and do very well.

Contrary to the description, Partridge Penenedesencas are good in confinement and good at foraging.

 

[southernmomma]

The cockerals are the fasted Dual Purpose meat so far. Basque hens are good but the PPs are as good as White Bresse! They lay the most big light brown eggs so far too.

They taste very good too.

IF on a homestead, you could have just Pitas and do very well.

Contrary to the description, Partridge Penenedesencas are good in confinement and good at foraging.

Sounds very good, however for the Pitas I wonder about heat tolerance as the Asturian climate is not as intensely hot as Louisiana. The Partridge Pen's did have my attention but I'm afraid they might prove just a bit small once my children are bigger and eating larger portions.

It may seem I'm dithering about, collecting information on this breed and that but I can assure you it is all for the good of a well executed long-range goal.

Thanks,
M

 

[ronott1]

The cockerals are the fasted Dual Purpose meat so far. Basque hens are good but the PPs are as good as White Bresse! They lay the most big light brown eggs so far too.

They taste very good too.

IF on a homestead, you could have just Pitas and do very well.

Contrary to the description, Partridge Penenedesencas are good in confinement and good at foraging.

Sounds very good, however for the Pitas I wonder about heat tolerance as the Asturian climate is not as intensely hot as Louisiana. The Partridge Pen's did have my attention but I'm afraid they might prove just a bit small once my children are bigger and eating larger portions.

It may seem I'm dithering about, collecting information on this breed and that but I can assure you it is all for the good of a well executed long-range goal.

Thanks,
M

You are very correct about checking for temps. Look at the average temps in asturia compared to Louisiana. Humidity is not a factor for chickens so temperature is all you need to look at.

Pita Pintas have only been here for two years. Mine were too little to know last year and the other two flocks are on the coast of CA-- inland but a lot cooler than at my place.

We hit 110+ last summer. I know that the Basque hens take the heat very well and will know more after this summer about the Pita Pintas. They are good with meat production and eggs too--just not quite as good as the Pita Pintas.

I am getting hungry for chicken now.....