Gallina Mallorquina
The Gallina Mallorquina is a local chicken of Mallorca in Spain's Balearic Islands. It belongs to the Mediterranean farm type: clean-legged, active, sun-tolerant and shaped more for practical island smallholdings than for intensive commercial production. Flocks may show traditional color variation depending on the line, but breeders generally look for a rustic bird with a single comb, good mobility and enough size for both eggs and family-table meat. It should not be confused with the separate Minorca chicken from the neighboring island of Menorca.
Mallorquina chickens are best managed with dry housing, shade and secure ranging areas, especially in hot summers when water demand rises. Their foraging ability can reduce feed costs, but laying and growth are moderate compared with modern hybrids. Because the breed is uncommon outside its home region, replacement stock may be limited and records of origin are useful. Preservation-minded keepers should avoid casual crossing with Leghorn, Minorca or generic brown-egg layers if they want to maintain the local Mallorcan type.
Colors: Barred, Birchen, Black, Blue, Brown, Buff, Columbian, Crele, Cuckoo, Duckwing, Gold, Gold Laced, Laced, Lavender, Mille Fleur, Mottled, Partridge, Penciled, Porcelain, Red, Silver, Silver Laced, Spangled, Splash, Wheaten, White
