Spanish

Spanish usually refers to the White-Faced Black Spanish chicken, one of the older Mediterranean poultry breeds maintained in exhibition circles. It has glossy black plumage, a tall upright body, large white facial skin, and a prominent comb. The breed was historically valued as a white-egg layer and became familiar to fanciers through the sharp contrast between black feathers and a porcelain-like face.

Spanish chickens are active, refined birds, but they can be more demanding than rugged farmyard breeds. The large comb and white face need protection from frost, pecking, and rough housing. Breeders select for clean facial development, black plumage, body type, white egg production, and vigor while avoiding birds that become too delicate. They suit keepers who can provide dry, spacious pens and wait for show features to mature.

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