Valdarno

Valdarno is an Italian chicken breed from the Valdarno valley of Tuscany, commonly described as a black farm fowl with a history in both eggs and table production. It should not be casually merged with every Tuscan chicken carrying a similar place name, because Valdarno is usually treated as its own regional type. The breed's appeal lies in a clean, practical outline and the preservation of old Italian poultry genetics.

Valdarno management is much like management for other active Mediterranean-influenced farm chickens. Birds benefit from well-ventilated housing, dry roosts, predator-safe range, and feed that supports laying without forcing excessive weight. Breeding should maintain the dark plumage, useful body, and steady productivity associated with the type while avoiding close inbreeding in small flocks. For buyers, the key questions are whether the line is actually Valdarno, how it was sourced, and what selection has been done for health and performance.

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