The Minorca was developed in the Mediterranean area where they take their name from an island off the coast of Spain, Island of Minorca. There are two histories that explain where this bird came from: Africa in the time of the Moors or Italy in the time of the Roman Empire. They are thought to have ancestors in the Castilian that were found around the area of Castile in Spain. The Minorca have been in England since at least the mid-1830’s and from there they traveled to the United States. The Minorca was recognized by the APA in several varieties and all at different times. The first, Single Comb Black and Single Comb White, was in 1888.

 

Characteristics

The Minorca is considered the largest of the Mediterranean breeds. The Minorca are long, angular birds that appear larger than they are. They have long tails, large wide feathers closely held to narrow bodies. Minorcas have relatively large combs and wattles which, in cold weather, are prone to frostbite. Good Minorcas are stately, impressive birds and can give a fair return in eggs, although in recent years they have not been intensively selected for that purpose. They are rather poor meat fowl because of their narrow angular bodies and slow growth. Minorcas rarely go broody, are very alert and fairly good foragers. They are not particularly fussy when confined and do well in all types of terrain.

 

Standard Weights

Single Comb Black

Cock: 9 lbs

Hen: 7.5 lbs

Cockerel: 7.5 lbs

Pullet: 6.5 lbs

 

All others

Cock: 8 lbs

Hen: 6.5 lbs

Cockerel: 6.5 lbs

Pullet: 5.5 lbs

 

Varieties

• Single Comb Black
• Rose Comb Black
• Single Comb White
• Rose Comb White
• Single Comb Buff

 

Skin Color

White.

 

Egg Shell Color

White.

 

Use

The Minorca are primarily used as egg producers.

 

 

References

Chicken Breeds and Varieties (A2880), John L. Skinner, University of Wisconsin-Madison

 

Ekarius, Carol. "Chickens: Minorca." Pocketful of Poultry: Chickens, Ducks, Geese, Turkeys. North Adams, MA: Storey Pub., 2007. 106-07. Print.

 

Lewis, Celia. "Breed Profiles: Minorca." The Illustrated Guide to Chickens: How to Choose Them, How to Keep Them. New York: Skyhorse Pub., 2011. 118. Print.

 

"Minorca Chicken." The Livestock Conservancy. The Livestock Conservancy, n.d. Web. 01 July 2015.