Cubalaya
Country of origin | Cuba |
---|---|
Use | Triple-purpose: eggs, meat, game |
Traits | |
Weight | |
Comb type | pea |
Classification | |
APA | all other standard breeds[3] |
ABA | all other comb clean legged |
|
The Cubalaya is a
History
In the middle 19th century, the
These birds were then selectively bred for wide, extended tails and a curving beak, fierce eyes, and a courageous expression. In this manner the Cubalaya was created, independent from any scientific control. In 1935, the Asociacion Nacional de Avicultura (the Cuban national poultry association) approved the breed. Their name was chosen in honor of the
The Cubalaya was first shown in the U.S. at the International Poultry Exhibition in 1939, and was recognized by the American Poultry Association in the same year; the bantam is recognized by the American Bantam Association.
Characteristics
Cubalayas are characterized by their stately carriage; pea comb; abundant, flowing hackle feathers and long, well-spread tail carried about 20 degrees below the horizontal. They have a friendly, curious disposition, are very heat tolerant and make excellent foragers when allowed to range.[4] The hens lay small eggs and are good brooders.
The breed has been developed in standard and
Three colors were allowed by the original Cuban standard: black, black-breasted red and white; many others were bred in Cuba at the time.[5] The same three colors are accepted by both the APA and the ABA.
References
- ^ a b c d Un legado a las generaciones futuras: Apoyo a la conservación y uso de los Recursos Genéticos (in Spanish). Asociación Cubana de Producción Animal: Revista ACPA, special edition 2005. Accessed August 2014.
- ^ ISBN 9781580176682. p. 143–44.
- ^ APA Recognized Breeds and Varieties: As of January 1, 2012. American Poultry Association. Archived 4 November 2017.
- ^ Cubalaya Chicken. American Livestock Breeds Conservancy. Accessed August 2014.
- ^ Carlos F. Caballe (July 1944). Las Cubalayas: A Genuine Cuban Breed. Originally published: Tribuna Avicola, July 1944; translated Braulio Saenz, 1968, reprinted (2000) in Bulletin of the Society for Preservation of Poultry Antiquities 5: 7.