Međimurska Kokoš

Međimurska kokoš means Međimurje chicken, a local Croatian farm chicken associated with Međimurje, the northwestern region between the Drava and Mura rivers. It is generally described as an indigenous or regional dual-purpose type kept in village flocks rather than a highly uniform industrial breed. Like many Balkan landrace chickens, it was valued for usefulness on mixed farms: active foraging, seasonal resilience, moderate egg production, and enough body size for household meat.

Modern interest is mostly in small farms, local food identity, and conservation of regional poultry. Appearance can vary by flock, so breeders and buyers should ask whether a local standard, association, or family strain is being followed, and avoid assuming it is the same as every Croatian chicken population. These birds suit range-based management with a secure night coop, dry bedding, and supplemental feed when forage is poor. Maintaining separate breeding groups and avoiding unplanned crosses with commercial layers helps preserve the Međimurje identity.