Minorca

Minorca, also called Menorca in reference to the Balearic island, is a large Mediterranean chicken shaped into its modern form largely by British breeders. The black variety is the classic image: glossy green-black plumage, long body, white earlobes, and a very large red comb, with rose-combed birds recognized in some standards. Minorcas were developed for production of large white eggs and became one of the biggest of the light, active egg breeds. They are not heavy meat birds, despite their size.

The breed suits keepers who can give birds space, dry footing, and secure fencing, because Minorcas are energetic foragers and can be more flighty than docile dual-purpose breeds. In hot climates they generally cope well, while in freezing weather the large single comb can be prone to frostbite. Hens are usually better layers than sitters, so artificial incubation or foster hens may be used by breeders. Exhibition selection pays close attention to comb shape, white earlobes, body length, and the clean Mediterranean outline.

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