Agriculture Reference
In-Depth Information
times can be bullied by more aggressive breeds, such as the Cornish, old English game, or
modern game chickens.
Cubalaya
This hearty bird comes in white, black, black-breasted red, or blue wheaton (having a dark
blue body with a rusty coat on top). They are good egg layers; they produce cream-colored
and tinted eggs but are raised primarily for their meat. They are a beautiful, ornamental bird
with long tail feathers that curve downward, known as a
lobster tail
. They have bay-colored
eyes, red wattles, and a pea comb. They are rare in the United States, as they originated in
Cuba and are not a popular breed here.
The birds weigh 6 to 7 pounds for a male and 4 to 5 pounds for a female. Bantams are about 3
pounds. This breed is friendly and can be trained to eat out of your hand. They can endure any
climate and do well in confinement.
Scots Dumpy
Scots Dumpy is known by several names, including Bakies, Crawlers, and Creepies because
of their short legs. This breed was developed in the Highlands of Scotland and is now a rare
breed. Their most striking trait is their short, squatty legs. The Scots Dumpy should have legs
that are a mere 2 inches long from the ground. They are a heavy bird with a lot of meat on
their bones. The roosters weigh in at 7 pounds, and the hens weigh 5 ½ to 6 pounds. Bantams
of this breed are about 3 pounds.
This breed's legs are short, white, and have no feathers. Each foot has four toes. The eyes,
comb, wattle, and earlobes of the Scots Dumpy are a bright red color, and its beaks are white.
Especially in the roosters, this breed's tail is long and flowing.
Scots Dumpies are docile and gentle birds. They come in a variety of colors to include black,
cuckoo, white, brown, and silver and gold. Although their legs are white in most varieties, in
the black Scot Dumpy, legs are slate grey or black.
Hens of this breed are considered ideal mothers. They care for their young and are attentive to
their needs. They do have a habit of going broody, though, which can make them territorial
about their eggs and nests.
Best Chickens for Eggs and Meat
