Penedesenca

A Partridge Penedesenca hen poses in front of a gray background.

These beautiful Spanish breed birds lay very dark brown eggs, and are so unique that they'll be the talk of your flock. Colored eggs are always a more brilliant color early every laying season, and slowly fade as the season progresses. They have unusual combs, called "carnation" combs, or "kings' combs." These start as a regular single comb at the front, and then split into several lobes at the rear like a crown. These birds are very active, and like most Mediterranean breeds, won't be suited to the coldest weather due to their large combs and smaller body size. However, they do wonderfully in heat. And have we mentioned the dark brown eggs? Oh, the eggs!

Origins/History:

Class: Not recognized
Type: Large Fowl
Size: Small (4-5 lbs)
Rarity: Rare
Purpose: Egg-laying
Recognized Varieties: Wheaten, Partridge, Crele and Black

Egg Facts:

Egg Laying: Good (3/wk)
Egg Color: Chocolate
Egg Size: Medium

Fancy Features:

Comb Type: Carnation
Crested: No
Feathered Legs: No
Number of Toes: 4

Suitability to Backyard Life:

Cold Hardiness: Not cold hardy
Heat Tolerance: Tolerates heat well
Bears Confinement: Intolerant of confinement
Especially Docile: No
Setter/Broody: No
Personality: Active, avoids human contact

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