Among the numerous rare breeds of chickens that currently exist in the world, birds from Spain Castellana black stand out. Due to low productivity, they have become less popular and in demand among poultry farmers.
The annual egg production of laying hens is about 220 eggs. As a rule, the eggs are quite large. Their weight reaches 60 grams. Shell color is white. Adult chickens reach two kilograms three hundred grams of weight, roosters gain up to three kilograms. Puberty in these feathered pets occurs at the age of four to five months.
Despite the high productive data of Castellana, blacks are dying out. They are bred only in Spain, and their total population is about 100-150 birds. In addition to high laying, these chickens also have very tasty meat. They are growing fast and gaining weight. In addition, laying hens have a well-developed maternal instinct, so they hatch and breed without problems. Black Castellans are good and caring parents.
Another distinguishing feature of this breed is excellent health. These birds are very hardy and strong. They quickly adapt to the climate in which they live, endure winter and cold.
Castellanas are exclusively black in color. Their physique is not very wide, especially in roosters, in hens it is wider. The neck is not long. On a small, narrow head is a beautiful erect crest of bright red color. The small earrings of the bird are rounded, the lobes are presented in white. The beak is shortish, strong enough, has a dark color with a light spot on the tip. The tail of both of them is short. The rooster has no braids. The wings are not too long, tightly pressed to the body. On the abdomen, the plumage is not very lush.
Chickens of the Castellana black breed are not at all picky about keeping. They can be housed in cages or reared in a barn using a barn system. The latter has a positive effect on the productivity of feathered pets, they rush better, grow faster. For them, the usual home feeding, wet mash with the addition of greens is quite suitable. Young animals should be supplemented with vitamins and minerals in the diet, which help strengthen immunity and prevent inflammation and blockage of the goiter.
