Minorca Chickens

The Minorca is the largest of the Mediterranean breeds. Minorcas were developed in the Mediterranean area where they take their name from the Island of Minorca off the coast of Spain. There are two supposed histories that explain where these birds originally came from; Africa during the time of the Moors, or Italy in the time of the Roman Empire. They are thought to be descendants of the Old Castilian fowl that were found around the the area of Castile in Spain.

Minorcas have been in England since at least the 1834, but there is also documentation that places them in Devon and Cornwall before this time, possibly as early as 1780. From there, they travelled to North America, having been imported in 1884 by Mr. J. Fultz of Mount Vernon, OH (which is just a 15 minute drive from our farm). White Minorcas were imported the following year by Francis A. Mortimer of Pennsylvania. The rose comb versions of the Minorca chicken were developed, the first of these by George H. Northup of Raceville, NY, around 1900. The Minorca was recognized by the APA in several varieties and all at different times. The Single Comb Black and the Single Comb White, were admitted to the Standard in 1888 followed by the Rose Comb Black in 1904, Single Comb Buff in 1913, and finally the Rose Comb White in 1914.

The Minorca is a long, powerful bird that requires space. They have long tails, large wide feathers closely held to strong bodies. Minorcas have large combs and wattles and are prone to frostbite in northerly climes. Well bred Minorcas are stately, impressive birds and can give an excellent return in eggs. Here at our farm they produce the bulk of our eggs in the spring, summer, and autumn, while the Dorkings lead the way in the winter months. Minorca cockerels make fantastic young frying chickens. We typically butcher these at 11 or 12 weeks, which is prime grilling weather as well. Like most of the Mediterranean breeds, Minorcas rarely if ever go broody. They are very alert and are excellent foragers. Many people have qualms with the Minorcas (and most other white egg layers) because they are reputed to be flighty and nervous. I find this to be an entire farce, especially when one spends time with the flock.

I keep flocks of Rose Comb Black, Single Comb Black, Single Comb White, and Single Comb Buff.