Not everyone has get word of Catalana chickens , but that does n’t mean they are n’t an excellent breed .
Catalanas were bred to be a hearty treble - function stock that is particularly tolerant of blistering climates . For those that like to keep rarefied poulet on their farm , Catalanas will in all probability go the notice quite well .
About Catalana Chickens
This sorcerous breed originated in Spain during the late 1800s and debuted into the world-wide public in 1902 . By 1949 , Catalanas had been embraced and accepted into the Standard of Perfection with the American Poultry Association .
A hefty jump in the strain ’s popularity take place in 1998 when an Argentinian breeder distributed Catalana hatch eggs at the 10,000 fowl domestic fowl show in Ohio .
Catalanas are currently only recognized by the American Poultry Association in the Buff semblance variety .
Catalana Characteristics
1. Size and Weight
Because of the nature of dual - intention breeds , Catalanas is a enough - sized chicken . Roosters tend to weigh around 8 pounds when fully grown . hen are naturally smaller , tipping the scales at about 6 pounds at full - grow weight unit .
2. Temperament
Catalanas do n’t incline to have fast-growing personalities , but they do n’t want to nestle up in your overlap either . You will likely find your Catalanas actively foraging for their next collation and chasing butterflies .
Catalana biddy do n’t have any strong leaning to go ruminative , so do n’t count on them to grow chicks any fourth dimension before long .
3. Egg Production
You ca n’t expect outstanding ball production with Catalanas , but it ’s not too shabby either . Catalanas will bring out creamy - bloodless testis for the most part with the occasional pinkish look ballock . A single Catalana biddy will consist between 150 - 200 eggs in a calendar twelvemonth .
4. Meat Production
Meat production will always be optimum with a dead on target core breed , but one ca n’t complain over the meat they get from a Catalana chicken . These chickens have been brush up as birds with excellent carcasses and succulent meat .
In Spain , Catalana rooster are commonly used for capon meat production . ( Castrating a rooster before sexual maturity to make the meat more tender )
Caring for Catalanas
1. Feeding and Nutrition
If you ’re raise your Catalanas from dame , you ’ll demand to supply them with a proficient chick appetiser for the first several week of their lives . Around 8 - 12 weeks old , switch your growing wimp over to a honorable set provender to fix their bodies for egg production .
It ’s ideal to will your birds on this provender for the rest of their productive life story because it contains about all the nutrients their diet need .
Occasionally your hens may come up short on calcium , resulting in a soft - shelled egg . This is in the main a elementary fix , and you’re able to read more about it in our post onsoft egg issues .
Crushed up eggshell or huitre shells are both excellent source of special calcium for your hen . Always give your doll addendum in a separate ravisher from their food for thought so they can eat the supplement only as they need it .
2. Housing and Fencing
If at all potential , you ’ll want to allow for your Catalanas to free - range . If you do n’t have the setup to barren - range your flock , this may not be the breed for you . Catalanas are flighty creatures and will probably frustrate you to no conclusion in their attempt to fly out of the foot race .
For the henhouse , provide a lower limit of 4 square feet of space per chicken . Catalanas carry the report for need to perch in trees , so it ’s of import to instill safe roosting habits from an other years with your Catalana dame .
3. Health Issues and Care
One thing that Catalanas do n’t tolerate well is frigid weather . Since this stock originate in Spain , it will thrive in a warmer climate . Other than intolerance to cold conditions , Catalanas seems to be a somewhat goodish and racy breed .
As always , keep a sleepless middle on your flock to catch issues such as unwellness and parasites before they gyrate out of ascendancy .
4. Breeding
stock breeder that are passionate about breeding and distributing Catalanas will greatly aid hike this breed ’s popularity . When breeding Catalanas , it ’s authoritative to breed for key feature article such as white earlobe , big comb , downhearted slate shank and toes , as well as cerise bay middle .
Breed Alternatives
1. Buff Orpington
Catalanas share many similarities with BuffOrpingtons , including strain intent and how they look . However , what Catalanas do n’t have such as mothering capableness and cold permissiveness , Buff Orpingtons proudly sport .
For those that like the Catalana but desire some qualities the breed does n’t have , Buff Orpingtons could be your answer .
Did You Know?
While Catalana is the wide used name for this strain of chicken , they can go by many names ! Other names that this doll go by are El Prat , Prat , and Catalana Del Prat Leonada in recognition of the farming area of El Prat de Llobregat .
Many treble - function stock such as Wyandottes and Cochins are grand , but not become to hot weather . If you live in a hot climate , this is the stock for you !
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