Catalanas are a dual-purpose chicken that are both good as
egg layers and meat animals. They lay four eggs a week in white, cream, or pink
colors. The standard size Catalana makes a good meat production fowl. Catalanas
handle extreme heat well—a fact which accounts for their popularity in Spain
and Latin America. They like to forage, brood just a little, and generally
exercise their independence. Many breeders value Catalanas, especially the
bantam size, as ornamentals more than egg or meat producers. They are lively,
active, flighty, seldom friendly; and do best under free-range conditions.
Catalanas usually display a basic light buff plumage with
reddish buff hackles. All varieties have a greenish-black tail. They stand on
naked legs which are gray or green in color. On their heads, Catalanas sport a
single red comb, large red wattles, and large white earlobes. They have a horn
colored beak and dark red eyes. As in many breeds the five points on the male's
comb stand erect in contrast to a hen's comb with one erect point followed by
four floppy points.
Catalanas need warmth year-round. Consider carefully your
latitude prior to purchasing this breed. As a warm-climate fowl, Catalanas live
as a true free-range chicken. They like to roam and will need protection from
predators. Feed good layer food rich in calcium and protein to support their
egg laying. Keep up with hen culling to get the most from their dual purpose status.
About Catalanas Chickens
