Cubalaya chickens are classified as game birds and come from
fighting stock. Although more aggressive than the common breed of chicken, they
display less aggression than most game birds. Cubalayas do surprisingly well as
egg layers and meat producers. They lay four or five medium-sized, tan eggs a
week. As a table bird they have a fine grained white meat. Cubalayas can take
up to three years to fully mature; however, most can reproduce at six months of
age. Cubalayas tolerate both heat and humidity well. Cuba uses Cubalayas for
meat and eggs while the US recognizes them primarily as ornamentals.
First time owners express surprise at the friendliness and
curiosity of Cubalayas. Chicks will eat from human hands at birth. They have
little fear of anything. In fact, older and wiser members of the flock have to
teach chicks to run from predators. Cubalayas, although noisy, possess a calm
disposition. The hens brood easily and make good mothers. Roosters will fight
if left together. However, they seldom show aggression toward humans.
Cubalayas combine the best of Asiatic and European game fowl
to produce a truly spectacular ornamental. The stunning Black Breasted Red
Cubalaya has a jet black body with contrasting bright orange shackle and shell
feathers ending in a distinctive “lobster tail.” Lobster tails, unique to
Cubalayas, slant down twenty degrees rather than up as in other breeds. The
large, solitary, lobster-tail feathers follow the contour of the body with
their final termination on the ground. Cubalayas come in many different colors;
however, only the White, Black, and Black Breasted Red have found their way
into the Standard of Perfection book kept by the American Poultry Association
(APA). The Silver and Gold Duckwings and the Blue Wheaton have yet to meet APA
standards.
Cubalayas need to forage. Build a spacious run for your
flock and move it often to avoid parasite infestation. Keep roosters apart or
the game bird part of their character will display itself with dire
consequences. Bred from warm climate fowl, Cubalayas tolerate heat and humidity
well. Conversely, they have little tolerance for cold drafty conditions. If you
live in the northern latitudes, insulate and caulk the coop. Americans appreciate
the incredible beauty of the Cubalaya and may miss the practical egg laying
qualities of the breed. Feed them good layer food and supplement the morning
light in the winter months, and they will provide you an egg a day.
About Cubalaya Chickens
