Basque
The Basque region of Spain and France has a rich history and culture that has endured thousands of years in harsh and rugged terrain. The Basque people view themselves as independent and apart from the countries where they live. Just like the people of the region, Basque chickens thrive under conditions that their less hardy cousins would struggle with.
The legs, feet, and skin of these birds are yellow. They have a bright red single comb and narrow, pointed red earlobes. They are found in five color varieties: Beltza (black), Gorria (red), Lepasoila (naked-necked, red-brown), Marraduna (golden cuckoo) and Zilarra (black-tailed white).This breed has recently become a favorite of homesteaders in the United States and Canada. They are ideal for free ranging, given their hardy ancestry and excellent foraging skills.
Basque Chickens are medium-sized, with roosters growing as large as 9 pounds, giving a good amount of meat for the table. Hens lay about 200 – 220 large brown eggs per year. Their best quality, however, is their winning personality. They are very friendly and enjoy human company, allowing themselves to be picked up without a fuss.
