" The domestication of animals is a very old process that has allowed some species to obtain new very old ones, in which a species acquires new characteristics through constant interaction with humans. Thus, currently, there are around 1,600 varieties or breeds of hens. Although we usually call this type of bird hen, it is actually the name given to the female, the male being the rooster and the young being chickens."
" Among the different breeds of chickens that exist, there is the Penedesenca, which we will talk about in this article from PlanèteAnimal! Discover the characteristics of the Penedesenca hen, its diet, its care and much more!"
Happy reading!
Origin
- Europe
- Spain
Origin of Penedesenca
" It is estimated that the origin of this breed of hen, also known as vilafranuina negra, dates back to the first half of the 20th century in the town of Vilafranca del Penedés, which is in the province of Barcelona in Catalonia, Spain. Although it is believed to be one of the oldest types of hen in Catalonia, the exact date when it appeared is not really known. However, historical documents mention that in 194 the breed was standardized and recognized in Spain. It came from other black-colored poultry and produced eggs characterized by a very intense brown tint. It is this last aspect that caught the attention of breeders."
Although the breed later spread, by the middle of the 20th century it was on the verge of extinction.Indeed, it was thought that the black variety had disappeared, but, thanks to the work of a veterinarian at the time and that of a genetic biologist, conservation actions have made it possible to recover this breed of hen.
Characteristics of the Penedesenca
Here are the main characteristics that we can observe in this strain:
- The male weighs about 2.5 kg, while the female weighs about 2 kg.
- The black variety is usually heavier than the others.
- She has a long and wide body. The trunk is positioned backwards.
- Her chest is elongated and prominent.
- Its crest is simple and has five or six teeth, the male crest is much larger and more visible. In females, the crest falls to one side in adulthood.
- It has a powerful, elongated and slightly curved beak. In males, the chin is much more marked than in other chicken breeds, it is elongated and of an intense red color.
- His eyes are oval, black with a honey-colored iris.
- Its wings are large and angled, although in females they are more horizontal than in males.
Colors of the Penedesenca
The following varieties of the Penedesenca hen are known:
- Black: chicks are black with some white patches, but as adults they are all black with slate colored legs.
- Partridge: chicks are born pale, with brown stripes on their backs and heads. Then, color-related sexual dimorphism begins, resulting in golden adult females with black bands on the elliptical feathers and gray underfeathers; meanwhile, the male has a black breast, possibly with some red feathers, the rest of the mantle is golden and the underfolds are gray. Its legs are slate colored.
- " Blat (wheat color): the chicks are light yellowish, with brown feathers on the head. As they grow they also exhibit sexual dimorphism: the female takes on a soft salmon color, with a lighter ventral area, and the male takes on the same coloration as the partridge variety, so it is difficult to distinguish them. Nevertheless, it is not impossible because if we look at the lower feather, we will see that it is white and not gray, and the spur, which is white instead of grayish black."
- Barré: the chicks show sexual dimorphism, the female being brown with white feathers on the head, while the male, also brown, tends to be mostly white towards the rear. Growing up, they resemble the partridge, but in the female the tones are more intense, and she has white feathers all over her body. The legs are white, although in some individuals they may tend towards a slate colour.
What do Penedesenca hen eggs look like?
The Penedesenca lays reddish-brown eggs, one of the darkest of this type of bird, and in the first clutches they can be almost black.
Habitat of the penedesenca hen
Chickens are native to Asia, but over time and domestication, they have been introduced to almost every country in the world. In the case of the Penedesenca breed, which as we know originates from a region of Catalonia, the area in which it lives is characterized by mild climatic conditions, which are due to the pre-coastal formation, which protects its habitat extreme conditions.
This breed is therefore tolerant of both heat and cold, even if, like all pets, it should not be exposed to excessively high temperatures. As they are domesticated and live in spaces created by humans.However, all hens should be given the opportunity to roam freely. So never keep one locked in small spaces.
Character of the penedesenca hen
These hens are restless birds, especially the partridge variety, which tends to always be on the move. Females tend to have a good motherly attitude. On the other hand, as they are very active hens, they constantly search the ground.
Care and feeding of the Penedesenca hen
Whether industrial or natural, it is essential that these animals have adequate food that covers all their nutritional needs.
As a hen is a fodder hen, this activity can cover their diet, however, in winter, fodder decreases due to temperatures, at which time they will need to be offered quality food to compensate for nutrition.Likewise, we insist that allowing him to move freely in wide and open natural spaces is included. Find out how to properly care for chickens in this other article
He alth of the Penedesenca hen
To keep this hen he althy, two main aspects are important: a good diet, to which, as we mentioned, special attention must be paid in winter, and the possibility of moving around outside due. In addition, it must always have water available. If you follow all this, your Penedesenca will be in excellent he alth.
Curiosities of the penedesenca hen
Now that you know the characteristics of the penedesenca hen, let's see some curiosities about it:
- Between 4 and 5 and a half months, hens reach sexual maturity. However, it is more common for the black variety to do this a little earlier.
- Also, the black variety usually consumes slightly more food than the others.
In general, chickens are able to establish great relationships with humans, unfortunately, they are often subjected to pitiful living conditions.
Photos of Penedesenca
