Part of our Breed Profiles series, learn more about the Cubalaya, a Cuban breed.
History
These gorgeous chickens are now recognized as a Cuban breed, but they were developed from Sumatran and Malay birds brought from the Philippines to Cuban in the mid-19th century and then re-crossed with several European game fowl breeds. They were first recognized in 1935 as a distinct breed by the Asociacion Nacional de Avicultura (the Cuban national poultry association). First shown in the U.S. in 1939, the Cubalaya was recognized as both a standard and bantam breed by the American Poultry Association.
Cubalaya rooster, photo courtesy of The Livestock Conservancy, by Frank Baylis
Characteristics
Primary Use: Meat
Temperament: Friendly, temperate, and curious
Size: Medium sized standard breed, medium to large bantams
Egg production annually: 150 to 200, eggs are on the small size
Egg Color: green- to brown-tinted
Average Weight: Standard adult cocks average 6 pounds (2.40 kg), while adult hens average 4 pounds (1.59 kg). Bantam cocks weigh around 1.6 pounds (740 g), while hens top out at 1.3 pounds (625 g).
Black-breasted Red Cubalaya Rooster. Adobe Stock/The Nature Guy
Physical features
Cubalaya were selectively bred for wide, extended “lobster” tails carried about 20 degrees upright. They have a pea comb, curved beak, and long hackle feathers. While they come in a variety of mixed colors, the most common (pictured above) is the black-breasted variety. Roosters typically have red necks and backs, while hens are a dark-wheat to cinnamon color. Both cocks and hens tend to lighten as they age.
Cocks have been bred to be spurless to keep young males from injuring each other.
The breed is a slow-maturing one, reading full adulthood by 3 years.
Red Cubalaya Hen, Adobe Stock/The Nature Guy
Broodiness
The hens are consistent layers with calm dispositions and good mothering instincts. Chicks tend to be friendly and not too skittish.
Health and Safety
Cubalaya chickens have no unusual predilections for disease or illness. They’re healthy, calm, beautiful birds.
Further Resources
The Livestock Conservancy
American Poultry Association
American Bantam Association
