A medium sized and attractive breed from the mountainous regions of Spain and France. This breed will thrive in difficult conditions.

The Basque people live in the mountainous divide between Spain and France and are known as hardy farmers and shepherds who, with their own language and customs, are fiercely and sometimes violently independent from the countries where their home is located. In this rugged terrain a premium is put on strength and endurance. This is no less true for the several landraces of chickens that exist in that region. These “peasant breeds” thrive under conditions that would kill their less hardy cousins.

One of the Basque breeds, the Marraduna or Euskal Oiloa is known for its thrifty foraging and egg production. We have kept this attractive medium-size breed at Greenfire Farms for several years, and have enjoyed its hardy, easy-going nature. If you are looking for an excellent homestead bird, look no farther.

Hatching Eggs - When hatching eggs from this breed, you will want to pay close attention to chicks that hatch with the presence of feathers on their legs. This is not a trait that you will want to breed so these chicks should not be used in your future breeding flock.

The merits of each bird should be evaluated as they reach adulthood