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Cubalayas are a Cuban chicken breed developed from the crossbreeding of Asiatic and European birds. Considered a multi-purpose breed, the Cubalaya is used for egg and meat production and for game. This unique breed was recognized by the Cuban National Poultry Association in 1935 and was first introduced into the United States in 1939. It has since been admitted into both the American Poultry Association (APA) and American Bantam Association (ABA).

The Cubalaya has the stately appearance seen in many fighting breeds but is noted for being mild-mannered. Easily tamed, Cubalaya chicks take to human interaction and are popular to backyard hobbyists because of their docile dispositions. However, even though they are calmer than most other game birds, they can be more aggressive than other non-game birds especially the roosters.

One of the more attractive features of this breed is the Cubalaya's appearance. The tail is often referred to as a "lobster tail" due to the shape. The saddle feathers are long which sweep in a continuous line from the base of the neck to the tip of the tail creating a distinct flowing train of plumage. This breed can be found in a variety of colors. Most common are cinnamon-toned wheaten hens and the black-breasted rooster. A popular plumage color in Cuba is the "cenizo" (ashen) or blue-red wheaten. The Cubalaya can also be black, white, or have red pyle plumage. As of 2009, the red pyle has not been accepted by the APA.

Standard Cubalayas will weigh approximately 4 to 6 pounds with cocks weighing more. Bantams average 22 ounces for hens and cocks, 26 ounces. The pea comb, wattles, and earlobes are bright red and small in size. The beak is white or light horn in color, eyes are a red-tone bay, and the shanks and toes are generally white. Black Cubalayas will have slate colored shanks and toes. This bird also lacks spurs which helps prevent injury among roosters when fighting for dominance.

Hens are notably good mothers and will go broody. The eggs are generally medium in size and are cream tinted. These are active birds and prolific foragers. Confined housing is not recommended as this breed prefers space and freedom to move about leisurely. Due to their origination in Cuba, the Cubalaya can tolerate hot temperatures and high humidity well. They should be provided protection from extremely cold temperatures.

In Cuba, both the black and white varieties are still commercially used for meat and egg production. Cubalayas are an excellent show bird but is still quite rare in the United States. This striking poultry breed is on the conservation status as being a threatened species.

References:

STOREY'S ILLUSTRATED GUIDE TO POULTRY BREEDS, by Carol Ekarius, copyright 2007.

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