Admitted to the American Poultry Association in 1874, the WFB Spanish is probably the oldest breed of the Mediterranean Class. There are British records of the breed as far back as 1572. This is a nonsitting fowl which produces large, chalk-white eggs. It's distinguishing features are the white face and the large, low hanging white earlobes. In the days before heavy commercial egg farming in the US, Spanish were found on many small farms and were known as "Clown Faced Chickens." The White-Faced Black Spanish breed has the distinctive characteristic of a large smooth white face and ear lobes. It is closely related to both the Castilian and Minorca breeds. It is a very old breed. The white face has been enhanced by many breeders over the years to the extent that no one really knows what, if any, economic value this fowl once had. The hens are non-broody and lay a large pure white egg. It was admitted to the standard in 1874. Their faces are completely white. This peculiar trait was developed by selecting for ever larger and larger white earlobes until they managed to take over the whole face. They are also known as "Clown-faced chickens." The white face will take some time to fully develop in young birds. Like all Mediterranean breeds, they lay large white eggs. In general carriage the Spanish are graceful and stylish. The rich glossy black plumage, the large red comb, and the long pendulous white face and ear lobes present a striking and different appearance. They are non-setters, lay white eggs, and are the same size as Minorcas. They are thought to be the oldest breed in the Mediterranean class of fowl. The white face of our Spanish is very slow to develop. Please allow the birds to go through one molt before showing them.
