Raising chickens takes time and commitment. However, as any seasoned raiser would know, it is a rewarding endeavor. If you want to start a backyard flock but do not know where to begin, the Crele Penedesenca chicken is perfect for you. This rare breed’s name may be hard to pronounce, but it is so easy to raise.
This Crele is the only variety of Penedesenca that is autosexing. Knowing early on about the sex of the chickens allows you to plan the dynamics of your flock accordingly. To get you more excited about raising this rare breed, we’ve rounded up vital information for you through this article.
What is the history of the Crele Penedesenca?
This rare breed originated from Spain’s Catalonia region, near Villafranco del Penedes, during the first part of the 20th century. Breeders developed the Penedesenca from native backyard chickens that produced dark eggs.
During 1920-1940, breeders made the first attempt to create this breed to define the race. However, due to the introduction of highly improved populations such as commercial hybrids for meat and Leghorns, the breed started to disappear.
In the 1940s, there had been a relative decline in the region’s agriculture. Many farms disappeared, and the rural population decreased. The development of the rural environment took a back seat which contributed to the dwindling numbers of the breed.
The breed almost became extinct during World War II and the Spanish Civil War. However, a biologist that worked for the Spanish government exerted tremendous efforts to revive the breed. The number of Penedesneca’s increased again, and so does its popularity.
Breeders considered the genetic possibilities regarding color genes and historical background to achieve the four varieties. There are now about a thousand specimens of the breed that are currently in Spain. You can now find them in autonomous communities in the Spanish province.
At present, the American Poultry Association hasn’t recognized the Penedesenca as an official breed, but it did not stop American backyard chicken hobbyists and homesteaders from raising these chickens. Due to the breeders’ desire to grow good layers that produce dark eggs, they continue to seek this chicken breed.
Since this Crele Penedesenca is only suited for specific locations around the world with similar geography and weather conditions to Mediterranean countries, it remains rare. It may be hard to look for local shows that feature this breed, but it would be easy to find one on the south coast of Spain.
What are the characteristics of the Crele Penedesenca?
This ornamental yet productive breed stands out among other varieties due to its beauty. It has red earlobes with a white center and red wattles.
Its special comb, known as carnation or king’s comb, may look similar to the standard single comb, except it has several lobes at the back. For females, the comb droops to the side, while for the males, it stands upright.
The eyes of the Crele, just like other color varieties, are black with a honey-colored iris. They have shanks, toes, and beaks that are off-white.
In addition, they present a standard crele plumage with a barred pattern. The feathering of some roosters is barred against a pale straw while others are orange-red.
On the other hand, feathers are salmon or gray or pale gold barred against grayish-brown in some hens. Though their feathers are not vibrantly colored, they are lovely and thick. Chicks come out as dark brown.
Their short and wide trunk appears to be titled back. This chicken’s chest is broad, elongated, and deep. It has an undeveloped abdomen and well-arched ribs. They have large wings that, when expanded, form a 45 degree angle from the tip to the ground.
Roosters can weigh about 5.5 lbs, while hens can get heavy as 4.5 lbs. You may be surprised that that feathering and growth is quite fast for this breed.
The Crele Penedesca is raised more for its exciting eggs and not much for its meat. Since it is an expensive chicken to purchase, almost no one is growing it purely for meat production purposes. However, those who have tasted it have reported that the meat is juicy and of high quality.
What is the temperament of this rare breed?
Unlike the friendly Isbar or Cochin Bantams, Crele Penedesenca chickens avoid human contact as much as possible. They are not fit to be held or cuddled, especially by children. Roosters can be aggressive towards people. They are flighty and flinch at the slightest movement from humans with who they are not familiar.
Confinement stresses these chickens and gives them extreme anxiety. However, if keepers provide enough space to roam around or escape, they can be calm around humans.
Some Penedesencas can be aggressive toward other chickens, while others live harmoniously with the flock. People who are raising this breed have observed that their aggression can be linked to their confirnemnt. So, those who are free-range or are enjoying a large backyard tend to be less aggressive.
Like any Mediterranean chicken, Crele Penedesencca chickens are noisier than other breeds. While this may come as irritating for some, you can use it to your advantage. These chickens will often make loud noises when there is a threat to their safety, like predators. The raucous can warn you and help you protect your flock.
These fast runners are extraordinarily alert, and agile making them good evaders of predators. They’ll do their best to run away from threats and would go as far as roosting high on trees.
These chickens are also good foragers, so they require minimal maintenance. They can pretty much take care of themselves and would need less human intervention in the appropriate climate.
Together with breeds coming from the Mediterranean, the Crele Penedesencas are exceptionally heat-hardy. They can also survive in the cold, but they are more prone to frostbite due to their large wattles and combs. Keep in mind that the roosters of this breed are more sensitive to cold weather.
Are Crele Penedesencas good egg layers?
One of the main reasons why people raise this breed is for their dark brown eggs. You’ll be amazed that it is the darkest eggs that you’ll ever see. They are similar to the color of a damp clay flower pot. It will surely make your egg baskets mysterious and exciting.
It would be best to remember that the more brilliant colored eggs come out early in the laying season. The color slowly fades towards the end of the laying season.
It may not lay a significant number of eggs, but their aesthetics make it worthwhile. Each hen can produce three to four medium to large eggs per week, translating to about 200 per year.
This table can be your quick guide to the egg-laying characteristics of the Crele Penedesenca.
| Egg size | Medium to large |
| Egg color | Very dark brown-red |
| Egg production per week | 3-4 |
| Egg production per year | 200 |
| Average laying age | 5 months and above |
One of the issues you need to prepare for while raising this chicken for egg production is that it can have a hard time dealing with temperature changes. Even the slightest drop or increase in temperature affects their egg-laying capabilities. Either the production slows down, or it stops altogether.
However, if you’re raising this chicken for breeding purposes, then you’ll be glad to know that Penedesenca hens are broody, making them good egg sitters. They are also known to be attentive and protective mothers.
Some keepers of this chicken maintain breeding to a minimum since they prefer to get colored eggs. Since the hens lay only a few per week, they’d instead harvest the eggs. However, breeding is more profitable for some since this unique brown-egg-laying bird can fetch a high price.
What are the common health issues of Crele Pedesencas?
These chickens have a life expectancy of five to eight years, but they can live longer with optimal conditions. Since they are hardy birds, they have no specific health problems except for the widespread poultry diseases, which can include:
Marek’s Disease
This disease, also known as fowl paralysis, is prevalent among backyard and commercial poultry. It is caused by the herpes virus and can lead to severe production loss or death. It causes tumors in the major organs and nerve damage.
The first sign of this disease is a paralysis of the legs, neck, or wings. As the illness progresses, the chicken shows a lack of coordination and is unable to stand. In some cases, the eyes become affected, which causes them to be blind. Due to their inability to eat and drink, the birds usually die.
Treatment
Marek’s disease has no cure. If you suspect that a part of your flock is infected, you need to isolate them at once. Sadly, the sick birds need to be destroyed. Make sure to do this as humanely as possible.
The best way to battle this disease is prevention. It would be best to vaccinate your young chickens against Marek’s disease. If you’re purchasing them from another source, make sure that they are all vaccinated.
Mite Infestation
Since Crele Pedesenencas love to roam and explore, they are more exposed to mites. This blood-sucking parasite can cause blood spots on the eggshells as well as scabby areas on the face and body.
Treatment
There are several chemical and organic products that can treat mite infestation. However, these treatments will not be as effective if you don’t ensure the cleanliness of their environment. It would be best to start the treatment in the early spring to prevent a possible outbreak during the summer season.
5 Tips for Raising Crele Penedesencas
1. Give them space
As earlier mentioned, these birds can get stressed or anxious in confined spaces. Make sure to provide them with enough space to roam so they won’t be too aggressive. A free-range situation is more viable so they can live happy and healthy lives.
Here’s a video to guide you on preparing a free range environment for your flock.
Giving them space also means that you or other people should not try to touch them or give too much attention. They aren’t as friendly as other birds, so you need to learn when to back off.
2. Regulate the temperature
Mediterranean breeds such as Penedesencas are sensitive to fluctuations in temperature. They are heat-hardy but not cold-hardy. If you live in an area where it gets cold and still wants to raise this breed, make sure to install heaters to regulate the temperature.
Keep in mind that too much cold can lead to poor egg production or, worse, no production at all. The cold weather may make the chickens prone to disease and stress.
3. Keep your backyard clean
Since these chickens are excellent foragers, they are more prone to getting diseases from the soil, such as worms or mites. It would be best to make it a habit to clean your yard regularly. Keep the grass trimmed and scoop up poop immediately, if possible.
Secure your yard with fences to keep predators at bay. Free-ranging chickens are a magnet to foxes, weasels, and other predatory animals, so make sure to protect your birds at all times.
4. Provide the right amount of food.
These birds don’t need much food since they get their nutrition by foraging, making them an affordable breed to raise. However, the following example of a diet plan can be helpful for optimal health.
- 33.5-35.5% Feed and derivatives
- 58-60% maize
- 5-5.5% grape seed
Summary
Crele Penedesencas are perfect for raisers who are looking for beautiful yet hardy and active birds. They are low maintenance and thrive on a free-range system. Since they can fend for themselves, they do not require much of your time and effort.
If you’re also into raising chickens for their glorious and colorful birds, a Penedesenca hen is your gal. Their exceptional terracotta-colored eggs can make exciting additions to your egg basket.
This breed may be expensive to acquire, but their upkeep is cost-effective, so you’ll get your return on investment before you know it.
