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MinorcasThe Minorcas belong to the Mediterranean class, and they are placed next to the Leghorns in laying qualities. They are in appearance very similar to the Leghorns. Their general outline is, in fact, that of the latter, but of more length of body and heavier in mold. Indeed, they are the only variety of the Mediterranean class that has a given weight which approaches that of the Wyandotte, being only one-half pound lighter. Ancestry
The origin of the Minorcas, like that of so many others of our profitable poultry, is much in doubt. Some are of the opinion that they originally came from Minorca, one of the Baltic Isles in the Mediterranean Sea, while others contend they are a variety of the Black Spanish. Be that as it may, they are one of the most profitable breeds of poultry for the farm. Functionality
The Minorcas are good for table purposes, the flesh being white or light-colored, and fine-grained. Their chief advantage is their egg production. They are non-sitters, and year-round layers. As winter layers they are exceptionally good when kept under fairly favorable circumstances. While the Leghorn surpasses them in the number of eggs laid, the Minorca's eggs are larger, and equal the output in bulk. Their eggs are white, and average eight to the pound. They lay from twelve to fifteen dozen a year. Being of an active, restless disposition they keep in splendid condition and make good foragers. For suburban poultry keeping they are very practical birds, and net good results to the keeper. They are hardy, easily raised, and mature quickly. Description
 The Minorca fowl is large in outline, well bodied; stands well up on its legs; has a broad chest, and a long, flat back, with-tail carried upright. Many breeders dispute as to the carriage of the tail. The standard says "upright", while the preference is almost universally expressed by breeders that it should be carried "well back". The upright position gives the tail the Leghorn type (see fig. 17), while the typical Minorca differs somewhat from it by being more horizontal, as shown in fig. 24.  The body of the Minorca male is long, square in front, tapering from front to rear. When standing erect, the body of the male is at an angle of nearly forty-five degrees. The thighs are stout; shanks, medium in length, stout in bone, and in color dark slate or nearly black; comb, single, large, perfectly straight and upright, evenly serrated, and extending well over the back of the head. The comb of the Minorca is larger and more bulky than that of the Leghorn. Wattles are thin and pendulous, corresponding with the size of comb; ear lobes, pure white. The female is in body of the same general appearance as the male, rather long, broad, and deep. Her comb is single, large, and drooping to one side; like comb of male, her comb is perceptibly larger than that of the Leghorn female. Black Minorcas are in plumage a rich glossy black throughout, and gray tips are considered serious defects. The White Minorca is as popular as the Black, and takes the same position as does the White Leghorn in this class. The standard qualifications are equal for the two except in color, and that must be pure white throughout, feathers other than white disqualifying; the other qualities are equal, as to profitableness, between the two varieties. The comb, face, and wattles are bright red, free from white in face; eyes are dark hazel or red. Before concluding in regard to Minorcas, it is worthy of note that the latest acquisition to the breed is the Rose-comb Black Minorca. The only objection that has ever been raised against the varieties of the Mediterranean class is their susceptibility to frostbite of the comb. Their combs are so large, that continued cold or exposure is sure to result in this injury. To obviate this one defect, if it may be so termed, in this valuable class of birds, has been the purpose of breeders in producing a bird that possesses the other qualifications, but with low rose comb. There are two standard varieties of Minorcas:
The Rose-comb Black Minorca is not recognized as a standard variety as yet, but indications point to its admission as such in the near future. Many good specimens have been bred and exhibited at the recent shows, and success in making this variety seems assured. The head of the Rose-comb Black Minorca male should be medium in length; beak, stout and black; eyes, dark red; face, smooth and red;comb, rose, straight, and set close and even on the head. In size the comb should be between that of the Wyandotte and the Leghorn; wattles, medium in length and not so large as in single-comb variety; ears lobes, pure white, large smooth and almond shaped. The head of the female is similar to that of the male -- medium in size; face, red; comb, small and even on the head; wattles, medium in size, thin and bright red; ear lobes, pure white, large and even. CharacteristicsThe standard weight of the Minorca class is:
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