About Polverara Chickens

Polverara chickens stand as a testament to Italy's rich poultry heritage, originating from the ancient village of Polverara in the Padua region. Dating back to the 15th century, they are also known as "Padovana di Polverara," "Schiatta di Polverara," or simply "Schiatta." There's a debate among poultry historians about whether Polverara chickens are the ancestors of the Padovana breed or vice versa, highlighting their historical significance in Italian poultry breeding.

Despite their storied past, Polverara chickens faced near-extinction at one point, with their numbers dwindling. However, efforts are underway to revive this heritage breed, and it is officially recognized as a traditional product by the Italian Department of Agriculture and Forestry. This recognition underscores the importance of preserving the genetic diversity of indigenous poultry breeds.

In terms of characteristics, Polverara chickens are valued for both their flavorful meat and their moderate egg production. They lay eggs with a minimum weight of 50 grams, boasting whitish shells. Their physical features are distinctive, with a well-shaped medium-sized trunk and a large head adorned with a crest of straight feathers that do not obstruct their eyes. The presence of a small cerebral hernia is noted in some individuals.

Their plumage is tight to the body, with long and rounded feathers, and they possess a strong curved beak with a small red excrescence near the nostrils. The eyes are striking, large, and lively, exhibiting hues of orange-red-brown. The comb is red and V-shaped, with smaller points in hens. While they have beard and muff characteristics, they are not extensively developed, leaving the wattles and earlobes partially exposed.

Polverara chickens exhibit distinctive tail angles, with cocks typically having an erect tail at a 65-70° angle, while hens' tails are slightly less angled at 50-55°. Their legs are relatively long and visible, with thin, featherless shanks and white skin. The breed comes in two varieties: black and white. In the black variety, the plumage is entirely black with shimmering petrol nuances, while the shanks are slate-grey with greenish shades. Conversely, the white variety features pure white plumage, willow-green shanks, and horn-colored beaks, with white down.

With their unique historical significance and distinctive characteristics, Polverara chickens contribute to Italy's diverse poultry landscape, embodying centuries of tradition and heritage. Efforts to conserve and promote this breed are essential for preserving Italy's cultural and genetic poultry heritage for future generations.