The most well-known and popular breed of chicken native to Peru is the Peruvian Chicken, also known as Gallina Peruana or simply Gallina. This unique breed is an integral part of Peruvian cuisine and culture.
Quick Answers
The Peruvian Chicken is a lightweight, relatively small breed of chicken that originated in the highlands of Peru. It is known for its black feathers, red comb and wattles, and excellent meat quality. The Peruvian Chicken became popularized globally when it was brought to North America and Europe in the 1990s.
Origin and History
The Peruvian Chicken traces its origins to the ancient Inca civilization in Peru. It is believed that the breed descended from Araucana chickens brought to Peru by Spanish explorers in the 1500s. Over centuries, the breed was further developed and refined in the small farms and homesteads of the Andean highlands of Peru.
The Peruvian Chicken was largely unknown outside of Peru until the 1990s. At this time, it was introduced to North America and Europe, quickly gaining popularity for its tender meat and exotic look. Its slender frame, striking black plumage and bright red comb and wattles were unique compared to other chicken breeds at the time.
Spread Outside Peru
The spread of the Peruvian Chicken outside its native Peru can be traced back to a couple key events:
- In 1991, a U.S. chicken breeder named Don Presley imported 12 Peruvian Chickens to the U.S. This small flock was used to establish a breeding population in North America.
- In 1996, a British farmer named John Adcock returned from Peru with 7 Peruvian Chickens. This introduced the breed to the U.K. for the first time.
- From these small foundation populations, the breed’s popularity boomed thanks to exposure at poultry shows, breeding programs and commercial hatcheries offering the unique breed to the public.
Breed Characteristics
The Peruvian Chicken possesses a number of distinctive characteristics that set it apart from other chicken breeds:
- Size – Peruvian Chickens are relatively small, with slender and light frames. Roosters weigh 4-5 lbs and hens weigh 3-4 lbs on average.
- Feathers – Entirely black plumage that has a beetle green sheen in sunlight.
- Comb and Wattles – Bright red single comb and wattles.
- Skin and Legs – Yellow skin and legs.
- Egg Production – Very good layers of small cream or tinted eggs, about 150-180 per year.
- Meat Quality – Excellent meat quality with tender and juicy meat.
- Foraging Skills – Strong instincts to forage.
- Disposition – Typically docile but active chickens.
- Climate Tolerance – Hardy and tolerates both hot and cold climates well.
Unique Adaptations
Some notable adaptations of the Peruvian Chicken include:
- Small lung capacity adapted for high altitude.
- Efficient metabolism to conserve resources.
- Denser bones and less body fat to reduce oxygen needs.
- Thicker, oilier plumage for insulation and water resistance.
These adaptations allowed the breed to thrive in the Andes mountains of Peru where they originated.
Role in Peruvian Cuisine
The Peruvian Chicken is deeply ingrained in traditional Peruvian cuisine. Some of its most common uses include:
- Aji de Gallina – Shredded chicken in a mild, creamy yellow pepper sauce.
- Pollo a la Brasa – Marinated rotisserie chicken.
- Cau Cau – Chicken stew with potatoes and rice.
- Pollo Saltado – Stir-fried chicken with onions, tomatoes and spices.
- Ceviche de Pollo – Marinated, lime-cooked chicken.
The lean and delicate meat of the Peruvian Chicken is perfectly suited for these flavorful Peruvian dishes. The chicken’s small size also allows it to cook quickly and absorb marinades readily.
Cultural Significance
In addition to cuisine, the Peruvian Chicken has become a symbol of national pride and cultural identity in Peru. Its distinctive appearance reflects the multiethnic heritage of Peru. The chicken also represents the rugged agrarian roots of the Andean highlands where the breed originated.
The Peruvian Chicken remains most popular and numerous within Peru itself. Raising backyard poultry flocks is a tradition throughout the country. The breed is also common in village markets and as street food in cities like Lima.
Raising Peruvian Chickens
The Peruvian Chicken is an excellent breed for small-scale backyard chicken keepers. Here are some key considerations when raising them:
Housing
- As a lightweight breed, they do not require heavy or elaborate coops.
- Provide each bird 4-5 square feet of coop space.
- Allow 8-10 square feet per bird in outdoor runs.
- Keep coops dry and draft-free as they are susceptible to respiratory illnesses.
Feeding
- Commercial chicken feed balances their dietary needs.
- Supplement with garden vegetables, sprouted grains and mealworms.
- Provide grit to aid digestion.
- Ensure clean, fresh water at all times.
Health and Care
- Peruvian Chickens are quite hardy overall.
- Isolate any birds showing signs of illness.
- Trim toenails if they get overly long.
- Use poultry dust to control lice and mites if needed.
- Predators like dogs, foxes and hawks must be kept away.
| Age | Weight |
|---|---|
| Chick | 2-3 oz |
| 6 weeks | 1.5 lbs |
| 16 weeks | 3-4 lbs |
This table provides the typical weight range of Peruvian Chickens at various growth stages.
Conclusion
With its long history yet striking novelty, the Peruvian Chicken remains a unique breed treasured both in its native land and abroad. This hardy landrace breed is an integral part of Peruvian cuisine and culture. Its small size and excellent laying and meat abilities also make it an ideal backyard chicken. The Peruvian Chicken is continuing to gain popularity worldwide as more people discover its qualities and appeal as a pet, egg producer and meat bird.