Black Shumen Chicken

     The Black Shumen is an old breed of Chickens that originated in the Shumen region in Bulgaria. This bird was developed by crossing local black hens from the Shumen region with black Minorca roosters. The Minorcas’ bloodlines appear clearly in improving laying capabilities, and the relatively large size of the eggs.

     The Black Shumen has the characteristics of a Mediterranean chicken type like; having big combs and wattles, and being early-maturing chickens. Also, the hens of this breed have drooping combs, and are good layers of relatively large white eggs. In addition to that, the Black Shumen does have the characteristics of primitive breeds like; hardiness in different habitat conditions, being economical eater, and a vital and active bird with low body weight. All the these are traits for a primitive breed enabled this breed to survive in the harsh environment, where it was developed in the first place.

     Black Shumen hens lay around 150 – 160 eggs per year of weight 50 – 55 g per each, but they rarely go broody. The bird comes only in the black color-variety, and it has a single comb, and slate-blue legs. In fact, the Black Shumen resembles the black Minorca in almost everything, but differs in having red earlobes and a smaller body instead.