Reviews by wood&feathers

I purchased two Tuzo type Aseel hens last fall. They have integrated well with our cubalayas. We love watching their athletic antics. They are strong fliers and in winter we make a game of hanging a suet block or other treat in a new tree, just to watch them figure out how to get it. Ours are laying better than expected, and I look forward to letting them brood. In Kentucky their seemingly thin, tight feathering has been no problem. I personally know of one amazing survival story of this breed- a hen was stolen, survived wild in the forest and returned to her owners nearly a year later.

I purchased a trio from cubalaya in Virginia. It has been amazing to watch them and get to know them. Their looks are quite striking, and the females are gorgeous in their own right. The girls are also extremely agile, and quickly figured out our plum tree even before the first plum hit the ground. They have been surprisingly good layers, laying well into this winter their first year. The rooster is very vigilant and conservative. Unlike my previous rooster he sends everyone running for cover if he spots a raptor. I look forward to raising some babies this spring.

My birds have been quite curious and friendly. They will jump in my lap for treats, but do not wish to be held. You AREN'T going to catch a cubalaya loose in the yard - wait until nightfall, they're FAST. Mine are free ranging with production reds and Marans and seem to be doing fine. The rooster is very mellow toward his son, to the point I need to give junior away so I can get pure offspring. So I could see this being a problem in a larger mixed flock.

These were the first 2 hens we acquired. We still have them and they are still laying. One was found to have a slipped tendon when we got home from the breeder but the kids were already smitten... Even that gimpy hen is still laying and healthy. The other one is the flock boss. Both are tame and will sit in your lap, but do not like to be picked up. Neither has ever gone broody

I have had cuckoo, black copper and wheaten marans. The cuckoo is my favorite. She seems short legged, but is incredibly quick on her feet. She has been a very good broody - only goes broody once in the summer, and when she does she sees things through. The Black Coppers are larger and lay those gorgeous dark eggs but lack the cuckoo's vigor and intelligence. Their persona is more stately. They too make good mothers. Both types have laid well when they are laying.