Ermellinata di Rovigo Chicken Breed – Origin, Traits & Facts

Ermellinata di Rovigo

The Ermellinata di Rovigo is a modern Italian breed of dual-purpose chicken. It originates in the city of Rovigo in the Veneto region of north-eastern Italy, from which it takes its name. It was created between 1959 and 1965, principally from Sussex and Rhode Island Red parentage.

Habitat

The Ermellinata di Rovigo thrives in temperate climates and is well-suited to the Veneto region's environment. It can adapt to both rural and small-scale urban farm settings. It requires access to outdoor spaces for foraging when possible, though it can also be kept in confinement.

Loading map...

Characteristics

Size40-45 cm

Wing Span60-75 cm

Male Weight3.5 kg

Female Weight2.5 kg

Life Expectancy8 years

Ease of Keeping

Beginner friendly: 4/5

Useful to know

The Ermellinata di Rovigo is valued for its dual-purpose utility, being good for both meat and egg production. It is an Italian breed that was developed in the mid-20th century and is still relatively popular in its region of origin. It is known for its adaptability to various climates and conditions.

Behaviour

Temperamentcalm

Flightinesslow

Foraging Abilitygood

Confinement Tolerance

The Ermellinata di Rovigo can tolerate confinement well, but it thrives when allowed to forage freely. While it is calm and adaptable to pens, it benefits from outdoor foraging opportunities to maintain health and egg production.

Unlock detailed chicken insights with Pro access today.

Identification

Comb Type

Plumage Description

Feather Color

Leg Color

Earlobe Color

Eye Color

Feeding Habits

Diet

Preferred Environment

Requires Supplement

Population

Conservation Status

Species Status

Wild Population

Total Known Population

Egg Characteristics

Egg Color

Egg Size

Laying Frequency

Egg Production / Year

Start Laying Age (weeks)

Mugellese

The Mugellese, also known as Mugginese, is a rustic dual-purpose breed of small chicken or bantam from Tuscany, in central Italy. It takes its name from the historic Mugello region to the north-east of Florence. It is not officially recognised as a breed in Italy, but is being considered for recognition.

Padovana

The Padovana or Padovana dal gran ciuffo is an ancient Italian breed of small crested and bearded chicken. It originates in, and is named for, the city and surrounding province of Padua, in the Veneto region of north-eastern Italy. Despite continuing discussion surrounding its true origins, it is recognised in Italy as an indigenous Italian breed.

Siciliana

The Siciliana is an ancient Italian breed of chicken from the Mediterranean island of Sicily. It is notable for its unusual double or rose comb, for the early age at which birds reach maturity, and for the unusual shape of the eggs. The Sicilian Buttercup, bred in Australia, Great Britain and the North America, derives from it, but its long separation from the original stock has led to marked differences between the two.

Sicilian Buttercup

The Sicilian Buttercup is a breed of domestic chicken originating from the island of Sicily. The breed was imported to the United States in the nineteenth century, and to Britain and Australia early in the twentieth century. It derives from the indigenous Siciliana breed of Sicily, but long separation from the original stock has led to marked differences between the two.