For farm purposes they are especially profitable. Being of an active, restless disposition they keep in splendid condition and make good foragers. For suburban poultry keeping they are very practical birds, and net good results to the keeper. They are hardy, easily raised, and mature quickly. The Minorca fowl is large in outline, well bodied, stands well up on its legs, broad chest, and a long, flat back, with tail carried upright.
Many breeders dispute as to the carriage of the tail.
The body of the Minorca male is long, square in front, tapering from front to rear. When standing erect the body of male is at an angle of nearly forty-five degrees. The comb of the Minorca is larger and more bulky than that of the Leghorn. The female is in body of the same general appearance as the male, rather long, broad, and deep. Black Minorcas are in plumage a rich, glossy black throughout, and gray tips are considered serious defects.