Faverolles Chickens Gaining Popularity

Faverolles Chickens Gaining Popularity Faverolles are a dual-purpose backyard chicken. They’re descendants of Houdans, a breed weakened by inbreeding and an overly large crest that impaired their health in winter. When large chickens from China entered the market in 1846, breeders combined them with the Houdan to create a hardy, quick-growing bird with excellent winter egg production. Faverolles became France’s leading table bird and featured prominently in Parisian restaurants. They were imported to New York around 1901 and accepted into the American Poultry Association in 1914. While white plumage with dark markings on the hackle feathers became preferred,  breed standards allowed for color variations to avoid inbreeding and loss of hybrid vigor. This level of variation led to arguments over the standard, meaning the breed wasn’t officially recognized in France until 1930. Changing market pressures put faster-growing chickens on farms in the 1950s. Within decades, Faverolles were almost extinct across France. Thanks to the work of the Houdan-Faverolles Club, their numbers have recently climbed back into the thousands. By 2022, a surge in population led the Livestock Conservancy to move them from “Threatened” status to the less severe “Watch.” Faverolles are medium-sized with wide, compact bodies and wings held close to their sides. The heads have voluminous beards and muffs that conceal their ear lobes. No crests are present, but the plumage is abundant, dense and fluffy. You’ll find the pinkish-white legs have light feathering and five well-separated toes. Despite their existing color variations, only salmon and white are recognized by the American Poultry Association.  They’re classified as having a dual purpose for meat and egg production. Their hardiness and friendly nature make them ideal for any level of chicken owner. Expect approximately 150 tinted, slightly pink eggs per year. Laying stays strong over the winter; the hens make excellent sitters and mothers. Hens weigh around 6.5 lbs., and the roosters weigh 8 lbs. Faverolles are known for their energetic, curious personalities. While they love to roam, they easily befriend humans and make for calm, engaging backyard birds. Considered poor flyers, they’re easily contained in fencing. Their abundance of feathers helps them thrive in cold, damp climates, though the thick beards and muffs can limit their field of vision.

To read the rest of this story, download this issue below or click here to register with your account number.