About Egyptian Fayoumi Chickens

Egyptian Fayoumis are an ancient Chicken that originated in the Nile Valley. They have are pretty and unique appearance. They hold their tails upright--nearly vertical--and have especially long, graceful necks. They are decent layers of smallish, cream, or tinted eggs.  

Egyptian Fayoumis are one of the most early maturing of chicken breeds: hens can begin laying eggs as early as 4-1/2 or 5 months. Fayoumis are known to be naturally resistant to Marek's Disease and to many other illnesses. However, they are normally fairly nervous in temperament, and can be feather pickers if they don't have enough room to roam. They can be territorial about their favorite nesting spots, and roosters are noisy. They are also fliers, so are not always the best choice for a backyard flock since they can and will clear most fences. With plenty of room, however, they can be a good choice for a small farm, since they are good foragers, economical eaters, independent, tough, aware of their surroundings and good at avoiding predators.