Faverolles
Chickens are a utility fowl from France. The French crossed several breeds to
create them. They mature early, produce a fine textured meat, and lay four eggs
a week or 170 medium-sized, creamy or salmon colored eggs per year. They lay
well in the winter months. Their downy feathers equip them to endure cold.
Faverolles chickens seldom go broody. Owners report that Faverolles roosters
rank as some of the most docile cocks in poultry world. Both hen and rooster
make ideal pets.
Faverolles are
sweet, docile, and personable. In a mixed flock Faverolles chickens usually
appear at the bottom of the pecking order. Their non-aggressive manner carries
over to people as well. Faverolles chickens accept a newcomer to the flock
without fanfare or confrontation. Quiet and calm the Faverolles rooster
embodies the very picture of rural repose. They have a lordly appearance but a
dignified disposition. By all accounts the Faverolles qualifies as the perfect
pet and backyard chicken.
Favorolles have
ten different plumages; however, the poultry world generally associates
Faverolles with the Salmon variety. The hens wear white feathers on the body,
breast, and throat. Salmon feathers adorn the top of the hackles, shells,
wings, and tail. Faverolles hens look a little daffy with loose feathering,
full beards and muffs, feathered feet, and five toes. Faverolles roosters, on
the other hand, look altogether different and altogether dignified. Peter F.
Merlin in his article “The Fabulous Faverolles” describes the Faverolles
rooster “as the peacock of the poultry world.” The rooster has a iridescent
dark breast and tail, white hackles and shell feathers, and bronze wings laced
in white. A Faverolles rooster and hen look like an elegant butler accompanied
by his brassy, blond companion.
Faverolles like
to forage. Give them ample room. Poor fliers, the Faverolles need only low
fencing to protect them from predators. Keep the run dry. Although they cope
well with damp grass, Faverolles tend to suffer from Scaly Leg mite. Feed a
good quality layer feed to take advantage of their utility status. They can
handle cold weather but will still appreciate a warm coop. Keep Faverolles away
from other breeds. Their submissive disposition renders them easy targets from
more aggressive fowl.
About Faverolles Chickens
