10 French Chicken Breeds – A Comprehensive Guide

Many people don’t know how many varieties of chickens you can find around the globe. Some count more than 80 while others say there are hundreds. Some species are restricted to a specific area, while others can be shipped around the globe. To see if you are interested in any breeds from France, we will be looking at them. Continue reading and you’ll find an image and brief description for each breed so you can make an informed purchase.

1. Ardennaise Chicken

The Ardennaise, a French endangered domestic chicken, is now extinct. The Ardennaise was first introduced in the late 1800s. It thrived for many years before it began to decline in population. These birds lost their popularity after World War I as they were replaced by better egg-layer breeds. This chicken is available in both a Bantam and a tailless variant.

2. Bresse Gauloise Chicken

Bresse Gauloise is white chicken with a single-pointed comb. These birds were very popular in the 1900s. They are excellent egg layers and their large size made them popular.

3. Coucou des Flandres Chickens

Breeders have created the Coucou des Flandres, a critically endangered bird by combining several Oriental chickens. Breeders recreated the bird soon after it disappeared in the first world war. It has pinkish-white legs with a single-pointed comb.

4. Coucou de Rennes Chickens

A few breeders have the Coucou de Rennes, a rare French breed. This breed has a distinctive plumage that combines white and black with a bright red comb.

5. Crevecoeur Chicken

Crevecoeur chicken, a French endangered chicken, is harder to pronounce than type. Although no one knows the origin of this chicken, some chicken clubs started to recognize it in the early 1900s. The puffy crest is similar to the Houdan and is often black. However, you can find them in blue and white as well. They are gentle and friendly birds that don’t mind being held in captivity.

6. Estaires Chickens

The Eestairs chicken comes from northern France. It is relative to the Longshan breed. It is small and jagged with dark blue or black legs and black plumage, with green highlights. There are also rare varieties that have a silver or gold neck.

7. Faverolles Chicken

Faverolles is the French village that gave it its name. It can be used for both laying eggs and meat. However, its multicolored plumage makes it ideal for display. This bird is a friendly and calm bird, so it’s a popular choice as a pet.

8. Houdan Chickens

The Houdan, an ancient French chicken, is also named after its origin. It has small ears and a backward-flowing crest that gives it a winded appearance. Its thick plumage may partially hide its V-shaped, comb. It usually has mottled black and white feathers.

9. La Fleche

Another French breed, the La Fleche chicken, is distinctive in its appearance. This large bird has a V-shaped head and light-colored ears. You will sometimes see it with white feathers. A few were exported by breeders to the United States in the 1800s but they couldn’t withstand the harsh climate.

10. Marans

The Maran chicken comes from southwest France. It was created by breeding feral chickens from chickens that were once fighting chickens. It has been improved by breeders over the years and is now available in a variety of colors including black, silver, copper-tailed, and silver-cuckoo. Their legs are either slate or pink and they have orange eyes.

Summary

We hope that you enjoyed this list and found some chickens you would like to add to the farm. The Houdan is the best choice if you are looking to purchase a French bird. It is also the most common and easiest to find. Other chickens may be more expensive and harder to find.

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