All About the Faverolles Chicken

Salmon Faverolle is a Popular Variety of This Muffed Threatened Heritage Breed

Promoted by Tasty Worms

March 14, 2019Countryside EditorialChickens 101

Breed of the Month: Faverolles chicken

Origin: The Faverolles is a composite breed originating from crosses of Houdans, Dorkings, and Asiatics. The Faverolle chicken breed takes its name from the village of Faverolles, located northeast of Paris, France. Faverolle chickens were primarily bred for utility. The production of heavy table poultry and winter eggs were the main objective of the French poultry keepers in establishing this breed.

Standard Description: Faverolles chickens are medium-sized, with deep compact bodies, feathered shanks and toes, and beards and muffs. They have five toes. Faverolles chickens are recognized as a standard breed by the American Poultry Association in two varieties: Salmon in 1914; White in 1981.

Conservation Status: Threatened

Varieties: Salmon, White

Egg Color, Size & Laying Habits:

Unlike other French breeds of poultry, Faverolles lay light brown tinted eggs (instead of white eggs).

• Light brown

• Medium to large

• 150-180 eggs per year

Temperament: Active, yet gentle — excellent sitters and mothers

“My favorite hen is actually a Salmon Favorelles. Her name is Banana. That’s her above as a chick. She’s shy, sweet, and keeps to herself. We’ve had her go broody a few times.” – Steph Merkle, Content Director for Backyard Poultry magazine

Coloring:

Salmon Faverolles: Beak is pinkish horn; eyes are reddish bay; shanks and toes are pinkish white. (Male): Head and hackle are straw. Beard, muffs, front of neck, breast, body, tails, and legs are black. Back is reddish brown laced with light brown changing to straw at saddle. Wings are black highlighted with straw and white. (Female): Beard and muffs are creamy white. Head, hackle, back, wings, tails are salmon-brown. Breast, body, and legs are creamy white. Skin is white.

White: Beak is pinkish horn, eyes are reddish bay; shanks and toes are pinkish white. Standard white plumage, including beard and muffs. Skin is white.

Comb: Single; of moderate size, straight and upright, evenly serrated, having five well-defined points, the front and rear shorter than the other three, fine in texture.