Faverolles
Feature by Toni Marie Graham
Uses: Exhibiton, Utility, Eggs
Origin: France
Weights: Cock: 4.08 – 4.98Kg Hen: 3.4 – 4.3Kg
Bantam Cock: 1130 – 1360g, Hen: 907 – 1133
Eggs: 160 – 240 Tinted
Colours: Black, Laced Blue, Buff, Cuckoo, Ermine, Salmon, White
Origin of the Faverolles
In a small town in France, Faverolles, (surprisingly close to the town Houdan) during the 1860's farmers integrated their farmyard flocks, mainly Houdan and Dorking crosses. The cock birds are thought to have been Asian imports (Cochins, Langshans, Brahma) which were kept by the wealthy within the surrounding areas. It is thought that the odd cock bird would have mixed with these farm-yard flocks which is how the Faverolles developed their large size and feathered feet. Quick someone call Jeremy Kyle!
Photo credit: www.poultrykeeper.com
The farmers would take these birds to market, and due to their rapid growth, large size and egg production their popularity meant that they started to out sell the pure bred Houdan. People didn't know what to call them, and so the dealers decided to name them Faverolles, after the village where they came from. This means that there is always an 's' on the end of the spelling, even if you are talking about a single Faverolles chicken.
In 1893 the French finally standardised the breed.
Faverolles in the UK
In the 1890's the Faverolles reached our shores and by 1935 enough people kept the breed so that the British Faverolles club or Society as it is now known, was formed and a new breed standard was written. Us being British, we wanted a more uniformed looking bird and of course at this time the Faverolles still had a lot of variability, so people would pay more for birds that were closer to the standard. This meant that the French Farmers had to become more selective in their breeding to satisfy the market demand in England.
In 1895, the Faverolles were considered to be “the best ever table bird brought into Britain”, and also at this time the British Faverolles Society accepted the standard for the bantam variety.
By 1902, the Faverolles popularity caused them to spread throughout Europe, being standardised within Germany, Austria and Switzerland.
These days, outside of Europe, America has the largest number of Faverolles where they too have their own active breed club.
How to keep Faverolles
Originating from Northern Europe, Faverolles are considered to be a hardy breed suitable for free ranging, and although the bantam type are adaptable to penning for long periods of time, the large variety are not.
Faverolles like to roost, a roost bar within their coop would be ideal. However, a roost bar placed too high can damage the feet caused by constant jumping. Anywhere to 18 – 24 inches high is suitable.
Faverolles are not glutinous birds – despite their large size they only require an ample handful of feed per bird twice a day. For bantams, a smaller handful will be satisfactory.
Photo credit: www.fresheggsdaily.com
Faverolles aren't particularly good flyers and so tall fencing is not a requirement, only for pest control. They do tend to suffer with Scaly Leg Mite due to their feathered feet, a dry sheltered area, a dust bath and regular checks should help to prevent a serious case.
Apart from that, if loved and looked after they shall supply you with breakfast and a give you a wake-up call every morning.
Overall Opinion
Faverolles are a quirky breed, both in appearance and character. With their fluffy faces and feet, and their docile sweet natured personalities who can become quite affectionate to their keepers. Whether you keep them for breeding purposes or simply part of your back garden flock, these birds will lay you a prolific number of eggs even throughout the winter months. They are excellent broodies and make wonderful mothers. You can expect Faverolles to live anywhere between 5-7 years!
The only downside to the Faverolles, if I really am clutching at straws, is that due to their shy behaviour, within a flock you may find that these birds will be at the bottom of the pecking order. Big Softies.
