Faverolles

Looks how to spot one

Soft, full feathering with beard, muffs and feathered legs

A deep, compact bird with a fluffy beard and muffs framing the face, feathered shanks and toes, and five toes on each foot instead of the usual four. It has a single comb and reddish-bay eyes. Hens lay tinted to light brown eggs, sometimes with a pinkish tone.21

Personality what they are like

Active but very gentle and easy-going. Faverolles are known as one of the quietest, most placid breeds, which makes them lovely family birds; because they are so mild, they are happiest alongside other calm chickens.21

Daily activity how busy a day looks

Moderately active, enjoying time to forage and scratch in a run each day.24

Grooming and care the hands-on bits

Chickens keep their own feathers in order by preening and dust bathing, so the main jobs are a dry dust-bath area, clean dry bedding, daily flock checks and regular egg collection. Keep the ground and bedding dry so the feathered feet and beard stay clean. Hens lay about 150 to 200 or more eggs a year.24

Home where they are happiest

A secure, dry, well-ventilated but draught-free coop with perches and nest boxes, plus a fenced run with a patch of dry soil for dust bathing. The RSPCA suggests about 1 m² of indoor space per bird where possible.45

Food basics what goes in the bowl

A complete commercial poultry ration is the base: chick starter, then grower, then layer feed once hens begin laying. Provide insoluble grit, oyster shell as extra calcium for laying hens, and constant clean water.45

Company who they like around

Chickens are flock animals that forage, roost and dust bathe together, so keep at least three birds that get along.4

The story where it all began

Faverolles were bred in 19th-century France as a practical table and egg bird for the Paris markets, drawing on Houdan, Dorking, Brahma, Cochin and Flemish cuckoo fowl. A consistent type had emerged by about 1886, the breed reached England in the mid-1890s and America in 1901 to 1902. British breeders developed their own heavier exhibition style.123

Recognised by the official bits

The Poultry Club of Great Britain

Standardised breed, classed as soft feather heavy.3

American Poultry Association

Salmon admitted in 1914 and White in 1981; placed in the Continental class.2

The Livestock Conservancy

Listed on the Conservation Priority List in the Watch category.2