Are you looking for new chickens or maybe your first chickens for your homestead? There are so many different breeds to choose from and it can be overwhelming. Let me show you all you need to know about the Salmon Faverolle chickens. These chicks may be just right for you.
Origin and history of Faverolle Chickens
If you haven't figured out by now I like both animal breeds and plant types that have a distinct and rich history. Salmon Feverolle chickens are one of the chicken breeds that are called heritage.
This means that the Salmon Faverolle has a rich history. What most don't realize is that to be a heritage chicken the hens have to be productive for 5-7 years. This means you will be able to keep your egg laying hens longer than what is "normal".
According to this article Salmon Faverolle chickens originated from the village of Faverolle in France which is located to the south-west of Paris.
Salmon Faverolle chickens are actually a mix of multiple breeds including Houdan, Brahma, French Rennes, Flemish Cuckoo, Malines, and Dorking. They were then selected and bred for production qualities. So basically Salmon Faverolles have the qualities of many breeds all in one chicken.
The true Salmon Faverolle Chickens where first bred in France around 1886. After being introduced to England in 1894 and being considered the best French breed yet, they were then introduced to America in 1901. After their first introduction the Salmon Faverolle chicken won the hearts of many Americans, and for good reason too.
The Salmon Faverolle chicken's qualities
The Salmon Faverolle gained such a good following because of their amazing qualities. Here is a list of all the things that Salmon Faverolle chickens were, and still are, loved for.
Egg laying
Salmon Faverolle chickens are great egg layers laying between 150-200 eggs a year. While some breeds may lay more eggs than that the Salmon Faverolle has a consistent egg laying pace meaning they are known for winter laying (this most likely came from their Dorking heritage). They lay medium sized eggs that are a cream/brown color. It has even been said that some can lay a pink colored egg.
Meat production
While I have never yet raised my chickens for meat the Salmon Faverolle chicken is said to be both good for eggs and flesh. They are early to mature for both meat and egg production. If you would like to learn how you can raise heritage chickens for meat production here is an informative article.
Appearance
As you would expect French hens do look fancy. Salmon Faverolle chickens have fluffy muffs and beards (the fluffy feathers around the face). They also have a heavy coat of feathers making these 8-6.5 pound birds look much bigger than they really are.
Unlike most chickens they have not four, but five toes on each foot. They also have a bright red, upright, single comb. As you can see from my pictures their feathers are cream to salmon color. Lastly, the Salmon Faverolle chickens do have feathered feet.
Winter Hardiness
As you may have already figured out with them being good winter layers, Salmon Faverolles are winter hardy chickens. Their thick layer of fluffy down feathers and their feathered feet helps to keep them warm all winter long. The only winter issues they may have is frostbite on their combs. To keep this from happening rub Vaseline on their combs when there is a cold snap.
Personalities and amusements
If you have ever owned chickens then you know that they have their own little ways and personalities about them. Salmon Faverolle chickens are what I would call docile yet energetic and maybe a little flighty, let me explain.
Because they have such fluffy feathers around their eyes, they may not see you when you are coming to hold them; this is why I call them flighty.
They don't mind being around you; they just don't really enjoy you holding them. And, they are docile; both hens and roosters are known for their gentleness around humans.
This is why many families with young children choose Salmon Faverolle Chickens. They are also extremely funny chickens. They have this thing where they will run to another Faverolle chicken and then jump and do a chest bump. I have no idea what that is about, but it amuses me.
Salmon Faverolle roosters
Like I said the roosters are docile so they are a great choice around young children. If they do start to get aggressive for some reason, read this great article on how to tame a rooster. If you use the simple actions lined out in that article your rooster should be a gentle giant.
Are Salmon Faverolle Chickens the right choice for you
I would say these birds are great for anyone whether you are looking for a backyard egg producer or a heritage chicken for meat production; the Salmon Faverolle chicken is truly a versatile chicken.
I have had my Salmon Faverolle chickens for a long while and I have to say they may be my favorite chicken breed yet. If a chicken breed has lasted over a century and still counting, then you know there has to be a reason.
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