Mottled Houdan Chicken

The Mottled Houdan chicken breed was imported from the town Houdan (France) into England around the 1850’s. The Mottled Houdan chicken was introduced to America in 1865 and later in 1874 it was admitted into the American Standard of Perfection. This unique chicken breed has a fifth toe, is an old French breed, has a wide cavernous nostril, a large crested feather head and is a white egg layer. The females  are extremely docile and gentle and make good pets. Not particularly a good free range chicken if you have predators because of their top knot that blocks some of their vision. They are known as the “French Hen” and make a great backyard chicken for pets and show.

Breed Facts

• Poultry Show Class: Continental Class
• Weights: Hen—–6 1/2 lbs
  Rooster——8 lbs
  Pullet—5 1/2 lbs
  Cockerel—–7 lbs
• Purpose and Type: Dual, Egg Laying and Meat; Exhibition
• Egg Shell Color: White
• Egg Production: 150+ eggs per year (estimates only, see FAQ)
• Egg Size: Small-Medium
• Temperament: Docile
• Fertility Percentage: 40-55%
• Broody: Setter
• Mating Ratio: 8 Females to 1 Male
• Roost Height: 2 to 4 feet
• Country of Origin: France
• APA: Yes, Recognized by the American Standard of Perfection in 1874.
• TLC: Threatened Status, Considered a sustainable heritage chicken breed.
• Breeder Farm Source: Hatchery® Poultry Breeding Farm has been developing our bloodline or strain of Mottled Houdans since 1971.