Faverolles Qualities

The French crossed several breeds to create the utility fowl called the “Faverolles.” The Faverolles (the French “s” indicates singular number not plural) mature early, produce a fine textured meat, and lay four eggs a week or 170 medium-sized, creamy or salmon colored eggs per year. They lay well in the winter months. Their downy feathers equip them to endure cold. The Faverolles seldom go broody. Owners report that Faverolles roosters rank as some of the most docile cocks in poultry world. Both hen and rooster make ideal pets.

Faverolles Temperament

Devotees of the breed describe the Faverolles as sweet, docile, and personable. In a mixed flock Faverolles chickens usually appear at the bottom of the pecking order. Their non-aggressive manner carries over to people as well. Faverolles chickens accept a newcomer to the flock without fanfare or confrontation. Quiet and calm the Faverolles rooster embodies the very picture of rural repose. They have a lordly appearance but a dignified disposition. Faverolles owners list curiosity as the closest thing to a character flaw in the breed. By all accounts the Faverolles qualifies as the perfect pet and backyard chicken.

Faverolles Appearance

The Favorolles exhibit ten different plumages; however, the poultry world generally associates Faverolles with the Salmon variety. The hens wear white feathers on the body, breast, and throat. Salmon feathers adorn the top of the hackles, shells, wings, and tail. Faverolles hens look a little daffy with loose feathering, full beards and muffs, feathered feet, and five toes. Faverolles roosters, on the other hand, look altogether different and altogether dignified. Peter F. Merlin in his article “The Fabulous Faverolles” describes the Faverolles rooster “as the peacock of the poultry world.” The rooster has a iridescent dark breast and tail, white hackles and shell feathers, and bronze wings laced in white. A Faverolles rooster and hen look like an elegant butler accompanied by his brassy, blond companion.

Faverolles Upkeep

Faverolles like to forage. Give them ample room. Poor fliers, the Faverolles need only low fencing to protect them from predators. Keep the run dry. Although they cope well with damp grass, Faverolles tend to suffer from Scaly Leg mite. Feed a good quality layer feed to take advantage of their utility status. They can handle cold weather but will still appreciate a warm coop. Keep Faverolles away from other breeds. Their submissive disposition renders them easy targets from more aggressive fowl.