Faverolles Chicken Breed Guide: Eggs, Temperament & Care
Faverolles are a unique dual-purpose chicken breed from the French village of Faverolles. They produce about 150-200 light brown eggs per year and are renowned for their calm, docile nature. Their distinctive features include a beard, muffs, feathered shanks, and five toes. This guide covers everything you need to know about eggs, temperament, and care.
Egg Production and Laying Habits
Faverolles hens lay medium to large light brown eggs, averaging 3-4 per week. They are decent winter layers and often start laying at 5-7 months. Egg size tends to be medium, but can vary. They rarely go broody, but when they do, they are excellent mothers. To maximize egg production, provide a layer feed with 16-18% protein, oyster shell for calcium, and plenty of fresh water. Ensure 14-16 hours of light daily; supplement with a light if needed.
Temperament and Behavior
Faverolles are one of the friendliest chicken breeds. They are calm, curious, and enjoy human interaction, making them ideal for families with children. Roosters are generally non-aggressive and can be gentle. They integrate well into mixed flocks, but their feathered feet may make them less adept at foraging. They tolerate confinement but thrive with free-range access. Handle them regularly to maintain their friendly disposition.
Care and Health
Feeding: Start with a high-quality starter/grower feed (18-20% protein for chicks). At 18 weeks, switch to layer feed (16-18% protein). Supplement with greens, fruits, and grit. Avoid overfeeding treats (no more than 10% of diet).
Housing: Provide 4 square feet per bird inside the coop and 8-10 square feet per bird in the run. Faverolles are cold-hardy due to their heavy feathers, but need protection from heat and dampness. Their feathered feet and beards require clean, dry bedding to prevent frostbite and foot issues. Use deep litter method or straw. Ensure good ventilation without drafts.
Health: Common issues include bumblefoot from wet litter, external parasites (mites, lice), and respiratory infections. Trim feathers on feet if they accumulate mud. For any health concerns, consult a licensed veterinarian. Keep their coop clean and dust-free to prevent respiratory problems.
Grooming: Check and clean feathers around the vent. Trim nails and spurs if overgrown. Provide a dust bath area with sand and diatomaceous earth.
Breeding: Faverolles are not prolific layers of fertile eggs, but they can be bred. Keep one rooster per 8-10 hens. For color breeding, aim for the salmon (wheaten) pattern in females and silver/black in males.
Comparisons and Suitability
Compared to other dual-purpose breeds like Orpingtons or Wyandottes, Faverolles are more cold-tolerant and docile. They lay fewer eggs than Leghorns but are friendlier and better for small farms. They are a good choice if you want a pet that also provides eggs.
Pros: Friendly, good with children, decent winter layers, attractive plumage.
Cons: Feathered feet require more care, not the best foragers, moderate egg production.
Final Tips
Let Faverolles roam in a predator-safe area to enjoy their curious nature. Provide plenty of perches and nesting boxes. Keep their environment dry. With proper care, they live 6-8 years and make wonderful companions.
Remember to always provide fresh water and a balanced diet. For specific health issues, seek veterinary advice.
Key Takeaway
Faverolles are ideal for backyard flocks due to their gentle nature, decent egg production, and cold hardiness, but require extra care for their feathered feet.