Mottled Houdan
Introducing our only white egg layer here on Riverbend Farm: the Mottled Houdan (pronounced "oodan"). The Houdan is an interesting and unusual breed from France, and has a long history as a dual-purpose fowl in that country. They were originally bred there as a high-class table fowl and were kept by farmers living near the market town of Houdan, near Paris. Since the Houdan is so old that it predates most agricultural writing, we know little of what breeds went into its makeup, but some people propose links to Crevecoeurs, Polish and the native 5-toed fowl of France.
The Houdan has a few neat features that make it very distinctive from other breeds. They have 5 toes rather than the standard 4, and they also have a v-comb which makes them quite hardy and resistant to frostbite. They have spotted legs, small earlobes and wattles hidden by their feathered crests and beards. Being a crested, bearded ornamental breed, many people tend to question their productivity and viability as a farm fowl. These birds do, however have many features that make them valuable additions to the farm flock. Standard weight for roosters is 7-8 pounds, while hens will weigh a more modest 6-7 pounds.
UPDATE: January 2014 We have begun to hatch Houdans for this season, but have very limited supplies. Small batches will be available through spring. Reserve yours now for guaranteed delivery! |
They were once primarily kept for meat in France, but have since been replaced with more fast-growing hybrids. The meat has a fine, dense texture and excellent flavor. When eating one of these birds you will immediately be aware that this is no fast-growing, bland-tasting hybrid. Due to the fact that they have been kept mainly as an ornamental bird for many years, the Houdans are not currently up to standard production weights and here at Riverbend Farm we will be selecting for size as well as egg production.
Houdans make excellent pets as the hens grow up to have a very docile and sweet nature when hand-raised. Children and 4-H members often enjoy this breed for that reason, as well as for their "couture" appearance! As adults the hens are very vocal and "chatty", making many soft calls to each other and "talking" to their owners whenever they are around. The roosters are protective of their hens, but our breeding rooster Tuxedo likes to be picked up and petted and has never been aggressive towards people. The chicks are very energetic and excitable when young, but they become much calmer as they age. These little guys will jump and fly much more than our other chicks and sport the most adorable mohawks right out of the shell. They look like the original bad biker chicks!
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