FAVEROLLE

History: These birds originated in Faverolles in Northern France, and were made up of breeds such as Dorking, Houdan and Cochin. They were imported into Britain in 1886 where they were crossed with the Sussex, Orpington and Indian Game.

Characteristics: A thick and deep body, very broad across the shoulders and saddle. The breast is broad but not rounded. The wings are small and the tail is moderately long, fairly upright with broad feathers. The head is broad, flat and short, with no crest, but a single upright comb and the face is muffled (the bird’s vision should not be obscured). The legs are short and stout and sparsely feathered to the outer toe.

Colours: Black, laced blue, buff, cuckoo, ermine, salmon, white.

At The Garden Hen we keep the salmon variety which has cream/white beard and muffs. The breast, thighs and underfluff are cream. The remaining plumage is wheaten-brown, head and neck striped with a dark shade of the same colour but free from black. The wings are similar to the back but softer and lighter.

Why do we keep Faverolles at The Garden Hen? They are one of the few birds that will not scratch the ground to excess, so they are good for keeping where grass is at a premium.

Cockerel Hen

Eggs: Tinted white, 160 per annum

Classification: Heavy/soft feather

Weight: Male 4.00 – 5.00 kg (9-11 lb), Female 3.40 – 4.30 kg (7½ – 9½ lb)