Houdans are known best for their exotic beauty, docile personality, and as a sought after meat bird, as well as, a productive egg laying bird.
Houdan Chicken Breed Facts:
Origin: True origin of the Houdan Chicken Breed are unknown. Their name was derived in Yvelines, France. "The first Houdan chickens were imported into England in the 1850s, and into America in the 1865 by a Mr. Dorose. In 1867, John B. Gough exhibited them in Worcester, Massachusetts. Houdans were accepted into the American Poultry Association Standard of Perfection in 1874. These birds were of the mottled variety. The White Houdan was developed in America by F.D. Baermen and was the result of crossing Mottled Houdans with White Polish chickens. White Houdans were recognized as an official color in 1914" (Livestock Conservancy).
Use: Most commonly used for eggs and as meat birds but have found their way to becoming exceptional pets due to their gentle, friendly natures.
Comb: Canada: Shaped like a butterfly or oak-leaf Canada, USA: v-shaped
Egg Color:White
Egg Size:Large
Weight:Male 7 lbs. / Female 5.5 lbs.
Classification: Continental
Temperament: Calm, gentle and usually very friendly if handled when they are young.
See Video below for more information
Origin: True origin of the Houdan Chicken Breed are unknown. Their name was derived in Yvelines, France. "The first Houdan chickens were imported into England in the 1850s, and into America in the 1865 by a Mr. Dorose. In 1867, John B. Gough exhibited them in Worcester, Massachusetts. Houdans were accepted into the American Poultry Association Standard of Perfection in 1874. These birds were of the mottled variety. The White Houdan was developed in America by F.D. Baermen and was the result of crossing Mottled Houdans with White Polish chickens. White Houdans were recognized as an official color in 1914" (Livestock Conservancy).
Use: Most commonly used for eggs and as meat birds but have found their way to becoming exceptional pets due to their gentle, friendly natures.
Comb: Canada: Shaped like a butterfly or oak-leaf Canada, USA: v-shaped
Egg Color:White
Egg Size:Large
Weight:Male 7 lbs. / Female 5.5 lbs.
Classification: Continental
Temperament: Calm, gentle and usually very friendly if handled when they are young.
See Video below for more information
Houdans were raised on the many small farms near the village of Houdan in France; and this locale and the lovely black plumage in which many feathers are tipped with V-shaped white spots give them their name. The flowing crest, V-shaped comb, muff of feathers at the throat, and the 5th toe give them an unusual appearance and make them a standout in any poultry show. Houdans are fine boned, juicy, white skinned flesh, and they are good layers of white eggs. Although in the crested breed family, they are larger than Polish. Baby chicks are patched with black and white all over, and the little crest, beard, and 5th toe help identify them at once (Murray McMurray, 3).
- Sultans. Houdans. Murray McMurray Hatchery, https://www.mcmurrayhatchery.com/mottled_houdans.html
- Houdan Chickens. Hobby Farm Guys. Retrieved on April 4, 2023 from https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1Ad_yt21oFk
- Houdan Chickens. Livestock Conservancy. Retried on April 4, 2023 from https://livestockconservancy.org/heritage-breeds/heritage-breeds-list/houdan-chicken/