What life with Faverolles is like

Faverolles are a French breed named after the village of Faverolles, developed as a table and egg bird. Today most backyard keepers know them as the fluffy, bearded, feather-footed chickens with a gentle personality and a funny, chatty way of following you around.

The salmon variety is the best known. Hens are a soft mix of cream and salmon brown. Roosters look quite different, with straw-colored hackles, a black beard and breast and mahogany on the back. That makes it fairly easy to sex salmon chicks as they feather out.

Temperament and who they suit

Faverolles are usually calm, curious and friendly. They are often the first chickens to walk up to you. That gentleness comes with a downside. They tend to sit low in the pecking order and can get picked on by bossy breeds.

• Good for families, kids and keepers who want a personable bird.
• Good in cold climates.
• Better with other gentle breeds than with aggressive or very active ones.

Eggs and the seasons

Faverolles lay a moderate number of light brown to tinted eggs. Many keepers find they lay reasonably well into the cooler months compared with lighter heritage breeds, but they still slow down in winter and during the molt. Expect a steady decline after the first couple of seasons. Some hens go broody.

Space, coop and climate

They are a medium to heavy breed and fit normal large fowl space. Their beards, muffs and feathered feet help them in cold weather. In hot climates, they need shade and good ventilation, as with any heavily feathered bird.

Breed quirks to know

• Faverolles have five toes on each foot, an extra toe that is normal for the breed.
• Feathered feet collect mud. Dry bedding and a drained run help.
• Beards and muffs get wet and dirty at waterers. Nipple waterers or cups can keep faces cleaner.
• Check under beards and foot feathers for mites and lice during health checks.
• Watch for bullying if they share space with dominant breeds. Extra feeders help.

Faverolles vs Houdan and Dorking

The Houdan is another French breed with five toes and a beard, but it has a crest and clean legs. The Dorking, a British table breed with five toes, is often mentioned in Faverolles history. Faverolles are generally the more pet-friendly of the three.

Varieties and where to buy

Salmon is the standard US variety. White, blue salmon and other colors are kept by breeders and in other countries. Many hatcheries sell salmon Faverolles, and bantams are available too. For birds closer to the standard, look at breeders and poultry shows. Faverolles are not rare in the US, but quality breeder stock is less common than hatchery birds. You may also see them listed as Faverolle, which is just a spelling variation.

Common questions about Faverolles

Are Faverolles good layers?

They are fair layers of light brown eggs, not high production birds.

How can I tell Faverolles roosters from hens?

In the salmon variety, young males show darker, black feathers on the breast and beard, while hens stay creamy salmon.

Why does my Faverolles have five toes?

It is a normal breed trait. Faverolles have an extra toe on each foot.