Faverolle chickens can be found in both standard size and bantam, although they are still rather rare in the United States. The bantams make the best pets simply because of their size. These chickens are beautifully feathered, the male different from the female, so each is distinct and make a pleasing picture when scratching around the yard.
Faverolle Chicken Appearance
If you want a continental flair to your backyard, or house-pet chickens, then the Faverolle is definitely for you. They are quaint looking foul with puffy little muffs around their head. These chickens are also five-toed. The most common color found in the breed is the Salmon Faverolle. The hens are soft with fluffy, white breasts. The honey, or salmon, colored feathers on their back and neck are laced with white. The roosters are a veritable show of colors with an iridescent glow to the black breast and tail feathers. Very pale yellow, almost white feathers, cover their back and neck and the wings are bronze tipped with white. Elegant is the word to describe the Faverolle rooster. In an article by Peter F. Merlin The Fabulous Faverolles he has stated that they are "...the peacock of the poultry world." Other less common colors are: white, black, blue and blue salmon, splash, mahogany and a color called cuckoo.
Other Attributes of the Faverolle
The Faverolle hens are very good layers, especially in the winter, and produce a cream colored egg of medium size. In France they are considered a table delicacy. A dish known as 'petite poussin' is made from the Faverolles. The hens will set on their eggs and these chickens do well in a confined area.
The Personality of the Faverolle
These small, beautiful chickens are like aristocrats. They are calm and quite dignified, especially the cocks. The hens are pleasant and a bit shy. They seem to like being with people and are not flighty in small spaces. They do, however, need to be watched if they are put in a group of mixed chickens. They are very submissive and will be bullied by the other chickens.
A Unique Pet
Chickens, over the years, have been thought of as utility creatures providing eggs and meat for the table. Today they are often looked at as additions to the family. Chickens, especially the small bantams can be house trained much like a cat. They will learn to deposit their leavings in one place, generally near where they roost. They like small treats from the table and are curious about many household objects making them fun to watch. The Faverolle is a favored pet because of their calmness and adaptability to the human environment.
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