Early photo (1918) of a Houdan Hen

With much the same history as the Crevecoeur and hailing also from France, the Houdan is a very popular breed for exhibition but has lost much support in the general poultry world.  As with many breeds, production is what drives much of the poultry industry and although the Houdan will lay approximately 150 white eggs per year, they cannot compete with the Hybred commercial breeds such as the Leghorn. 

With their magnificent crests and beards and striking black colour, mottled all over with white, they are quite a sight to see!  They are a calm and confident bird, with good weight and butterfly combs.  They have also retained the five toes of the old French breeds and thus are a bit of living history!

On their first day outside, this young Houdan shows no shyness at the camera!

Our little flock - three Houdan, the Crevecoeur and our Silkies