Agriculture Reference
In-Depth Information
Houdans have a V-shaped comb. Their legs are clean, and they have five toes. Four of the toes
are at the bottom of the chicken's leg, and the fifth toe is higher up on the leg. Their crest,
which is a puff of feathers atop the head, is their most noted feature. As with all crested
breeds, they need to be checked for mites and lice daily. The roosters weigh 8 pounds and the
hens weigh 6 ½ pounds. Houdan bantams are a delicate bird at about 3 pounds. The standard
hen lays medium, white eggs regularly, totaling about 100 eggs yearly. Bantam hens are
sporadic and are not proficient layers.
Houdans are easy to handle as they have a gentle nature. They are a good show bird. They
make good pets, too. They are available at most hatcheries or online. Even though they are
flighty birds, they bear confinement well. All they need is some room to run and a roost at
night to be content.
Brabanter
The Brabanter chicken is thought to have originated in the Netherlands. The breed was nearly
extinct in the early 20th century but was recreated from German breeds to become the chicken
we know it to be today. Brabanters are largely ornamental birds. They have a crest that is tight
and pointed forward, which means it does not block their vision. Brabanters also have
muffs
,
which are feathers that protrude from the sides of the chicken's face, and some have a beard.
Brabanter bantams are a cross between the bearded Polish bantam and the standard Brabanter.
They weigh about 3 pounds, with the standard rooster weighing about 7 pounds and the hen
weighing about 5 to 6 pounds.
There are several varieties of the Brabanter breed of chicken, including cream and the gold
colored, both of which are found in the United States. Outside of the United States, there are
other varieties, including self black, white, blue laced, cuckoo, golden black half moon
spangled, silver black half moon spangled, yellow white half moon spangled, golden blue half
moon spangled, and lavender. This breed is gentle, friendly, and would be a welcomed addi-
tion to your flock or family.
Frizzles
This bird is from Southeastern Asia and gets its name from its feathers, which curl outward.
Frizzles' colors include red, black, white, blue, silver-gray, splash (spotted), and buff, and
their eyes are red. Although Frizzle here refers to a breed of chicken, the term “frizzle” is also
a way to describe a bird that has fuzzy-looking feathers.
