Faverolles Chickens: The Gentle Giants of Your Backyard Flock

If you’re looking for a chicken breed that’s beautiful, friendly, and highly adaptable, Faverolles chickens may be the perfect fit. Known for their fluffy beards, feathered feet, and sweet temperament, these birds are a favorite among backyard chicken keepers and homesteaders alike.

In this in-depth guide, you’ll learn everything you need to know about Faverolles—including their history, temperament, egg-laying ability, care needs, and why they’re considered the “gentle giants” of the chicken world.

What Are Faverolles Chickens?

Faverolles are a heritage chicken breed developed in France during the 1800s, originally for dual-purpose use: eggs and meat. They’re named after the village of Faverolles in northern France and are known for their calm personalities and unique appearance.

The most recognized variety in the U.S. is the Salmon Faverolles, featuring creamy white and light salmon-colored plumage on hens, and more contrasting black, white, and brown on roosters. They have a thick beard, muffs, and five toes—one more than most chicken breeds.

Breed Profile: Faverolles at a Glance

Characteristic	Description
Origin	France (1800s)
Purpose	Dual-purpose (eggs & meat)
Size	Large (Hens 6.5 lbs, Roosters 8–10 lbs)
Egg Production	180–200 eggs/year
Egg Color	Light brown to pinkish
Temperament	Docile, friendly, gentle
Climate Tolerance	Cold-hardy, moderate heat tolerance
Broodiness	Occasional
Unique Traits	Feathered legs, beards, five toes

Temperament: A Family-Friendly Favorite

Faverolles are among the calmest and most affectionate chicken breeds you can raise. They’re well known for being:

• Sweet and easygoing
• Great with kids and pets
• Low in the pecking order (non-aggressive)
• Curious, yet not overly flighty

If you’re looking for a chicken that will happily follow you around the yard or sit in your lap, Faverolles are an ideal choice. They’re also a great addition to mixed flocks—but be cautious pairing them with more aggressive breeds like Leghorns or Rhode Island Reds.

Appearance: Fluffy, Feathered, and Fancy

Faverolles are visually striking birds. Their appearance includes:

• Thick beards and muffs: Giving them a puffed-up look around the face
• Feathered shanks and feet: Adds to their fluff factor
• Five toes: A rare genetic trait shared with only a few breeds
• Soft salmon color (hens) and dramatic contrast (roosters)

They walk with a bit of a waddle and have a distinctly “old-world” look that makes them a favorite in exhibition circles and backyard setups alike.

Egg Production: Reliable Layers with a Twist

Faverolles hens lay about 3–4 medium-sized eggs per week, totaling 180–200 eggs annually. The eggs are usually light brown, but some may appear slightly pinkish—a unique trait that many keepers appreciate.

They begin laying around 5–6 months of age and can continue for several years. They also tend to lay well into the colder months, especially with proper nutrition and lighting.

Pro Tip:

Supplement their diet with protein-rich treats like mealworms and ensure access to oyster shells for consistent shell quality, especially during the winter laying season.

Are Faverolles Good Meat Birds?

Yes, Faverolles were originally bred as dual-purpose birds. While not as fast-growing as modern broilers, they develop a solid body frame and have tender, flavorful meat. Roosters typically reach processing size at around 16–20 weeks.

Due to their friendly nature, many backyard keepers choose to raise them solely for eggs and companionship—but they’re a great choice if you want a breed that can do both.

Housing & Space Requirements

Faverolles are large, gentle birds, so they need adequate space to move around without being bullied. Their fluffy feathers also make them prone to overheating in tightly packed coops.

Recommended Space Per Bird:

• Indoor Coop: 5–6 square feet per bird
• Outdoor Run: 10–12 square feet per bird

They enjoy foraging but aren’t aggressive foragers like Leghorns. Add enrichment like hanging treats, dust bath areas, and perches to keep them active and entertained.

Cold Weather Champions

Faverolles are incredibly cold-hardy thanks to their dense feathering and compact combs. Their beards, muffs, and extra toe feathers provide insulation that helps them tolerate freezing temps better than many other breeds.

They’re a perfect choice for northern climates. Just make sure their coop stays dry and draft-free, as wet feathered feet can lead to frostbite or respiratory issues.

Potential Challenges to Watch For

While Faverolles are low-maintenance overall, here are a few things to keep in mind:

• Feathered legs: Can attract mud and mites—keep bedding dry and clean
• Low pecking order: May be bullied in mixed flocks—watch for signs of stress
• Heavy feathering: Needs extra grooming during molting season

Routine inspections, dust baths, and natural mite repellents (like herbs and diatomaceous earth) can help keep your Faverolles clean and healthy.

Natural Chicken Care for Long-Term Health

If you’re committed to raising your flock the natural way—without relying on synthetic medications or chemicals—you’ll love The Doctor’s Book of Survival Home Remedies.

This guide includes 100+ natural treatments for poultry ailments using herbs, oils, and common pantry items. Whether it’s respiratory support, lice prevention, or wound healing—you’ll be prepared for anything your flock throws at you.

Want to build the perfect predator-proof coop, solar-powered watering system, or insulated nesting box for your fluffy Faverolles? Check out the Woodworking, DIY & Green Energy Plans Guide. It’s packed with thousands of step-by-step projects made for homesteaders and backyard keepers.

Is the Faverolles Right for You?

Choose Faverolles If You Want:

• Sweet, people-friendly chickens
• Winter-hardy egg layers
• Beautiful birds with unique features
• A dual-purpose breed for small farms

They’re especially great for families with kids, first-time chicken keepers, and those in cooler climates. Just provide them with space, love, and a gentle flock dynamic, and they’ll reward you with calm companionship and lovely eggs.

Conclusion

Faverolles chickens are more than just a pretty face. They’re sweet-natured, productive, cold-hardy, and full of personality. Whether you want a loyal backyard buddy, a dependable layer, or a dual-purpose bird for your homestead, Faverolles will exceed your expectations.

Ready to raise healthier, happier chickens? Grab The Doctor’s Book of Survival Home Remedies today and start caring for your flock naturally. Need coop plans or green homestead upgrades? Explore the DIY & Off-Grid Plans Guide now.