Barbezieux Chicken Breed – Origin, Traits & Facts

Barbezieux

The Barbezieux is a French breed of chicken. It is one of the tallest chicken breeds native to Europe.

Habitat

The Barbezieux chicken is typically found in rural areas of France, particularly in and around the town of Barbezieux. It thrives in open spaces where it can forage freely. This breed is well-adapted to temperate climates and can withstand diverse weather conditions typical of its native region.

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Characteristics

Sizeapproximately 50-70 cm

Wing Span70-85 cm

Male Weight4.5 kg

Female Weight3.5 kg

Life Expectancy7 years

Ease of Keeping

Beginner friendly: 3/5

Useful to know

The Barbezieux is recognized for its tall stature and distinctive appearance. It is known for its excellent meat quality, often being praised for its flavor and texture. Historically, it has been a valued breed in French cuisine.

Behaviour

Temperamentdocile

Flightinesslow

Foraging Abilitygood

Confinement Tolerance

Barbezieux chickens are relatively tolerant of confinement but prefer to have access to open spaces. They adapt well to free-range conditions, making them ideal for rural settings. While they can be housed in smaller spaces, they are more productive and content when allowed to roam freely.

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Identification

Comb Type

Plumage Description

Feather Color

Leg Color

Earlobe Color

Eye Color

Feeding Habits

Diet

Preferred Environment

Requires Supplement

Population

Conservation Status

Species Status

Wild Population

Total Known Population

Egg Characteristics

Egg Color

Egg Size

Laying Frequency

Egg Production / Year

Start Laying Age (weeks)

Bresse Gauloise

The Bresse Gauloise is a French breed of domestic chicken. It originates in the historic region and former province of Bresse, in the regions of Rhône-Alpes, Bourgogne and Franche-Comté, in eastern France. Because of legal restrictions on the use of the name, only white chickens raised within that area may be called "Bresse"; outside it, they are given the name "Gauloise"; the breed name combines both. Four colours are recognised for the Bresse Gauloise, three of them linked to areas within Bresse: the Bresse de Bourg is "grey" (silver-pencilled); the Bresse de Bény is white; the Bresse de Louhans is black; and a blue variety has recently been created. White Bresse de Bény chickens and capons raised in the area of Bresse have appellation d'origine contrôlée status and are marketed as poulet de Bresse; they are regarded as a premium product and command higher prices than other chickens.

Estaires

The Poule d'Estaires is a breed of domestic chicken from the Nord-Pas-de-Calais region of north-eastern France. It is a variety of the Langshan breed imported to England from China in 1872, and exported from there to Europe soon after. Some were raised in the Pas-de-Calais département, and others in the neighbouring Nord département, particularly in the areas of Estaires, La Gorgue, Laventie and Merville, from which birds were supplied to Lille.

Houdan

The Houdan or Poule de Houdan is an old French breed of domestic chicken. It is named for its area of origin, the commune of Houdan, in the département of Yvelines to the west of Paris. It belongs to the crested chicken group, is muffed and bearded, has an unusual leaf-shaped comb, and has five toes on each foot rather than the usual four.