Friesian Chicken Breed – Origin, Traits & Facts

Friesian

The Friesian or Frisian, Dutch: Fries Hoen, is an ancient Dutch breed of chicken. It originates in Friesland, on the North Sea coast of the northern Netherlands.

Habitat

The Friesian chicken thrives in the coastal region of Friesland in the northern Netherlands. This area is characterized by its maritime climate, with mild winters and cool summers. The breed is adapted to foraging in open fields and is well-suited to free-range conditions.

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Characteristics

SizeMedium

Wing Span50-60 cm

Male Weight2.5 kg

Female Weight2 kg

Life Expectancy8 years

Ease of Keeping

Beginner friendly: 4/5

Useful to know

The Friesian is known for its hardiness and ability to thrive in harsh climates. It is a breed that matures quickly and is known for its active foraging habits. They are good layers of white eggs.

Gallery

Cock

Behaviour

TemperamentActive and energetic

Flightinessmoderate

Foraging Abilityexcellent

Confinement Tolerance

Friesian chickens prefer free-range environments as they are excellent foragers. They do not tolerate confinement well for extended periods and may become restless if kept in small spaces.

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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)

Booted Bantam

The Booted Bantam or Dutch Booted Bantam is a European breed of true bantam chicken. It is characterised by abundant feathering on the feet and shanks, which gives it a "booted" appearance; and by vulture hocks, long stiff downward-pointing feathers on backs of the thighs, from which the Dutch name Sabelpoot ("sabre-legged") derives.

North Holland Blue

The North Holland Blue, Dutch: Noord-Hollandse Blauwe or Noord-Hollandse Hoen, is a Dutch breed of domestic chicken originating in the province of North Holland. It is a heavy meat breed, and was created to supply the high demand for white chicken meat from the city of Amsterdam, particularly from the Jewish community in that city.

Welsummer

The Welsummer or Welsumer is a Dutch breed of domestic chicken. It originates in the small village of Welsum, in the eastern Netherlands. It was bred at the beginning of the twentieth century from local fowls of mixed origin: Rhode Island Reds, Barnevelders, Partridge Leghorns, Cochins, and Wyandottes. In 1922–23, steps were taken to fix a standard after the birds began to show a good deal of uniformity. The eggs were originally exported for the commercial egg trade. Some stock was exported to the United Kingdom, and the breed was added to the British Standard in 1930.