About the La Flèche
The La Flèche is a distinctive French heritage breed, traditionally valued as both a table bird and an egg producer. It is immediately recognisable by its unusual V-shaped comb, whose two upright points have given the breed the nickname “Devil Bird.”
La Flèche are active, elegant birds with close-fitting black plumage, prominent white earlobes and an alert, upright appearance. They are particularly well known for their foraging ability and the quality of their meat.
History & Origin
The La Flèche originates from the Sarthe region of France and takes its name from the town of La Flèche. The breed has a long history in the surrounding district and became particularly renowned as a high-quality French table fowl.
Its ancestry is believed to include old French and Spanish-type poultry, with historical sources associating the breed with Black Spanish and Crèvecœur-type birds. La Flèche later spread beyond France, reaching Britain, Germany and the United States during the nineteenth century.
La Flèche in Australia
Historical reports indicate that La Flèche were imported into Australia around 1897, although those early imports apparently failed to establish a lasting Australian breeding population. The breed is present in Australia today but remains uncommon.
Characteristics
Egg colour: White.
Egg size: Large.
Average egg production: Approximately 180–200 eggs per year, averaging around 3–4 eggs per week across the year.
Weekly egg figures are annual averages. Actual laying varies with age, season, daylight, nutrition and individual bird.
Day-old sexing: La Flèche are not an autosexing or sex-linked breed, so males and females cannot be reliably distinguished by colour at hatch.
Temperament: Active, alert and independent. They are excellent foragers and can be flighty, particularly when compared with heavier and more docile heritage breeds. They are strong flyers and may roost in trees when given the opportunity.
Broodiness: Low. La Flèche hens are not generally known for frequent broodiness.
Notable features: The breed’s most distinctive feature is its V-shaped or horned comb, consisting of two prominent upright points. Other characteristics include large white earlobes, cavernous nostrils, red wattles, dark slate legs and close-fitting black plumage with a beetle-green sheen.
Hardiness: Generally hardy once established, although their active nature and strong flying ability mean they benefit from secure housing and plenty of room. Their comparatively small V-shaped comb also leaves less exposed comb tissue than breeds carrying large single combs.
Rare Breed Status
The large La Flèche is currently classified as OF CONCERN by the Rare Breeds Trust of Australia. The RBTA describes it as a rare French breed whose numbers declined substantially after the Second World War and which has undergone conservation efforts overseas.
Current Availability
See what’s currently available from Deb’s Heritage Hens.