About the Houdan
The Houdan is an old French heritage breed, instantly recognisable by its large crest, beard and muffs, unusual butterfly-shaped comb and five toes. Originally developed as a practical dual-purpose bird for both meat and eggs, the Houdan is now more commonly kept as a rare heritage and exhibition breed. The breed is known for its calm, placid and generally docile nature.
Deb’s Mixed Houdan breeding pen contains Black Mottled, Blue Mottled and White birds. Because several colours are being bred together, offspring can vary considerably in colour and pattern and no particular chick colour can be guaranteed.
History & Origin
The Houdan originated around the town of Houdan in France, west of Paris. It is considered one of the oldest French poultry breeds, although its exact ancestry is uncertain. Historical descriptions of recognisable Houdans date from at least the mid-nineteenth century, with detailed descriptions appearing in France during the 1850s.
The breed became particularly valued as a productive French farm and market bird, combining good table qualities with useful egg production. Houdans were exported to England during the mid-nineteenth century, where they became known both as utility and exhibition poultry.
Houdans in Australia
Unlike several of the rare breeds, Houdans are not newcomers to Australia. Historical Australian poultry information records Houdans being imported during the nineteenth century and becoming widely seen at Australian poultry shows before their numbers declined dramatically during the early twentieth century.
The breed later became extremely scarce here. More recently, Australian Houdans received an important genetic boost when UK Mottled Houdan lines were introduced in 2016.
Characteristics
Egg colour: White.
Egg size: Medium.
Average egg production: Approximately 140–160 eggs per year, averaging around 3 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: Houdans are not an autosexing or sex-linked breed, so males and females cannot be reliably distinguished by colour at hatch. In a mixed-colour breeding pen, chick colour should not be used as a reliable indication of sex. Sex becomes clearer as the birds mature and their comb, crest and sex-specific feathering develop.
Temperament: Houdans are generally considered a docile breed, but they are also active, inquisitive and lively birds. Individual temperament can vary considerably, and their large crests can restrict peripheral vision, making some birds easily startled, flighty or highly reactive to sudden movement. Regular handling and ensuring that birds can see adequately around their crest can help produce calmer, more manageable birds.
Broodiness: Generally low. Houdans have historically been valued more as layers than sitters and are not normally regarded as reliable broodies or mothers.
Notable features: Houdans have an unmistakable combination of a large backward-sweeping crest, beard and muffs, butterfly-shaped comb and five toes on each foot. Deb’s Mixed Houdan breeding pen contains Black Mottled, Blue Mottled and White birds, so chicks may display considerable variation in colour and pattern.
Hardiness: Houdans are generally hardy birds, but their elaborate head feathering requires some practical care. Large crests can become wet or dirty and may sometimes restrict vision, so feeders and drinkers that help keep the crest dry and clean are beneficial. Crests should also be monitored for parasites and maintained so birds can see food, water and their surroundings properly.
Rare Breed Status
The large Houdan is currently classified as CRITICAL by the Rare Breeds Trust of Australia. This is the Trust’s highest level of concern and reflects the breed’s particularly vulnerable position within Australia’s breeding population.
Current Availability
See what’s currently available from Deb’s Heritage Hens.