Member Reviews: La Fleche

 We love our Bantam La Fleche.  The La Fleche are a rare French breed that can be difficult to find here in the US.  They're shiny black plumage and unique V-comb make them stand out at the Shows.  We show our BLF in every show we attend with great reception.  I keep seeing reviews about how flighty and wary they are and ours are completely the opposite.  Our roosters, hens, and chicks are warm and friendly.  The hen especially loves to be held and talked to.  My children's friends are always amazed at how docile the hen is and what a great pet she makes.  They are amazing flyers so if you plan on having the Bantam La Fleche, be prepared for...

I am still dealing with chicks, so i can't yet review adult behavior, laying ability or meat qualities, but i can tell their personality is much different than the EE and Barred Rock I currently have.  They are more wary, yet very curious, watchful, and seem to be pretty intelligent.  first chickens to figure out the feeder when I changed styles.  I have them eating out of my hand at about  1 1/2 weeks old, altho there are a few that will not come over until everyone else is indulging.   Fast moving & active, I have the feeling they will have no problem avoiding the outdoor cats, and I suspect I will have to keep working with them to keep them...

I'm producing a review as nobody has done so yet, but I'm no expert on these birds. I hatched mine from eggs and the fertility of my own 4 hens and one rooster has been exceptional.They are described as large fowl....my hens weigh about 5-6 lbs and the rooster a bit more, but they are young birds (hatched August 2011).They have lovely shiny all black feathers, with a striking V comb and white earlobes. Though many reviews I read described them as 'skittish' and untameable, I have NOT found this to be the case. Though slightly nervous, they come when called, pen themselves at dusk, and are no more difficult to manage than my Brahmas. They need little food to survive in the free-range...