Houdans

[salt and pepper]

How well do houdans lay? Do they go broody? Are they healthy birds? Thank you!

 

[aoxa]

How well do houdans lay? Do they go broody? Are they healthy birds? Thank you!

1) They lay often according to what I've read - but the eggs are of medium size.
2) They typically are not setters
3) Yes as healthy as any other chicken provided the right environment.

 

[Chambertin]

1.) Ours lay excellent (for our needs) 4 eggs on 1 day off average rotation.
2.) They really dont show any interest in going broody or even staying in the nest box.
The houdans were the only ones who didnt lay an egg under our broody. Everyone else was trying to squeeze another egg under her.
3.) The houdans are very hardy (tough and dont mind big temp changes or injuries), but more of them have died to sickness when compared to our silkies. On the other hand their chick survival rate is much higher.

That's my story. Hope it helps.

 

[salt and pepper]

Thank you! That helped a lot =)

 

[BantamFan4Life]

If anyone is interested, there are some nice bantam Houdans on eBay.

Cool, but I've already got 7 chickens this year.....I made a mandate I won't get anymore this year!

 

[BantamFan4Life]

If one of my Houdan chicks in developing a crest earlier than the other Houdan. Is it more likely to be a rooster?

 

[Laingcroft]

Rec'd seven chicks from Mr. Urch yesterday. Can't wait to see how they turn out!

 

[Chambertin]

I'm not entirely sure on the rooster probability.
In one group the early crest was our rooster, then in another it wasnt. I think crest development is unrelated to sex, but I dont have enough experience to give a 100% answer.

 

[aoxa]

I'm not entirely sure on the rooster probability.
In one group the early crest was our rooster, then in another it wasnt. I think crest development is unrelated to sex, but I dont have enough experience to give a 100% answer.

My girls always had crests that stood straight up and the boys had them swept back. I sexed Gigi at 2 weeks. He also had much bigger nares.



can you see Gigi to the far left here? The two girls on the right, and a little EE rooster flying. Man I miss these guys

 

[aoxa]

Gigi head on at 2 weeks - huge nares


Side view of Gigi 2 weeks



Skittles 2 weeks


Close up of Skittles' crest and nares.