How common are Mottled Houdans?

[Henriettta]

I just never see them, and there's not many threads! Are they just uncommon, or un-noteable?
I'm learning breed names, and bought two m. Houdan chickies.

 

[wolfwalker]

Mottled Houdan are listed as threatened by the Livestock Conservancy which means less than 1000 birds left in the US and less than 5000 globally at the last census count.

That might change as we are currently winding down 2020 census count, but truthfully I expect them to slip to critical at some point in the future. If we can get Polish enthusiasts to consider Houdan there might be more of a demand.

2 things were against them when they were imported to the US in my opinion. The flooffy crests were thought of as a novelty but impractical and the fact they don't go broody. Back then it would have been to much hard work to keep the breed going for small family farms.

They lay a white egg as often as a leghorn, so that is a huge plus in my book. Have a decent size to them making them dual purpose and are calm and gentle. All good traits.

 

[Henriettta]

Mottled Houdan are listed as threatened by the Livestock Conservancy which means less than 1000 birds left in the US and less than 5000 globally at the last census count.

That might change as we are currently winding down 2020 census count, but truthfully I expect them to slip to critical at some point in the future. If we can get Polish enthusiasts to consider Houdan there might be more of a demand.

2 things were against them when they were imported to the US in my opinion. The flooffy crests were thought of as a novelty but impractical and the fact they don't go broody. Back then it would have been to much hard work to keep the breed going for small family farms.

They lay a white egg as often as a leghorn, so that is a huge plus in my book. Have a decent size to them making them dual purpose and are calm and gentle. All good traits.

Oh my gosh I did NOT know this! Now I have to protect them with my life. I bought them at a fair price, though more expensive than my other chicks they are doing great! This is amazing. I feel lucky. They are only a few weeks old now, since I brought them home, and they are the most mild tempered things. They look right at you, and are easy to pick up and tame. VERY trusting.
How cool! I should get more.
Thank you for replying! Wow.

 

[ashawkins]

I just never see them, and there's not many threads! Are they just uncommon, or un-noteable?
I'm learning breed names, and bought two m. Houdan chickies.

We bought ours from Cackle Hatchery in Lebanon, MO this past spring. Love them! Our 2 roosters are becoming a bit aggressive tho.

 

[wolfwalker]

I find that aggressiveness in a rooster is passed on to his sons. It is unfortunate that there are not a lot more roos with the breed numbers so low to chose from. You can try dominating them, pushing them to the ground and picking them up and carrying them, only letting them down after they give up struggling

 

[ashawkins]

I find that aggressiveness in a rooster is passed on to his sons. It is unfortunate that there are not a lot more roos with the breed numbers so low to chose from. You can try dominating them, pushing them to the ground and picking them up and carrying them, only letting them down after they give up struggling

I plan to try that. They tend to chase the kids more than they come after me. They have not hurt anyone yet. It’s usually only if someone is heading into or near the hen house.

 

[seminolewind]

I'm a Houdan lover. I have 5 right now and aside from wanting more, they are very loving birds that don't really run or fly much at all. They are bigger than Polish. My five insist on being held everyday even for a minute.