Label Rouge, or just a good imitation?

[Just Fluff]

Hello,

I bought some chicks locally that are purported to be the "Label Rouge" chickens. The story is that he bought them from France originally, but he didn't charge much for the chicks. Way under $2 a piece. In doing a bit of research, it seems as tho' the Label Rouge is more of a way of growing them than an actual breed, and I've read where the actual chicken that this is suppose to refer to is blue footed and near impossible to export from France. None of my chicks are blue footed, but they are nice looking meat birds.

Would love to know what others have found out concerning the "Label Rouge" chicken in the U.S.A. and whether or not they honestly exist or if this is just a spin off like the Freedom Rangers.

I will post newer pictures tomorrow. Thought I had some, but these are as current as I have on my camera.

I'm happy with the birds that I have, just would love more information if possible. Thanks!

 

[Just Fluff]

Here's some photos I took today. They are around 5-6 weeks old now.

 

[AraucanaAnnie]

I have never heard of Label Rouges, but these birds looks like red sex links...

 

[Just Fluff]

The legs are heavy, more like a Cornish cross, than a Red Sex Link. I have had them in the past, and have one in my egg layer pen and they are lighter build. These guys are heavier build.

The Label Rouge is suppose to be a type of meat bird raised in France in a special way. They feed them a certain diet for a scheduled time, very religiously. I've read where they are suppose to have blue legs, but nothing is for sure on the internet, as I can't find anything exactly relating to this 'breed' just references and mentions.

I do thank you for your comment Annie!

 

[Just Fluff]

Here's something that the USDA has produced in regards to the Label Rouge. https://attra.ncat.org/attra-pub/summaries/summary.php?pub=224

 

[tadkerson]

People will tell others anything to sell a chicken. Label rouge free range and are slow growing meat birds ( as compared to cornish cross). They are grown under an exacting standard ( as you said). Yours appear to have yellow skin, I believe European meat birds have white skin.

He is either ignorant of the standard or he is being untruthful about the birds, I think he is being untruthful.

Label rouge are sold as adults-not chicks. If they are not raised under the standard they are not red label.

Breese have blue shanks and feet, Another French meat bird.

Tim