#1 "Top show quality": it is doubtful that there are any Houdans in the country which would be competitive at a "top show". Doubtful even if any would be competitive in the Continental class at a top show. Not because Houdans are bad, but because the people who focus obsessively on show points have applied themselves to easier-to-perfect breeds for the last 30 years.
#2 When buying eggs, chicks or immature stock you are buying 25 in the hopes that a few of them will develop into nice birds. Chickens are not volkswagens, if you get 25 of the same thing you will still see a lot of variation between individuals especially in landrace breeds like the Houdan.
#3 Unless you have a specific reason for liking the Houdan - let's say, you had some 40 years ago and you miss them - if you are looking for a chicken which is ready to show without any work from yourself personally, why not pick a rare breed that is a little more popular and in good condition show wise? White Crested Black Polish large fowl are crested, in the continental class, friendly, easy to work with and many strains are quite competitive. The color is not challenging, and the birds look impressive. Houdans are not the breed for you if you don't want to put any work into it.
