Overall Description:
La Fleche is a breed of chicken that originates from France around the time of the 17th century. It was mainly used for meat production although it did lay a considerable amount of eggs. This ancient breed is one of Europe's oldest breeds of chickens and was first to be mentioned in written records around the 16th century. La Fleche chickens, also known as the "Fleche" chickens, have a very unique appearance and are a popular choice for backyard farmers and homesteaders.
The Gerald Characteristics:
La Fleche chickens are considered medium-sized birds with a stocky build. They have a broad, muscular chest with a sloping back. The bird's legs and feet are strong and black in color, while their eyes are also black. The breed has a thick head with a medium-sized comb that is usually upright. They have a distinctive V-shaped, forward-pointing crest on their head that is dark in color. The La Fleche's beak is medium-sized and strong with a slightly curved shape.
Their wattles and earlobes are large and red. Their necks are long and well-arched, leading to a small, tucked-in tail. One of the most distinguishing characteristics of the La Fleche breed is their black plumage, with iridescence being one of their most attractive qualities. It is particularly visible in bright light. The lack of any other color in their feathers makes them stand out amidst other breeds.
Meat Production:
Back in the 17th century the primary use of the La Fleche chicken was for meat production. Even today we still use them for meat, but now they are more commonly kept as pets and can make great additions to any flock. Their meat is considered more superior in taste and texture compared to most other breeds. These chickens are large and chunky with generous amounts of meat, making them ideal for commercial purposes.
They are known to have a firm, flavorful, and tender meat, which makes them prized by chefs. Their breast meat, thighs, and legs are all large and well-proportioned, making them a favorite for roasting. The meat- to- bone ratio of the La Fleche breed is also high, making them an economical choice for those raising chickens for meat.
Overall Temperament:
La Fleche chickens are docile and gentle birds making them ideal for small farms, homesteads, and backyard gardens. They are quite social and just like other breeds, do well in flocks. In addition, La Fleche birds are easy to handle and are docile enough for children to interact with them. The breed is also well-suited to both free-range and confinement situations. While La Fleche chickens are good foragers, they will not stray too far from the coop and are unlikely to damage most if any garden or plantings nearby.
Egg Laying:
La Fleche hens are average layers with an annual egg production of around 150-200 brownish-white colored eggs, each weighing between 55-65 grams. The eggs have a strong, high-quality shell, making them suitable for long-term storage. It's worth noting that La Fleche hens tend to take a little while to start laying. They may take up to seven months to produce their first egg after hatching, but after that, they are relatively consistent layers.
Health and Lifespan:
La Fleche chickens are generally healthy with a lifespan of up to 7 years if well cared for. However, like all breeds of chickens, they are susceptible to certain illnesses. Their dark, fully feathered bodies make them prone to overheating in hot weather. Therefore, adequate shade and ventilation are essential. The breed is also susceptible to bumblefoot, a condition where an abscess forms on the foot. Appropriate hygiene standards and regular inspections are essential to avoid this issue.
Conclusion:
In conclusion, La Fleche chickens are an extraordinary breed of chickens with a rich history. Today, they are mainly used for meat production, but they're also kept for their fine stature, unique black feathers, and docile temperament. Their meat is especially flavorful and tender, making them a top choice for chefs and food enthusiasts alike. This breed is an excellent choice for small-scale farmers, homesteaders, and backyard gardeners as they are easy to care for, and their gentle nature makes them perfect for families.
La Fleche is a breed of chicken that originates from France around the time of the 17th century. It was mainly used for meat production although it did lay a considerable amount of eggs. This ancient breed is one of Europe's oldest breeds of chickens and was first to be mentioned in written records around the 16th century. La Fleche chickens, also known as the "Fleche" chickens, have a very unique appearance and are a popular choice for backyard farmers and homesteaders.
The Gerald Characteristics:
La Fleche chickens are considered medium-sized birds with a stocky build. They have a broad, muscular chest with a sloping back. The bird's legs and feet are strong and black in color, while their eyes are also black. The breed has a thick head with a medium-sized comb that is usually upright. They have a distinctive V-shaped, forward-pointing crest on their head that is dark in color. The La Fleche's beak is medium-sized and strong with a slightly curved shape.
Their wattles and earlobes are large and red. Their necks are long and well-arched, leading to a small, tucked-in tail. One of the most distinguishing characteristics of the La Fleche breed is their black plumage, with iridescence being one of their most attractive qualities. It is particularly visible in bright light. The lack of any other color in their feathers makes them stand out amidst other breeds.
Meat Production:
Back in the 17th century the primary use of the La Fleche chicken was for meat production. Even today we still use them for meat, but now they are more commonly kept as pets and can make great additions to any flock. Their meat is considered more superior in taste and texture compared to most other breeds. These chickens are large and chunky with generous amounts of meat, making them ideal for commercial purposes.
They are known to have a firm, flavorful, and tender meat, which makes them prized by chefs. Their breast meat, thighs, and legs are all large and well-proportioned, making them a favorite for roasting. The meat- to- bone ratio of the La Fleche breed is also high, making them an economical choice for those raising chickens for meat.
Overall Temperament:
La Fleche chickens are docile and gentle birds making them ideal for small farms, homesteads, and backyard gardens. They are quite social and just like other breeds, do well in flocks. In addition, La Fleche birds are easy to handle and are docile enough for children to interact with them. The breed is also well-suited to both free-range and confinement situations. While La Fleche chickens are good foragers, they will not stray too far from the coop and are unlikely to damage most if any garden or plantings nearby.
Egg Laying:
La Fleche hens are average layers with an annual egg production of around 150-200 brownish-white colored eggs, each weighing between 55-65 grams. The eggs have a strong, high-quality shell, making them suitable for long-term storage. It's worth noting that La Fleche hens tend to take a little while to start laying. They may take up to seven months to produce their first egg after hatching, but after that, they are relatively consistent layers.
Health and Lifespan:
La Fleche chickens are generally healthy with a lifespan of up to 7 years if well cared for. However, like all breeds of chickens, they are susceptible to certain illnesses. Their dark, fully feathered bodies make them prone to overheating in hot weather. Therefore, adequate shade and ventilation are essential. The breed is also susceptible to bumblefoot, a condition where an abscess forms on the foot. Appropriate hygiene standards and regular inspections are essential to avoid this issue.
Conclusion:
In conclusion, La Fleche chickens are an extraordinary breed of chickens with a rich history. Today, they are mainly used for meat production, but they're also kept for their fine stature, unique black feathers, and docile temperament. Their meat is especially flavorful and tender, making them a top choice for chefs and food enthusiasts alike. This breed is an excellent choice for small-scale farmers, homesteaders, and backyard gardeners as they are easy to care for, and their gentle nature makes them perfect for families.
