Complete Guide to Salmon Faverolles Chickens
Salmon Faverolles are a unique breed of chicken sure to add intrigue and interest to your flock of laying hens.
What are Salmon Faverolles?
These showy chickens are considered an ornamental breed. They are known for their “beard’, and voluminous plummage, particularly on their legs and feet. Their feet also sport one extra toe, for a total of five!
It is a docile chicken that is well suited to backyard flocks or other well protected chicken coop.
Salmon simply refers to the color, being a beautiful gold/light brown. They do come in other colors aside from salmon.
A Quick History of the Breed
They originated in France in the 1860s and are named for the village of Faverolles.
It is unknown for sure the original breeds that were its origin, but it is largely thought it included influences from Houdan, Dorkings, Brahma, and Cochin.
While they were originally developed for both meat and egg production, these days they are not considered to be good meat birds. They are however very popular as a show animal.
Another fun fact is they have been referred to as “tete de hibou”, which means “head of an owl”.
They are currently on the Livestock Conservancy’s Watchlist.
How Many Eggs Do Salmon Faverolles Lay?
During peak production you can expect around 180 eggs a year, or about one egg every other day.
Like most chickens they will go through a molting and resting period where they won’t lay at all.
What Color Are Their Eggs?
Hens will lay a medium sized cream colored egg.
What Climate are Salmon Faverolles Good For?
With their particularly puffy plummage and unique feathered legs and feet, they can do very well in cold climates. They will also do fine in other mild climates but aren’t recommended for places that are hot for extended periods of time.
When they were first developed they were relied on for winter egg production.
How Big Are Salmon Faverolles?
These are a larger chicken with the roosters weighing in around eight pounds on average and then hens coming in at about six and a half.
What Colors can Salmon Faverolles Be?
The American Poultry Association only recognizes the salmon (sort of buff/golden/orange color) and white. Other breed registries in other countries may accept additional colors which can include blue, buff, and black.
How Much do Salmon Faverolles Cost?
You can expect to pay between $10-12 per female chick. Adults may run you $40 and upwards depending on where you live and if you are buying show quality animals or just some for a backyard style flock.
Where Can You Buy Them?
Online
My preferred places to purchase chicks are Murray McMurray and Hoover’s Hatcheries. Some friends have also had success with Cackle Hatchery.
In 2025 when there was a chick shortage, I considered purchasing from a different hatchery to get the exact colored egg layers I wanted. After doing some research and reading reviews, I did not find any other hatcheries that I felt confident mail ordering chicks.
In Store
Salmon Faverolles are considered a rarer breed, so it will be unlikely your local tractor supply would carry them. It might be possible to make a special order through your local store, you’ll just have to ask.
Drawbacks of Faverolles Chickens
With their extra fluffies on their feet and legs, they can require attention to keep away things like mites and mud.
Additionally, they do not make good free range birds as they are so incredibly docile and also can have a harder time spotting predators with their extra fluffy feathers around their face.
Lookin for more from the Coop?
- How to Get Rid of Lice in the Coop
- Recipes to Use Up Lots of Eggs
- Chicken Dumpling Soup
- How Many Nest Boxes Per Chicken
- Ultimate Guide to Buff Orpington Chickens
Sources
- Popular Chicken Breeds by Frances Bassom
- The Field Guide to Chickens by Pam Percy
- Storey’s Illustrated Guide to Poultry Breeds by Carol Ekarius
