Breda Fowl
About the Breed
This large and majestic bird is full of unique features! To start, they are the only chicken breed in the world with no comb flesh at all. Because of this and their feathered feet, they are extremely cold hardy. Versatile around the farm, these chickens are a dual-purpose breed whose hens lay around 180 white eggs per year as well as make excellent table birds. The roosters are quite a bit larger than the hens, but both are very docile. They have “no drama” personalities and tend to only do well with other calm breeds. If kept in a flock of assertive chickens, they are prone to injury from bullying. Overall they have wonderful temperaments - great for families with chicken-savy children.
Unfortunately, the Breda is not found much outside the Netherlands, and is currently listed as an endangered species. Because of limited genetic diversity in the United States, they can be susceptible to illness or stress and are overall somewhat delicate. Those raising chicks should ensure a clean enclosure and food/water sources, as well as appropriate biosecurity measures on their farm while their birds are still growing. From our observations, they also tend to dust bathe less than other breeds, and are thus more susceptible to parasites.
Breed History
The Breda chicken has been recognized for several centuries in the Netherlands (where they are their national bird!). While poultry experts have concluded that this breed originated there, some claim their origins lie in France or Belgium. Theories on their ancestry include crested breeds, as well as Malines breed for their feathered legs.
Breda sport vulture hocks, a crow like head, large nostrils, a curved beak, and a small tufted crest. They come in blue, black, and splash, as well as mottled and cuckoo.
About Our Flock
Our BBS flock consists of birds from Blue Acres - a highly experienced breeder of Breda for many years, and dedicated to the SOP for the breed. Our Mottled pair came from Sue Norris lines. Our Cuckoo male came from Ellen Lowery McCrary. We will continue seeking out breeding prospects from one of the few other reputable breeders in the states in an effort to increase the genetic diversity and hopefully vigor of our flocks.
Limited Availability
We are thrilled to be able to offer all 3 available Breda varieties - BBS (Blue, Black, Splash), Mottled, and Cuckoo!
With that being said, very limited amounts of both Mottled and Cuckoo will be available, since only one breeding pair of birds for each is kept. Any rare offerings of hatching eggs will include eggs from of each pen. It won’t be possible for me to collect a dozen of either variety in a reasonable time. The same goes for chicks. I will seldom have more than a handful of chicks from any one variety. The exception is BBS, but with only a flock of 4-6 birds total, a limited number of eggs or chicks can be produced at once.
