NPIP- Mottled Houdan Chickens – Rare French Crested Breed (1-3 months old)
Mottled Houdan Chicken
The Mottled Houdan is a charming and rare heritage chicken breed originating from the town of Houdan in France. Known for its distinctive crested head, beard, and unique five-toed feet, this breed is both visually striking and wonderfully friendly.
These birds display beautiful black plumage with white spangled tips, creating the signature mottled pattern that makes them stand out in any flock.
Houdans are well loved by backyard poultry keepers for their gentle personalities, ornamental beauty, and steady white egg production.
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Breed Highlights
•Origin: France (town of Houdan near Paris)
•Egg Color: White
•Egg Production: ~100–180 eggs per year
•Egg Size: Medium
•Temperament: Friendly, calm, and docile
•Mature Weight:
•Hen: ~6–7 lbs
•Rooster: ~7–8 lbs
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Distinctive Features
The Houdan is easily recognized by several unique characteristics:
•Large feathered crest
•Beard and muffed face
•Butterfly or V-shaped comb
•Five toes instead of four
•Striking black feathers with white mottling
These traits make the Houdan one of the most visually distinctive heritage chicken breeds.
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Personality
Houdans are known for being gentle, curious, and people-friendly birds. Many owners report that they enjoy following their caretakers around the yard and can become quite tame.
Their calm disposition also makes them a great addition to family flocks.
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Care Notes
Because of their large crest feathers:
•They may have slightly limited vision
•They benefit from covered runs or protected coops
•Feeders and waterers should be designed to keep crests dry and clean
These simple adjustments help Houdans thrive in backyard settings.
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About the Mottled Houdan
The Houdan chicken is a historic poultry breed originating from the town of Houdan in France. Recognized for its dramatic crest, beard, and unique butterfly-shaped comb, this rare heritage chicken brings both beauty and personality to backyard flocks.
The Mottled Houdan variety features glossy black feathers tipped with white, creating a beautiful speckled pattern that stands out in any coop.
These birds are prized by poultry enthusiasts for their gentle temperament, ornamental appearance, and steady white egg production.
Elegant heritage chickens known for their striking mottled feathers, friendly personalities, and distinctive five-toed feet.
Quick Highlights Bar
•🇫🇷 French Heritage Breed
•🥚 White Egg Layers
•🐔 Calm & Friendly Temperament
•⭐ Rare Crested Breed
FAQ Section
FAQ Section
Are Houdan chickens good egg layers?
Yes. Mottled Houdans typically produce 100–180 medium white eggs per year, making them reliable heritage layers.
Are Houdan chickens friendly?
Houdans are known for their gentle and calm temperament, often becoming very tame around their caretakers.
Do Houdan chickens have five toes?
Yes. Houdans are one of the few chicken breeds with five toes instead of four, a trait shared with breeds like Faverolles and Dorkings.
Are Hou
What Makes Houdans Unique?
What Makes Houdans Unique?
The Mottled Houdan is easily recognized by its rare combination of traits:
Large Feathered Crest
Gives the bird its charming, fluffy appearance.
Beard and Muff
Soft feathers around the face create a distinctive look.
Butterfly Comb
A unique V-shaped comb that resembles butterfly wings.
Five Toes
Unlike most chickens, Houdans have five toes instead of four.
Mottled Plumage
Black feathers tipped in white create a striking speckled pattern.
Temperament & Personality
Temperament & Personality
Mottled Houdans are known for being docile, curious, and people-friendly birds.
Many flock owners report that Houdans:
•Follow their caretakers around the yard
•Integrate well into mixed flocks
•Remain calm around children
•Adapt easily to backyard environments
Their friendly nature makes them a favorite among backyard poultry keepers and hobby breeders.
Care Requirements
Care Requirements
Because of their feathered crest, Houdans benefit from a few special considerations:
Sheltered Coop
Helps keep crest feathers dry.
Accessible Feeders
Prevents crest feathers from getting wet or dirty.
Predator Protection
Crest feathers may slightly limit vision.
With proper care, Houdans are hardy birds that adapt well to many climates.
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Ideal For
✔ Backyard flocks
✔ Ornamental poultry collections
✔ Families with children
✔ Heritage breed enthusiasts
Refund Policy
Refunds are issued in accordance with our published policies and industry standards. For live arrival concerns, notification must be provided within 2 hours of pickup, accompanied by clear photographic evidence.
Shipping fees are non-refundable under all circumstances, as these costs are paid directly to the carrier.
For sexing discrepancies under our 90% pullet accuracy policy, we refund the price difference between straight-run and pullet pricing once the bird’s sex can be
Breed & Sexing Information
Breed & Sexing Information
Our one-day-old Silkie chicks are:
•Purebred
•Bearded and crested
•Available in recognized Silkie color varieties
•Bred from carefully selected show lines
Unless otherwise specified, Silkies are sold as Straight Run (approximately 50/50 male to female ratio).
When pullets are offered, we maintain a 90% pullet accuracy policy. No hatchery can guarantee 100% accuracy at hatch. If a chick matures male under this policy, we refund the price difference between st
Shipping & Live Arrival Policy
Shipping & Live Arrival Policy
All shipments include carrier insurance coverage.
In the rare event of a deceased-on-arrival (DOA):
•USPS must inspect the box at pickup
•PS Form 3831 must be completed
•Notification must be provided within 24 hours
Resolution options (one-time selection):
1.Replacement chicks (customer responsible for shipping)
2.Refund for affected chicks (shipping excluded)
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Refund & Policy Acknowledgment
•Order cancellations must be requested within 48 hours