La Fleche Chicken Breed: A Complete Breed Overview

Do you know? The La Fleche rooster breed is likely one of the most unusual and uncommon chickens on the planet.

With its unusual V-shaped comb and glossy black feathers, it catches everybody’s consideration.

Identified for its magnificence and nice meat high quality, this breed has been cherished in France for lots of of years.

When you’ve by no means heard of it earlier than, you’re not alone.

The La Fleche rooster breed is uncommon, but it surely has a wealthy historical past and a few very particular qualities that make it price studying about.

On this information, we’ll undergo every little thing you’ll want to learn about this wonderful hen.

La Fleche Hen Breed: Fast Overview

Right here’s a fast take a look at the primary traits of this distinctive rooster:

La Fleche Hen Breed Historical past

The La Fleche rooster is believed to have gotten its title due to its uncommon V-shaped comb, which appears to be like just like the tip of an arrow.

In French, “la flèche” means “the arrow.”

However the title really comes from the breed’s place of birth.

La Flèche is a city within the Sarthe division of the Pays de la Loire area in France, near town of Le Mans.

The city itself was named after the arrow linked to the martyrdom of St. Thomas, the patron saint of its church.

The breed’s roots are believed to hint again as early because the fifth century, first being raised in Le Mans, later in Mizeray, and ultimately spreading to La Flèche.

Therefore, it is likely one of the oldest rooster breeds nonetheless round right now.

For hundreds of years, it was prized for its tender, flavorful meat. French cooks thought-about it one of many best-tasting chickens on the planet.

By the 1850s, massive numbers of La Fleche chickens had been introduced to america.

Nevertheless, farmers discovered them too delicate to thrive in a lot of the japanese and central states.

Quickly sufficient, they had been rapidly changed by sturdier breeds.

In 1882, poultry author W.B. Tegetmeier reintroduced La Fleche chickens to England by importing them himself.

This breed was formally included within the American Poultry Affiliation’s Customary of Perfection in 1874.

Sadly, the breed virtually disappeared within the twentieth century when farmers began selecting faster-growing meat chickens.

Because of devoted breeders, the La Fleche rooster breed is making a small comeback.

Even right now, within the city’s farmers’ market, the birds should still be referred to as the “Fowl of Le Mans.”

Nevertheless, it’s nonetheless thought-about rare and might be arduous to seek out exterior of Europe.

Look of the La Fleche Hen

One take a look at the La Fleche and also you’ll comprehend it’s totally different from most chickens. Right here’s what makes it stand out:

V-Formed Comb

As an alternative of the standard single comb, it has a horn-like comb that factors ahead.

Shiny Black Feathers

The feathers have a greenish sheen when the daylight hits them.

White Earlobes

That is uncommon as a result of most black-feathered chickens have pink earlobes.

Lengthy, Tall Physique

They’re slender however tall, with lengthy legs.

Dimension

• Roosters weigh about 8 lbs (3.6 kg)
• Hens weigh about 7 lbs (3.2 kg)

Persona and Temperament

The La Fleche rooster breed is thought to be energetic and alert.

They wish to forage for meals and like free-range dwelling.  If stored in a small coop on a regular basis, they will get stressed.

Different traits that this breed is thought for are:

• Curious and clever
• May be flighty and shy round strangers
• Good at avoiding predators
• Not aggressive, however roosters might be protecting

If you would like a friendly lap chicken, the La Fleche won’t be your most suitable option.

However in order for you a hardworking, lovely hen that’s enjoyable to observe, it’s an excellent possibility.

ALSO READ: Top 5 Lap Chicken Breeds

Egg Manufacturing

The La Fleche rooster breed isn’t a prime egg layer, but it surely nonetheless produces a good quantity of eggs for a uncommon breed.

• Egg coloration: White
• Egg measurement: Medium to massive
• Eggs per yr: About 150–200
• Laying season: Greatest in spring and summer season

Hens normally begin laying eggs at round 8–9 months previous, which is later than another breeds.

However their eggs are identified for being scrumptious and having sturdy shells.

ALSO READ: Best Chicken Breeds for White Eggs

Meat High quality

One of many fundamental causes folks traditionally raised the La Fleche rooster breed was for its meat. The flavour is wealthy, tender, and juicy, making it a favourite for gourmand dishes in France.

In comparison with widespread meat breeds just like the Cornish Cross, the La Fleche grows extra slowly, taking about 9–10 months to achieve full measurement.

However the wait is price it for the flavour.

ALSO READ: Best Meat Chicken Breeds

Housing and Care Wants

The La Fleche rooster breed is hardy, but it surely does greatest whenever you meet its particular wants.

Housing Suggestions

• Give them loads of area to roam. They don’t like being crowded.
• Be sure that fencing is excessive sufficient to maintain them in, as they will fly over low fences.
• Present shelter from wind and rain.

ALSO READ: Chicken Fencing: Which One Should You Choose 

Feeding

• Customary layer feed for hens
• Grower feed for younger birds till they begin laying
• Occasional treats like fruits, veggies, and mealworms

ALSO READ: 9 Healthy Treats Your Chickens Will Love

Well being Care

• Preserve the coop dry to stop illness
• Test for mites and lice recurrently
• Vaccinate if wanted

ALSO READ: Chicken Vaccination: What You Need to Know 

Benefits of the La Fleche Hen Breed

Nonetheless hesitating on getting this breed? Listed below are extra causes to get one:

• Uncommon and distinctive look
• Glorious meat taste
• Good foragers and hardy in lots of climates
• Provides selection to a yard flock

Disadvantages of the La Fleche Hen Breed

Similar to every other breed, there are downsides to elevating a sure rooster.

As for the La Fleche rooster, listed here are a few of them:

• Not the friendliest breed
• Slower to mature than trendy hybrids
• It may be arduous to seek out
• Might have further fencing as a consequence of flying capability

Is This Breed Proper for You?

The La Fleche rooster breed is greatest for skilled rooster keepers who need one thing uncommon and particular.

When you get pleasure from preserving heritage breeds, love cooking gourmand meals, or desire a distinctive hen that stands out in your flock, this breed may very well be an ideal match.

Nevertheless, in case your fundamental objective is excessive egg manufacturing otherwise you need super-tame chickens, you may wish to think about different breeds.

Enjoyable Information Concerning the La Fleche Hen Breed

• Their V-shaped comb appears to be like like horns, so some folks name them “Satan Birds.”
• They’re one of many few black chickens that lay white eggs.
• The breed virtually went extinct twice (as soon as within the 1900s and once more throughout World Warfare II)

La Fleche Hen Breed: Earlier than You Go…

The La Fleche rooster breed is a real gem for poultry lovers.

With its hanging appears to be like, fascinating historical past, and scrumptious meat, it’s greater than only a yard rooster…it’s a bit of dwelling historical past.

Whereas it will not be the best breed to seek out or elevate, its uniqueness makes it definitely worth the effort.

In case you have the area, persistence, and love for uncommon breeds, the La Fleche rooster breed may grow to be one of the vital treasured members of your flock.

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