Part of our Crested Collection.
The Crèvecœur is one of the oldest and rarest chicken breeds in France, with a history dating back to at least the 17th century and possibly much earlier. The breed originated in the village of Crèvecœur-en-Auge in the Normandy region of northern France, where it was developed as a premium dual-purpose bird valued for both its exceptional meat quality and dependable white egg production. The breed's name, Crèvecœur, translates to "broken heart," taking its name from the village where it was first established.
For centuries, Crèvecœurs were considered one of France's finest table birds and were commonly raised on country estates and farms throughout Normandy. Their rich, flavorful meat earned them a reputation among French chefs long before the rise of modern commercial poultry. The breed was imported to the United States during the mid-1800s and was admitted to the American Poultry Association's Standard of Perfection in 1874. Unfortunately, its popularity declined during the 20th century as fast-growing commercial breeds replaced traditional heritage poultry. Today, conservation breeders continue working to preserve this historic breed, which remains one of the rarest heritage chickens in the world.
Crèvecœurs are widely recognized for their calm, gentle, and intelligent temperament. They are naturally quiet birds that adapt well to human interaction and often become remarkably tame with regular handling. Unlike many active Mediterranean breeds, Crèvecœurs are deliberate in their movements and are not known for being flighty or overly aggressive. Their peaceful nature allows them to integrate well with other calm breeds, making them an excellent choice for mixed backyard flocks.
Although they enjoy foraging when given the opportunity, Crèvecœurs are not particularly adventurous free-rangers. Their large crest can partially restrict their vision, causing them to be more cautious in unfamiliar surroundings and somewhat more vulnerable to predators than breeds with unobstructed sight. For this reason, they thrive in secure runs or protected pastures where they can forage safely while still displaying their naturally curious behavior.
Today, the Crèvecœur is admired as much for its striking appearance as for its remarkable history. With its glossy black plumage, distinctive V-shaped comb, full beard, and elegant crest, this rare French heritage breed offers backyard flock owners a unique combination of beauty, history, gentle companionship, and outstanding heritage genetics.
Egg Production: 150 per year (avg)
Egg Size: Medium
Egg Color: White
Mature Weight: 4 - 4.5lbs
Breed Type: Ornamental
Temperament: Docile/Energetic
Part of our Crested Collection.
The Crèvecœur is one of the oldest and rarest chicken breeds in France, with a history dating back to at least the 17th century and possibly much earlier. The breed originated in the village of Crèvecœur-en-Auge in the Normandy region of northern France, where it was developed as a premium dual-purpose bird valued for both its exceptional meat quality and dependable white egg production. The breed's name, Crèvecœur, translates to "broken heart," taking its name from the village where it was first established.
For centuries, Crèvecœurs were considered one of France's finest table birds and were commonly raised on country estates and farms throughout Normandy. Their rich, flavorful meat earned them a reputation among French chefs long before the rise of modern commercial poultry. The breed was imported to the United States during the mid-1800s and was admitted to the American Poultry Association's Standard of Perfection in 1874. Unfortunately, its popularity declined during the 20th century as fast-growing commercial breeds replaced traditional heritage poultry. Today, conservation breeders continue working to preserve this historic breed, which remains one of the rarest heritage chickens in the world.
Crèvecœurs are widely recognized for their calm, gentle, and intelligent temperament. They are naturally quiet birds that adapt well to human interaction and often become remarkably tame with regular handling. Unlike many active Mediterranean breeds, Crèvecœurs are deliberate in their movements and are not known for being flighty or overly aggressive. Their peaceful nature allows them to integrate well with other calm breeds, making them an excellent choice for mixed backyard flocks.
Although they enjoy foraging when given the opportunity, Crèvecœurs are not particularly adventurous free-rangers. Their large crest can partially restrict their vision, causing them to be more cautious in unfamiliar surroundings and somewhat more vulnerable to predators than breeds with unobstructed sight. For this reason, they thrive in secure runs or protected pastures where they can forage safely while still displaying their naturally curious behavior.
Today, the Crèvecœur is admired as much for its striking appearance as for its remarkable history. With its glossy black plumage, distinctive V-shaped comb, full beard, and elegant crest, this rare French heritage breed offers backyard flock owners a unique combination of beauty, history, gentle companionship, and outstanding heritage genetics.
Egg Production: 150 per year (avg)
Egg Size: Medium
Egg Color: White
Mature Weight: 4 - 4.5lbs
Breed Type: Ornamental
Temperament: Docile/Energetic
