Originating in Canada, the Chantecler is THE chicken for northern climates – they’re cushion-combed and have tight feathering for severe winter weather, are sweet as can be, love to free range, lay a ton of large brown eggs, and roosters grow to about 9lbs for those who have a freezer camp.
Our Partridge Chanteclers originally came from Rob North, who started with stock from Shelly Oswald – both were hugely instrumental in bringing this amazing breed to the US. Flaws that we have seen in the line so far are that some of the boys hold their tails too low and a couple have too-large ears & wattles. We will of course only use the best birds we hatch, so we hope to reduce these minor complaints as time goes on.
Our Buff Chanteclers came straight from the aaaamazing Mike Gilbert, who keeps absolutely stunning birds. They’re producing about 75% chicks with correct cushion combs and 25% with incorrect peacombs.
Chanteclers lay on average 220 large medium-brown eggs per year. They usually lay well in the winter, but for some reason, only our Buckeyes & Ameraucanas did for 2022-2023. We are trying to determine the cause of that!
Chantecler hens weigh about 7lbs and roosters should weigh a minimum of 9lbs.
Chanteclers are exceptionally cold hardy! They were bred for Canadian winters, and their cushion combs are perfect for Wisconsin.
Chantecler hens are VERY prone to broodiness - almost all of ours start sitting on eggs all together every spring.
Chanteclers definitely prefer to free range, but are also content in a run, as long as there is enough space for their larger size.
We have only had Chanteclers for a couple years, but so far, we are loving them! They are friendly and curious, and roosters have all been respectful so far.
2023 Customer:
“…the judge said he’s exactly what the type should be, just a bit baby in the feather category yet”
2024 Coulee Region Poultry Show
Partridge Chantecler Hen – Best of Breed (out of 40) and Reserve American Variety (Bred by Us | Owned & Shown by Paula Cardo Monette)
(Photo courtesy of Paula Cardo Monette)
2024 Ohio National Poultry Show
Partridge Chantecler Hen – Reserve of Variety (Bred by Us | Owned & Shown by Paula Cardo Monette)
(Photo courtesy of Paula Cardo Monette)