Image: very strong 1.0 with correct size, free stance, very good plumage sheen, tail carriage and sickle markings as well as head points and leg color and fine eye color.

The original French Giant chicken is very rare in Europe and hardly ever seen at European shows. In July 2011, during a visit to France, Frederic, one of the best breeders, gave me some hatching eggs, all weighing over 80g. Since then, we have been breeding this rare giant chicken very successfully and in 2012, at the European Show in Leipzig, we were the only and first Barbezieux exhibitors in Germany to win a very high award for a hen.

We essentially brought this breed to Germany; it is now recognized by the BDRG (German Kennel Club) and can be shown. But beware!

Animals or hatching eggs are increasingly being offered online, supposedly directly from a French breeder. The accompanying pictures, often showing animals with very long backs or excessively low stances (short legs), indicate to the expert that these are most likely crossbreds.

Therefore, our tip: L

Make sure you get photographic or documentary proof beforehand that the animals really do come from France. And don't fall for scams, because Barbezieux are very rare and that doesn't match the abundance of offers from so-called breeders, even on social media like Facebook or Instagram.

The Barbezieux chickens They are currently the largest original French chicken breed and were bred before 1900 in the area around the small village of Barbezieux, Charente region, in southwestern France, where the famous black truffles are also found.

The overall appearance of these chickens is that of powerful, very strong, and very proud creatures. Their excellent meat quality is often compared to the famous black truffles and has made them world-renowned. After the World Wars, these very large chickens—the rooster can reach up to 76 cm in height and should weigh at least 4.5 kg, and the hen at least 3.5 kg—are now found in only a relatively few, very good breeding programs!

This beautiful, original French breed is therefore unfortunately rarely seen at national shows in France and Belgium. They have since been recognized by the BDRG (German Kennel Club). We are very pleased and proud to have received such high-quality dogs from the top French breeding program of Fred Menager. Many thanks to Fred and his lovely wife Eva in La Ruchotte!

Barbezieux (WikipediaThis breed only comes in black; males reach sexual maturity at approximately 6-7 months, females at 5-6 months. The hens lay very large eggs, from their second laying year onwards even exceeding 100g; the shell color is white (preferred) to light brown.

Minimum weight for hatching eggs: 70g, laying performance in the first year approx. 170 eggs. Despite the very large eggs, body size and excellent meat quality are the main priorities.

Therefore, only the largest roosters with broad shoulders and white earlobes should be used for breeding. Incubation and rearing are completely trouble-free, and very good fertilization rates can be expected. Leg band size for roosters: 22, for hens: 20.

A large single comb with broadly set comb points and appropriately sized wattles, as well as dark to dark brown eye color and pure white earlobes, a very strong beak and dark grey legs with glossy black plumage make this breed look very pretty.

Their large, broad, and long bodies, along with a beautifully developed tail with broad feathering, make the roosters look particularly proud! This breed is very tame and not aggressive when handled, so a high fence isn't necessary to restrict their run. However, a good-sized, grassy run is preferable. If you have any questions about these beautiful, original French Giant chickens, we look forward to hearing from you!