Crèvecoeur
Gallus gallus domesticus
✨ Fun Fact
The Crèvecoeur is mentioned in a French royal accounts register from 1375 — making it one of the earliest chicken breeds mentioned by name in any European historical document.
France's oldest documented breed, originating from the Norman village of Crèvecoeur-en-Auge in Calvados. A striking all-black bird with a full rounded crest, V-comb, beard, and muffled cheeks, the Crèvecoeur was a celebrated table bird in mediaeval Normandy and was described in texts as early as the 14th century. Though once a staple of Norman markets, the breed is now critically rare and maintained by conservation breeders across France, Belgium, and Germany.
🏷️ Breed
Crèvecoeur
💭 Temperament
Calm, docile, friendly; crest limits vision so requires careful handling
📏 Size
Large (3.2-4.1 kg)
⏳ Lifespan
5-8 years
🎨 Colors
Jet black with beetle-green iridescence
🌍 Origin
France — Crèvecoeur-en-Auge, Normandy; documented from 14th century
🏠 Habitat
Tolerates confinement; crest needs dry conditions to avoid eye problems
🍽️ Diet
Layer pellets; moderate forager — limited vision restricts roaming ability
🎯 Purpose
Meat
🥚 Egg Colour
White
👑 Comb Type
V-Shape
🏅 EE Class
Large Fowl