Continental Breed Class
Standard Chicken
The Continental class of chickens includes breeds originating primarily from Belgium, France, Germany, and the Netherlands. These birds are known for being active, hardy, often ornamental, and mostly white-egg layers. Many Continental breeds are kept for ornamental or exhibition purposes due to their unique plumage and features, such as the Polish crested breed. Most Continental breeds are excellent producers of white eggs, though some, such as the Barnevelder and Marans lay dark brown eggs. These birds are flighty, but are excellent foragers. They are broken into three subgroups: Northern European, Polish, and French.
The Continental Class includes the following breeds:
NORTHERN EUROPE SUBCLASS |
|
| Breed Name | Description |
|---|---|
| Barnevelders | Known for deep brown eggs. |
| Campines | Known for being active, non-sitters with white eggs. |
| Hamburgs | Known for being active and producing white eggs. |
| Lakenvelders | Known for their distinct, striking white/black plumage. |
| Welsummers | Intelligent bird with striking partridge plumage that lays speckled eggs. |
FRENCH SUBCLASS |
|
| Breed Name | Description |
| Crevecoeurs | Known for its striking black appearance and a distinctive v-shaped comb. |
| Faverolles | Known for being docile, bearded birds. |
| Houdans | Known for its unique crested head, heavy beard, and five toes. |
| LaFleche | Glossy black plumage with a unique V-shaped comb. |
| Marans | Famous for extremely dark, chocolate-brown eggs. |
POLISH SUBCLASS |
|
| Breed Name | Description |
| Polish | Known for their large, ornamental crests. |