The Crèvecoeur is a stunning endanged historic breed from Normandy, France. A stunning coal black in the shade, a sheen can be seen on feathers in the sun on mature hens, While slow to mature, Crevecoeur hens lay longer than most breeds, laying well into old age, and they also lay in winter.  One chicken keeper said her hens were still laying at a decent rate in their seventh and eighth years of life! While these girls are slow to get started, they make up for it in winter laying and duration of laying.  This breed has a gentle temperament, and because they can be picked on by other breeds they must be placed with other mild breed chickens. Their temperament makes them a good pet, especially if they are handled as chicks. The breed withstands confinement remarkably well; in fact, they are best suited to small areas, and are great for small yards or urban areas. Because of their crests, Crèvecoeurs cannot see well, and we trim ours to help them safe on free range conditions. Keep this in mind for predators. This been is adaptable to most climates, but, like Polish Chickens, care must be taken in the winter to prevent their crests and beards from getting wet and freezing. They may have more sensitive digestive systems than other breeds, so you may need to use a probiotic during weather extremes and times of stress. This is a sweet,stunning,  friendly hen with long egg laying production. Recognized by the American Poultry Assn Standard of Perfection, this breed is a good choice if you are looking for a sweet and stunning looking hen with winter egg production and long life production….and an interesting pet! Crevecoeurs are frequently described as active, but peaceful and docile. They can be sweet and most of them love people. More than one chicken keeper has referred to them as “shadows.” Hens lay 140-150 white to tinted, medium to large eggs/year.