What, you may ask, is a frizzle? It is most definitely a chicken, but a chicken with a very unusual look and some special needs to go with the look.
They are fun, conspicuous, and lovable – what more can you ask of the chickens in your life?
They are treated differently in some countries, as we shall see, but they are most definitely loved around the world.
Today, we will talk about this unusual-looking bird and whether or not it would be an ideal addition to your backyard flock.
History of Frizzles
The Frizzle is not a new breed; in fact, they were first mentioned in the 1600s.
Charles Darwin also mentioned them – he called them Caffie Fowl. He stated in his documents that they were found predominantly in India.
He must have gained this knowledge secondhand since he never visited India himself.
The frizzle gene seems to have arisen in the Far East (possibly China) and East Indies areas.
As interest in this unusual-looking bird gained momentum, they brought it to Western countries as curiosities and breeding stock.
Certain breeds are more prone to frizzling than others: Cochin, Polish, Plymouth rocks and
Japanese bantams are the main breeds, but many other species can be fried.
If you cross a Silkie with a Frizzle – you get a Sizzle!
So, what is Frizzling?
Frizzling is where the feather starts to curl upward and outward from the body instead of lying flat against the body as in a ‘normal’ hen.
The shaft of the feather starts to twist and curl, causing the unique appearance of the feathers.
Frizzling is caused by an incomplete dominant gene.
One copy of the gene present in one bird is sufficient to cause frizzling. A copy current in both parent birds will result in a high incidence of frazzles.
The amount of frizzling that you get on a bird can be quite variable due to the ‘mf’ gene.
This is the ‘frizzle modifier gene, and if present, it can cause your frizzle chick to look relatively normal.
Responsible breeders do not breed Frizzle to Frizzle. This would give you Frazzle or ‘curly chicks. The acceptable practice is to produce Frizzle to an average hen which will provide you with a mix of regular and frizzled chicks.
Frazzles are incredibly delicate. The feathers can be so brittle that they break at a touch, feathering can be patchy, or even near-total baldness can result.
Normal x frizzle = 50% frizzle + 50% normal
Frizzle x frizzle = 25% normal, 50% frizzle + 25% frazzle
The heart and other physical issues can also be linked to Frazzles, which usually means the chicks will not survive very long or live relatively everyday life.
Frizzle Breed Standards
In Australia, UK, Ireland, Italy, Slovakia, Czech Republic, France, and Germany, Frizzles are classified as a breed.
This might seem unclear to us here in the US since frizzles in the US and other places are classified as a type of plumage.
This does not mean you cannot exhibit them. You would show them as specimens of the breed, i.e., Cochin, Polish, etc., and they would judge the bird according to the standard for that particular breed.
Cochins seem to do well competitively in the bantam class as frizzles.
As a breed type, they are classified in South Asia, the Philippines, and Java classes.
They have a short, strong beak, yellow/horn in color; eyes are bright and red in hue.
Ear lobes and wattles are medium-sized, red.
They should be full-breasted and have short, broad, erect bodies. Tails will be significant and the wings long. Combs are single and upright. Birds will have clean legs and feet, which should be yellow.
Some black shading is allowed in the black/blue colors. There are four toes to each foot.
Weight can be variable depending on your breed of Frizzle (US), so the size can vary a bit -standard birds should weigh around 8lb for males and 6lb for females.
Bantams weigh in at 24-27oz for males and 20-24oz for females. Again, allow for your breed.
Typical Appearance
At first glance, they appear as a bundle of wild, curly feathers with legs – much like a feather duster!
Depending on the breed of chicken, the feathers will look ‘curly and tidy’ or ‘wild and windswept.’ They should all look soft, though, not spiky.
The chicken will take the shape of its breed – the only difference is in the feathering appearance. They are accepted in several colors; buff, black, black-red, brown-red, blue, Columbian, cuckoo, duckwing, Pyle, red, spangled, and white.
There are also other colors as breeders are experimenting with color patterns continuously. However, those listed above are the most common.
Frizzles come in standard and bantam size, with bantam seemingly more popular at the current time.
Temperament
Aside from looking like a sweetie, the Frizzle is a sweetie. They have a sweet, friendly, and gentle disposition. They are quiet and docile and tolerate handling very well many of these little darlings become lap chickens and live a life of spoiled luxury.
With that being said, there is a broad spectrum of the temperaments you may encounter with this fancy breed. The character can also be determined in part by which kind of breed the adult frizzle was bred to.
Some of the characteristics of the non-frizzle may show through.
While the Frizzle is an intriguing ornamental breed, it is also reasonably high maintenance. In a way, it’s the Golden Doodle of the chicken world. A beautiful breed with intense grooming and hygiene needs.
The Frizzle has unique needs in severe weather conditions (if it’s cold, hot, or if they get wet, for example).
So if you aren’t one to spend extra time ensuring your Frizzle is groomed appropriately, then consider opting for an easier breed, like the Dominique, for example.
Eggs
Known in many countries as a show bird, the Frizzle is not well known for its’ egg-laying ability. It is described as poor to fair in the laying department.
They are not prolific layers, but they will give you around 120-150 cream or tinted eggs/year. This equates to about 2 or 3 small to medium eggs/week.
They do go broody occasionally and prove to be good mothers also.
The chicks can be a little slower than regular ones are feathering out, so they may need more time in the brooder.
Special Needs
Frizzles do need some special attention because of their feathering. Since they cannot fly, they should have perches set lower down to access them. Otherwise, they may ‘pile up’ together on the bedding.
If you decide to free-range them, the area should be predator-proof as they cannot fly up and away from danger.
Although people who keep Frizzles say they are hardy, in extreme cold, they should be carefully monitored as the feathering does not insulate as well as regular feathers do. They should avoid rain and snow exposure in excess for the same reason.
Any inclement weather – heat, cold, rain snow are all a bit of a challenge for Frizzles.
The feathers do a poor job of keeping the chicken at a constant body temperature, so you should ensure their wellbeing.
Occasionally, head feathering can interfere with vision, so the feathers may need to be trimmed slightly at the tips. You should cut them just enough to allow them to see.
Cutting the tips off the feathers to allow the bird to see is not acceptable if you exhibit your birds.
If your birds are exhibiting signs of nervousness, fly into a panic when you enter the coop or touch them, it may indicate they cannot see well at all due to their head/facial feathers.
Try whistling, singing, or simply talking to them as you enter the coop so that they know that it is you and not Mr. Fox!
Is The Frizzle Chicken Right For You?
Many people who keep Frizzles are enthusiastic about their quirky little birds! The Frizzles seem to be very friendly and happy birds – they are also relatively peaceful and calm.
They are family-friendly birds. Kids love them! Your neighbors will be asking you where you got that ‘funny little bird’ too.
In many countries, they are kept primarily as a ‘show bird,’ and they do very well in the arena. They tolerate handling well and seem to enjoy all the fuss around them.
Since they can be bullied easily by more assertive breeds, you will need to watch for feather picking and other such behaviors closely.
If it becomes severe, you will need to separate your Frizzles from the main flock. They do well with other gentle breeds such as Polish or Cochins.
Summary
Frizzles are a charming and delightful addition to your flock. They are non-aggressive birds that are content to either free-range or hang out with the other girls in confinement.
As exhibition birds or ‘lawn ornaments,’ they are hard to beat, but they have much to offer in the way of gentle, quiet companionship.
Many folks keep these little darlings as ‘house chickens’ because they are so well behaved!
If you want a bird that seems perpetually happy, non-demanding, and a delight to look at, the Frizzle has it all!
Do you keep Frizzles? Let us know in the comments section below…
What a Great Chicken !! I live in Canada, do yo happen to know of any breeders of where I may acquire any of these birds
Thank you,
Bev
Unfortunately I don’t Bev. I would start by contacting your local breeders, they should be able to help you.
Claire
Hi Bev, we ordered our frizzle (black frizzle cochin bantam rooster) from murray mcmurray hatchery and love him – well handled by the kids – friendly, no problems yet but he is young and yet to experience his first new England winter. If he mates with any of our silkies I’d be trilled to discover a “sizzle” chick! fingers crossed.
I have two frizzles…a grey and a black. The grey just hatched a tiny black. Oh my goodness…how cute. I have a big rooster that is so much bigger…I don’t let him close to them. The black friz is in my yard…sweet and happy to be held. She follows me around with my black lab close behind. They are friends. She lives in a kitty crate inside of a big dog crate…
Hello,
I have 1 of these little Frizzles that I brought home in a pack of 6 bantams from rural king. When i got these the drizzle one didn’t look frizzy until about a week after I had brought them home. I got 2 black bantams and 4 yellow colored bantams in the pack of 6 baby chicks(bantams).. But one of the black ones died – unknown reason. When I saw that it was different than all the others; it was the only one. I thought that it was deformed or something was wrong with it; I just didn’t know what!
Interesting looking
Do you have a list of breeds that make excellent lap/house chickens?
Hi Jess,
Not yet, but we can certainly produce one. I’ll let you know when it’s published 🙂
Claire
In your personal opinion, what is the friendliest/hardiest/good laying breed of chicken? I heard that Silkies are great, but they won’t survive in my area. It’s too cold and apparently they don’t do well in cool climates. We already have Leghorns, and they are absolutely great! 🙂 But we’re looking to have a variety in the color of eggs, too. Right now our eggs that we sell are just… white.
I’m looking for a friendly, hardy chicken that lays eggs at least five times a week. Any thoughts???
Thank you and I really enjoy your website. 🙂
Thank you for your kind words Sadie 🙂
You can’t go wrong with Buff Orpingtons!
Claire
I’m not quite sure where you live but I live in Michigan and get lots of snow. I own silkie chickens and they have survived 2 winters now.
Australorps
Rhode Island reds
Marans
Have a frizzle bantam been broody for 2 months , no sign of stopping. Should she be stopped or let nature take its course?.
Hi Geoff,
Personally, after that length of time I would stop her now. You can read my article here for help:
https://www.thehappychickencoop.com/6-ways-to-break-a-broody-hen/
Claire
Get the production red. They are a light brown. Very friendly. You will find them at tractor supply
I happened across my frizzle by chance. I went to the local tractor supply and picked up two bantams from a mixed group of chicks. He didn’t have any of his feathers at the time so I had no clue as to what I was getting. He’s the sweetest Roo that I have ever had, very sweet and always comes by to say hello when I walk outside.
I’m starting with 14 frizzle Cochin bantam eggs. Can you give advice on thwir care feom egg to chick please
I got one of the frizzles from local tractor supply I seen the other chicks in the bin appeared at the time to be picking his feathers off so I told ppl up front and they said they wouldn’t separate him from them so I took him I had to take 3 others but he is only frizzle he’s absolutely beautiful now that he’s not bald what a lucky break for me as these are my first chickens I was just trying to save him from being pecked to death.
We just got out first Frizzle. We ordered a batch of bantams from tractor supply and so far one is a Frizzle. We’re so in love with this little darling. (S)he is only a few weeks old, so we’re excited to see how her appearance changes as she gets bigger.
We have Frizzles. We are a breeder and have quite a few breeds including Silkies, Sizzles, Frizzles, Serama and more. See hoffman Hollow Farm on Facebook
My first chicken was a frizzle. She was so tiny when I bought her from the farmer along with the silky which unfortunately died unexpectedly. Because she was my solo chicken, she followed me everywhere and would sit in my lap She even went on vacation with me traveling in the pick up truck like a dog. My nephew used to push her around in his toy shopping cart. My parents were not big animal lovers absolutely adored her. I even wrote a story about her which was published in the local newspaper the story was titled what do you do with a lonely chicken?
You should buy another chicken, they are social flock birds, you need more than one.
We got a frizzle purely hy luck of the draw when I purchased some chicks from the “bantam bin” at our local feed store. Dont know yet whether it’s a roo or hen, but it is black and very tiny, even full feathered. We are keeping it in the brooder until it gets bigger, just to protect it from our silkie roo who can be a bit of a bully the first few days new chickens are introduced.
Hi, I’ve just been offered two frizzles. Hen and cock. Apparently 4 yrs old. Hen no longer lays.
I’ve two foster girls with us who are 4&8yrs. (And two cats. Foxes visit. )
Apart from keeping them safe, is there anything g I should know about chickens before agreeing to take them? Thanks so much. (Only chickens I’ve ever kept have been in the freezer!)
1. frizzles need to be dried if they get to wet. otherwise they can get sick.
2. Make sure they have access to a bit of dirt or grass to scratch in.
3. if there aren’t many plants then i recommend spreading a little bit of food on the dirt each day, just so they can have something to scratch.
4. make sure their perch isnt to high, so they can get up onto it.
5. make sure they are protected from cats and foxes!!
all this is in the article but these are the things people forget alot. Good Luck!
Interesting read and your description about the frizzle temperament is spot on. We got 3 fizzle bantams in 2009 and all had long lives, one still going strong – aged 11!. She follows me round the garden and behaves like one of the dogs, waiting at my back door and drinking out of their water bowls. Last year we bred a frizzle cockerel, and I was really hesitant about having a cockerel as I’d been told about their aggressive tendencies. Well one year on and the frizzle bantam is a delight (aside from waking me up early), he is so tame, not as friendly as my old girl (yet), but certainly not aggressive. I would highly recommend frizzle bantams, they’re cute and friendly and such a joy to be in the garden with. I wonder what the oldest age recorded is for a frizzle pekin bantam?
This is our 1st year raising chickens. Hubby grew up on a farm so has some experience. We picked our chicks up at Tractor Supply. We kept to the chickens that were all hens. Until the last 2 picks. A last minute decision was that we wanted a rooster. So we had a veteran worker pick out our rooster and a hen from the straight run. Imagine our surprise and laughter to find out that the rooster is a bantam frizzle. He is so gorgeous. We love to watch him with his hens who are double his size or greater. He takes no crap from them. He’ll jump up and he’ll bump chests with any hen who challenges him. It’s so funny. He is the boss. And he is absolutely gorgeous. I think I said that already but it’s worth repeating. Oh, and the hen that we got out of the straight run that he was in? She’s our biggest hen!! What a way to start our 1st year with chickens. We’re loving it.
Isa browns are extremely good layers. Known to lay two eggs a day. They also lay brown eggs light and dark. There life span is about two to three years but that’s because they lay so many eggs. I think they good in cold and hot weather. I live in Ga. and was told that they get hotter quicker than most breeds. Mine are about 18wks old and just started lay 2days ago. I already have half a dozen of eggs.
I rescued 3 feral ‘baby’ frizzles and found that they settled down in no time. The adorable rooster wasn’t a baby, he was almost fully grown! He’s the size of my hand 😂
I know this is very late as a post, but I just lost our little Frizzle, Peggy. She was the sweetest animal ever and had the best personality. I’m not really sure exactly what breed she was but she was brown like your pictures one. She may have had a major health issue, unbeknown to us, and was bullied and pecked by her flock. When she came to me, it was too late to save her. I kept her inside trying to nurse her back to health and now know that this type of chicken would be an ideal house pet. She was a treasure and a delight.
We have a great mix of Peking chickens, 8 of them are frizzles, they are so friendly.
We started with 4 and now have 24 altogether.💕