La Fleche Chicken Breed: A Complete Breed Overview

Did you know? The La Fleche chicken breed is one of the most unique and rare chickens in the world.

With its strange V-shaped comb and shiny black feathers, it catches everyone’s attention.

Known for its beauty and great meat quality, this breed has been loved in France for hundreds of years.

If you’ve never heard of it before, you’re not alone.

The La Fleche chicken breed is rare, but it has a rich history and some very special qualities that make it worth learning about.

In this guide, we’ll go through everything you need to know about this amazing bird.

La Fleche Chicken Breed: Quick Overview

Here’s a quick look at the main traits of this unique chicken:

Trait	Details
Height	Medium to tall, with long legs
Weight	Roosters: ~8 lbs (3.6 kg), Hens: ~7 lbs (3.2 kg)
Comb	V-shaped, horn-like comb
Varieties	Black (most common)
Eggs per Year	150–200 medium to large white eggs
Personality	Active, alert, shy, and prefers free-range

La Fleche Chicken Breed History

The La Fleche chicken is thought to have gotten its name because of its unusual V-shaped comb, which looks like the tip of an arrow.

In French, “la flèche” means “the arrow.”

But the name actually comes from the breed’s place of origin.

La Flèche is a town in the Sarthe department of the Pays de la Loire region in France, close to the city of Le Mans.

The town itself was named after the arrow connected to the martyrdom of St. Thomas, the patron saint of its church.

The breed’s roots are believed to trace back as early as the fifth century, first being raised in Le Mans, later in Mizeray, and eventually spreading to La Flèche.

Hence, it is one of the oldest chicken breeds still around today.

For centuries, it was prized for its tender, flavorful meat. French chefs considered it one of the best-tasting chickens in the world.

By the 1850s, large numbers of La Fleche chickens had been brought to the United States.

However, farmers found them too delicate to thrive in much of the eastern and central states.

Soon enough, they were quickly replaced by sturdier breeds.

In 1882, poultry writer W.B. Tegetmeier reintroduced La Fleche chickens to England by importing them himself.

This breed was officially included in the American Poultry Association’s Standard of Perfection in 1874.

Sadly, the breed almost disappeared in the 20th century when farmers started choosing faster-growing meat chickens.

Thanks to dedicated breeders, the La Fleche chicken breed is making a small comeback.

Even today, in the town’s farmers’ market, the birds may still be called the “Fowl of Le Mans.”

However, it is still considered rare and can be hard to find outside of Europe.

Appearance of the La Fleche Chicken

One look at the La Fleche and you’ll know it’s different from most chickens. Here’s what makes it stand out:

V-Shaped Comb

Instead of the usual single comb, it has a horn-like comb that points forward.

Shiny Black Feathers

The feathers have a greenish sheen when the sunlight hits them.

White Earlobes

This is unusual because most black-feathered chickens have red earlobes.

Long, Tall Body

They are slender but tall, with long legs.

Size

Roosters weigh about 8 lbs (3.6 kg)
Hens weigh about 7 lbs (3.2 kg)

Personality and Temperament

The La Fleche chicken breed is known to be active and alert.

They like to forage for food and prefer free-range living. If kept in a small coop all the time, they can get restless.

Other traits that this breed is known for are:

Curious and intelligent
Can be flighty and shy around strangers
Good at avoiding predators
Not aggressive, but roosters can be protective

If you want a friendly lap chicken, the La Fleche might not be your best choice.

But if you want a hardworking, beautiful bird that’s fun to watch, it’s a great option.

ALSO READ: Top 5 Lap Chicken Breeds

Egg Production

The La Fleche chicken breed is not a top egg layer, but it still produces a fair amount of eggs for a rare breed.

Egg color: White
Egg size: Medium to large
Eggs per year: About 150–200
Laying season: Best in spring and summer

Hens usually start laying eggs at around 8–9 months old, which is later than some other breeds.

But their eggs are known for being delicious and having strong shells.

ALSO READ: Best Chicken Breeds for White Eggs

Meat Quality

One of the main reasons people historically raised the La Fleche chicken breed was for its meat. The flavor is rich, tender, and juicy, making it a favorite for gourmet dishes in France.

Compared to common meat breeds like the Cornish Cross, the La Fleche grows more slowly, taking about 9–10 months to reach full size.

But the wait is worth it for the flavor.

ALSO READ: Best Meat Chicken Breeds

Housing and Care Needs

The La Fleche chicken breed is hardy, but it does best when you meet its specific needs.

Housing Tips

Give them plenty of space to roam. They don’t like being crowded.
Make sure fencing is high enough to keep them in, as they can fly over low fences.
Provide shelter from wind and rain.

ALSO READ: Chicken Fencing: Which One Should You Choose

Feeding

Standard layer feed for hens
Grower feed for young birds until they start laying
Occasional treats like fruits, veggies, and mealworms

ALSO READ: 9 Healthy Treats Your Chickens Will Love

Health Care

Keep the coop dry to prevent disease
Check for mites and lice regularly
Vaccinate if needed

ALSO READ: Chicken Vaccination: What You Need to Know

Advantages of the La Fleche Chicken Breed

Still hesitating on getting this breed? Here are more reasons to get one:

Rare and unique appearance
Excellent meat flavor
Good foragers and hardy in many climates
Adds variety to a backyard flock

Disadvantages of the La Fleche Chicken Breed

Just like any other breed, there are downsides to raising a certain chicken.

As for the La Fleche chicken, here are some of them:

Not the friendliest breed
Slower to mature than modern hybrids
It can be hard to find
May need extra fencing due to flying ability

Is This Breed Right for You?

The La Fleche chicken breed is best for experienced chicken keepers who want something rare and special.

If you enjoy preserving heritage breeds, love cooking gourmet meals, or want a unique bird that stands out in your flock, this breed could be a perfect match.

However, if your main goal is high egg production or you want super-tame chickens, you might want to consider other breeds.

Fun Facts About the La Fleche Chicken Breed

Their V-shaped comb looks like horns, so some people call them “Devil Birds.”
They are one of the few black chickens that lay white eggs.
The breed almost went extinct twice (once in the 1900s and again during World War II)

La Fleche Chicken Breed: Before You Go…

The La Fleche chicken breed is a true gem for poultry lovers.

With its striking looks, fascinating history, and delicious meat, it’s more than just a backyard chicken…it’s a piece of living history.

While it may not be the easiest breed to find or raise, its uniqueness makes it worth the effort.

If you have the space, patience, and love for rare breeds, the La Fleche chicken breed could become one of the most treasured members of your flock.