On the third day of Christmas...

Grant Brereton examines three chicken breeds that have a very festive connection

- Grant Brereton

Whether you regard it as a Christmas song or carol, there is little doubting the worldwide awareness/appeal of this festive song (whether it's revered or annoying is up to you!). But do just a little research and you'll soon discover that theories abound when it comes to 'The 12 Days of Christmas' and its origins, lyrical adaptions and religious significance. The 'bird factor' always intrigued me, which of course nowadays the 'Partridge' would be a Partridge Wyandotte in a pear tree! But on a serious note, one theory suggests that the five gold rings line is in relation to ring-necked pheasants. Could this be plausible?

Of course, being the chicken nut that I am, I was asked by Liz to feature the hens' part of the song, which is three French hens, on the third day of Christmas. Even if you just calculated the gifts bestowed upon a person's loved one on this day, then that alone would be a reasonably generous gift these days. Pure breeds of poultry have increased in cost for several reasons over the past few years, and French breeds are no different. Even if we got them for a bargain price of say £30 each and could persuade a breeder to part with only females, you're still getting on for nearly a hundred nicker.

So how many types of French hens are out there? The main pure varieties - that have their own standards are: Faverolles, Marans, Houdans, La Fleche, Crèvecœur, as well as the popular Bresse meat breed of chicken, which dates back hundreds of years. This year I'm covering La Fleche, Faverolles and Houdans. The Faverolles has its own breed club (The Faverolles Society UK), whereas the La Fleche and Houdans are much more scarce and come under the care of the Rare Poultry Society.

HOUDAN