Barbezieux (chicken) explained

The Barbezieux is a French breed of chicken.^{[1] [2]} It is one of the tallest chicken breeds native to Europe.^[3]

The breed, considered rare, was recreated by four chicken breeders between 1980 and 1985.^[4]

Currently chickens conforming to the standard are raised in its region of origin. It should also be noted the recent creation of a production sector for quality chickens with a label marked “Poulet de race Barbezieux, race ancienne”, due to the efforts of ASPOULBA (Association pour la sauvegarde de la poule de Barbezieux).^[5] In 2003, ASPOULBA drafted regional specifications bringing together five breeders and defining the criteria for production, feeding, and slaughter in a defined territory.^[6]

The breed is renowned for its tasty, almost gamey meat. About 10,000 to 12,000 birds are raised per year and slaughtered after a minimum of 110 days.^[7]

Notes and References

1. Web site: Barbezieux Chicken . Slow Food Foundation . 2018-12-09 . 2024-08-06.
2. Web site: L'histoire De La Barbezieux Est Des Plus Mouvementée . Mon Espace Nature . 2020-05-28 . fr . 2024-08-06.
3. Web site: Farney . Teresa . Colorado Springs farmer raising rare breed Heritage animals . Colorado Springs Gazette . 2018-07-10 . 2024-08-06.
4. Web site: INVENTAIRE DE LA DIVERSITE AVICOLE EN POITOU CHARENTES VENDEE : L’EXEMPLE DE LA POULE DE MARANS . Anandine . Poussard . 2024-08-06 . 2015.
5. La Revue avicole, n°1683, janv.-fév. 2009
6. Web site: La Barbezieux relève la crête ! . pronaturafrance.free.fr . 2017-06-17 . https://web.archive.org/web/20190218222837/http://www.pronaturafrance.free.fr/barbezieux.html . 2019-02-18 . dead . 2024-08-06.
7. Web site: R. . B. . Pendant l'épidémie, un "Chicken Drive" pour acheter du poulet de Barbezieux . SudOuest.fr . 2020-04-10 . fr . 2024-08-06.