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Origin
: Very little is known about the origin of the Famenne. We only know
that it originates from the Condroz region. An article that appeared at
the end of the nineteenth century suggested that the Famenne is an
Ardenner that lost every trace of pigmentation because of the hard live
in the poor Condroz region during centuries. Of course this is not true.
The Famenne is not an albino. On the other hand, the Famenne can also
not be considered as a white Ardenner, because there are too many
differences between the two breeds.
Characteristics
: The Famenne is very rustic. High fencing is necessary since they are
able to fly. It is a very active breed that is scratching all day and is
very well suited for larger pens. The hens lay 120 till 150 white eggs
that weigh about 60 grams.
Appearance
: It is true that the Famenne is very similar to the Ardenner. The body
shape is exactly the same but the Famenne is heavier. Young birds
already weigh about 2 to 2,5 kilos and adult roosters can weigh up to
3,5 kg, a weight that will never be obtained by an Ardenner. The color
of the beak and shanks is slate blue and the eyes are orange-red till
dark brown. An essential difference between Famenne and Ardenners is
that the face, wattles and comb of the Famenne are always bright red
whereas the white Ardenner shows traces of dark pigmentation in these
areas. The same goes for the color of the skin which is always white in
the Famenne and can be slightly bluish in the white Ardenner.
Varieties
: Famenne only exist in white.
State
: Very rare, even endangered. Only seen in the Southern French-speaking
part of Belgium. Unknown in other countries.
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