American Bresse
Holding Court at RAF! We do our best to mimic the French Bresse's diet and environment. The strength and future of the breed depend on the careful selection of breeding stock. We pay close attention to SOP for all of our ABs. We have no place for unfriendly roosters because we constantly strive to produce courteous birds.
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Chicks: $10 Straight Run
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Hatching Eggs: $75/dozen | $40 - 1/2 dozen
American Bresse History
The French Poulet de Bresse, a breed that originated in a small region of eastern France, is the ancestor of the American Bresse. They were imported into the USA in 2011. In order to comply with French legal protections, the breed's name was changed to American Bresse. American Bresse chickens are a U.S.-developed line inspired by the legendary Bresse chickens of France, long considered the finest table bird in the world. While the original French Bresse (Bresse de Bény) is strictly protected by French law and cannot be exported, American breeders have worked for years to recreate the growth rate, meat quality, foraging ability, and egg production that made the original Bresse famous. The result is a true dual-purpose chicken that excels in: Exceptional meat quality Strong, consistent egg production Hardy, pasture-based performance American Bresse chickens are especially popular with homesteaders, regenerative farmers, and small farms seeking a premium bird that performs well both on pasture and in the nesting box.
Characteristics & Looks
Key breed characteristics include being fast-growing, with cockerels reaching 5–7 lbs in dressed weight and pullets maturing and laying eggs earlier than many traditional dual-purpose breeds. They boast a calm, alert, and intelligent temperament, are excellent foragers, and adapt well to free-range systems. Additionally, they are hardy, tolerant of both cold and heat, and possess stronger immune systems than many commercial hybrids. Appearance & Color Varieties American Bresse chickens are recognized by their distinctive blue or slate-colored legs, a hallmark trait inherited from the original French stock. Common color varieties include: White (most iconic and traditional), Black, Blue, and Gray. All varieties share the same body type, productivity, and utility value.
Eggs & Production
AB's lay high-quality eggs. It is probable that some of them will begin laying eggs by week 18. Eggs can vary in color from light cream to light brown and are often produced in large to extra-large sizes from mature hens. They have smooth, strong shells, making them suitable for handling and storage. Hens typically lay 220–280 eggs annually and can maintain laying even in winter with proper lighting. Eggs from pasture-raised birds have rich, golden yolks and excellent flavor, often favored in farm sales, CSA shares, and specialty markets.
Meat Quality & Flavor
American Bresse chickens are meat birds that grow incredibly quickly. Compared to the typical dual-purpose breeds like Plymouth Rock or Rhode Island Red, they grow quickly and early. In contrast to Cornish Cross hybrids, the common "meat" bird, and supermarket chickens, heritage birds will consistently produce offspring that are true to the breed. Furthermore, American Bresse chickens possess the same distinctive meat quality and robust flavor as French Bresse chickens. Their fat-marbled meat has earned them the title of "most delicious chicken in the world" and is sought after by famous chefs. In the French market, they undoubtedly fetch a royal price. American Bresse chickens are renowned for exceptional meat quality, featuring fine-grained, tender flesh with high intramuscular fat. When pasture-raised and grain-finished, they produce a juicy, richly flavored meat often compared to premium beef or pork, making them highly prized by chefs and discerning home cooks.
Why Choose ABs'?
American Bresse chickens are ideal for people who want: a premium meat bird without industrial confinement, reliable, high-quality egg production, a hardy, intelligent breed that thrives on pasture, a true dual-purpose flock that doesn’t compromise on either eggs or meat. They are equally well-suited for: Homesteads, Small farms, Pasture-based poultry operations, and Breeders focused on premium genetics.