Description
White Chantecler Chicken
Breed Overview and Origin
The White Chantecler chicken is a rare Canadian heritage breed built for cold weather, brown eggs, and practical farm use. If you want a calm, friendly chicken that can handle harsh winters better than many common breeds, the White Chantecler deserves a close look.
This breed originated in Quebec, Canada, under the supervision of Brother Wilfrid Chatelain at the Cistercian Abbey in Oka. The goal was simple: create a vigorous, hardy chicken that could stand up to Canadian winters and still provide both eggs and meat. Cackle Hatchery’s article Heritage Chicken Breed: The White Chantecler explains that the breed was developed for white plumage, tight feathering, winter laying, a frost-resistant cushion comb, and tiny wattles.
The White Chantecler was introduced to the public in 1918 and entered the American Poultry Association Standard of Perfection in 1921. It also holds the honor of being the first Canadian chicken breed.
Appearance and Characteristics
White Chanteclers have white plumage, a sturdy dual-purpose body, and a small cushion comb that sits low on the head. That comb can look almost like a small round button. They also have nearly no wattles, which gives them less exposed flesh in cold weather.
That matters in winter. Large combs and wattles can be prone to frostbite, but the Chantecler’s small comb and tiny wattles help protect it in cold climates. Cackle’s cold weather chicken category notes that many winter-hardy breeds have smaller combs and wattles, which lowers frostbite risk.
These birds are also large and substantial. Your source copy lists 20-week average live weights for males around 7 pounds 8 ounces to 9 pounds, which gives the breed real dual-purpose value.
White Chantecler vs Other Cold-Hardy Breeds
White Chanteclers stand out because breeders created them specifically for cold Canadian conditions. Many breeds tolerate winter well, but few were developed with cold weather as such a central goal.
Choose White Chanteclers if you want a rare, calm, cold-hardy dual-purpose bird with a cushion comb and tiny wattles. Choose Brahmas if you want feathered legs and extra-large size. Choose Wyandottes if you like rose combs and more color variety. Choose Plymouth Rocks if you want a classic American farm breed with strong brown egg value.
If winter performance matters most, the White Chantecler has a strong case. It was built for that job from the beginning.
Egg Production and Utility
White Chanteclers are excellent brown egg layers and good winter layers. That makes them useful for backyard keepers who want eggs during the colder months, when many other breeds slow down.
They also have traditional meat value. Their large frame and dual-purpose background make them useful for homesteads and small farms that want a bird for both eggs and meat.
Actual laying can vary with age, daylight, feed, weather, housing, and overall care. Even a winter-hardy breed still needs clean water, quality feed, dry bedding, good ventilation, and protection from drafts.
Cackle lists the White Chantecler as a rare, cold-resistant breed developed in Quebec for both egg and meat production.
Temperament and Suitability
White Chanteclers are calm, gentle, and personable. They can make a great choice for backyard flocks, family flocks, homesteads, and anyone who wants a large but friendly chicken.
They do especially well in cold climates. Their tight feathering, small cushion comb, and tiny wattles help them handle winter more comfortably than many large-combed breeds.
They can also work in standard backyard setups when you provide enough room. Give them a dry coop, clean bedding, balanced feed, fresh water, shade in summer, and predator protection. With that basic care, these giant and friendly chickens can become one of the most enjoyable breeds in the flock.
Is the White Chantecler Chicken Right for Your Flock?
Choose White Chanteclers if you want:
A rare Canadian heritage chicken
A cold-hardy brown egg layer
A dual-purpose bird for eggs and meat
A calm, gentle flock bird
A small cushion comb and tiny wattles
A good winter laying breed
A large, friendly backyard chicken
A breed developed specifically for harsh climates
A bird with conservation value
A flock addition that is useful and uncommon
Overall, this is a strong choice if you live in a cold climate or want a rare heritage breed with a gentle nature. White Chanteclers bring winter hardiness, brown eggs, meat value, and Canadian breed history together in one practical bird.
If you are still comparing breeds, the Chicken Breed Selector and Chicken Breeds List Comparison Chart can help you sort birds by egg color, climate, size, and flock goals. Cackle’s breed finder includes White Chantecler among its standard chicken breeds.
Breed History and Preservation
Brother Wilfrid Chatelain and the monks at the Cistercian Abbey in Oka, Quebec, developed the White Chantecler to serve Canadian farmers. They wanted a bird with strong winter hardiness, good egg laying, and useful meat qualities.
The name Chantecler comes from French words tied to clear singing and also connects to a famous rooster character from the play Chantecler. Cackle’s heritage article explains that the breed’s name comes from “chanter,” meaning to sing, and “clair,” meaning clear.
The White Chantecler reached the public in 1918 and gained APA recognition in 1921. Today, the breed remains rare and valuable. Cackle lists White Chanteclers with The Livestock Conservancy Watch status and notes that its breeding farm used seed stock from Greg Oakes and John W. Blehm in 2012 to start its breeding program.
Recognition and Availability
The American Poultry Association recognizes the White Chantecler, which entered the Standard of Perfection in 1921. This rare breed belongs to Canada’s poultry history and remains a meaningful choice for customers who value heritage chickens.
You can choose White Chantecler chicks when they are available. Cackle places this breed in rare chickens, cold weather chickens, and meat/broiler categories because it offers rarity, winter hardiness, and dual-purpose value.
Before you plan your order, check the Availability Chart for current hatch and shipping options.
Related Breeds and Helpful Cackle Hatchery® Resources
If you like White Chanteclers, you may also want to compare other cold weather chickens, rare chicken breeds, and dual-purpose chickens.
For more background, read Heritage Chicken Breed: The White Chantecler and Chantecler Chickens in the Heritage Breed Spotlight. The newer heritage spotlight covers Chanteclers as a rare Canadian breed known for cold hardiness, winter egg production, gentle temperament, and dual-purpose value.
For broader flock planning, browse baby chicks for sale, the Chicken Breed Selector, and the Chicken Breeds List Comparison Chart.
FAQ: White Chantecler Chicken
What is a White Chantecler chicken?
A White Chantecler is a rare Canadian dual-purpose chicken known for cold hardiness, brown eggs, winter laying, a cushion comb, tiny wattles, and a calm temperament.
Where did White Chanteclers originate?
White Chanteclers originated in Quebec, Canada. Brother Wilfrid Chatelain and the monks at the Cistercian Abbey in Oka developed the breed for Canadian farm conditions.
Is the Chantecler the first Canadian chicken breed?
Yes. The Chantecler is recognized as the first Canadian chicken breed.
When did the APA recognize White Chanteclers?
The American Poultry Association admitted the White Chantecler to the Standard of Perfection in 1921.
Are White Chanteclers good egg layers?
Yes. White Chanteclers are excellent brown egg layers and are especially valued as good winter layers.
What color eggs do White Chanteclers lay?
They lay brown eggs.
Are White Chanteclers good for meat?
Yes. They are dual-purpose chickens with useful body size for both eggs and meat.
Are White Chanteclers cold hardy?
Yes. This breed was developed for Canadian winters. The cushion comb, tiny wattles, and tight feathering help reduce cold-weather problems.
What kind of comb does a White Chantecler have?
White Chanteclers have a small cushion comb that sits low on the head and looks almost like a small round button.
Do White Chanteclers have wattles?
They have very small wattles or nearly no wattles. That gives them less exposed flesh in cold weather.
Are White Chanteclers friendly?
Yes. They are known for being calm, gentle, and personable.
Are White Chanteclers good for beginners?
Yes, they can work well for beginners who want a calm, hardy, dual-purpose breed. Like all chickens, they still need clean water, balanced feed, dry housing, predator protection, and enough space.
How big do White Chanteclers get?
Your source copy lists 20-week average live weights for males around 7 pounds 8 ounces to 9 pounds, making them a large and useful dual-purpose bird.
Are White Chanteclers rare?
Yes. Cackle lists them as rare breed chickens and notes The Livestock Conservancy Watch status.
What seed stock started Cackle’s White Chantecler program?
Cackle used seed stock from Greg Oakes and John W. Blehm in 2012 to start its White Chantecler breeding program.
Where can I check chick availability?
Check the Availability Chart for current hatch and shipping options.
Darla Hobbs –
I always order a variety of breeds because I enjoy seeing them out free ranging. I use all breeds that I order for meat and eggs. I am considering specializing in the Chanctecler breed, but would love to have access to the other colors through Cackle Hatchery. I had my first Chantecler rooster for a good 5 years before I needed to replace him. This last year, I ordered 3 and received 4, 2 of which were roosters. I always process all my extra roosters around 16 weeks and I sometimes cull for disposition at about a year, if needed. Roosters are always tougher than hens and need to be cooked longer, just like older hens do. The only breed that roasts easily is the Jumbo Cornish Cross, otherwise, we’ve tried spatchcocking the heritage breeds and that has worked. I’ve been ordering from Cackle Hatchery for several years and have always been happy!
firesred –
i bought 2 batches of these birds the first one got lost in the mail, arrived a day late, some were DOA and the rest just kept dropping like flies when i got them in the brooder, cackle is good about refunding your money so no worries, i did have to eat the 15 postal fee, out of 18 birds only 5 survived, 2 hens and 3 roosters, one rooster turned out to be a throw back to the Wyandotte side with a rose comb, i butchered him and one other rooster the one i kept was way bigger and non aggressive than the other 2 unless you mess with his girls, he comes a running just to see what your up to and has never attacked me, of the 2 roosters i butchered i admit i was a little late at 21.5 weeks, but still only weighted in at about 4lb 10oz dressed out, one i roasted and the other i slow cooked in the crock pot for 12 hrs. as expected the roasted one was very tough, the one i slow cooked turned out to be an excellent pot of chicken noodle soup. the 2 hens started laying eggs at 22 weeks one lays a dark brown egg the other a light brown egg. the second batch all arrived alive and are growing fast, i bought this breed for a dual purpose bird and because they are supposed to be cold hardy, i live in northeast Montana where we get anywhere from -10 to -40 in the winter so we will see. i don’t feel that this breed really lives up to the term dual purpose breed with a bang.
the pro’s: #1 they make an excellent soup chicken with great flavor, that’s about it.
the con’s: #1. they are super flighty when young, but they will warmup to you.
#2. the carcass weight was small even at 21.5 weeks only 4lb,10 oz. dressed out
#3. the meat is tough i would not recommend for roasting
#4. egg size is very small 40-42gr or 1.5oz
Cackle Hatchery (store manager) –
Thank you for taking the time to share such a detailed review of your chicks. We’re glad to hear that your second batch arrived safely and that you’re enjoying their growth and egg laying progress.
We haven’t heard of other breed-specific concerns like yours regarding carcass size or toughness, so your observations are especially valuable. White Chanteclers are generally known as a calm, cold-hardy, dual-purpose breed with reliable egg production and friendly temperaments. Of course, individual birds can vary, and environmental factors such as extreme cold, brooder setup, and feeding can also influence growth and meat quality. We appreciate your honest feedback and hope your flock continues to do well.
dtwflightpath –
I tried ordering a variety of dual purpose breeds from Cackle Hatchery this year in an effort to try alternative sources for heritage meat birds. Of the various breeds we tried from CH (Delaware, Buckeye, Chantecler) only the Chanteclers had fast enough growth to be useful as meat chickens. The chicks were a little pricey compared to the others, but this could be used as a source to breed one’s own. I have purchased a variety of breeds from CH this year and last, and have found that overall sizes are smaller from CH than I would expect; these have the largest sizes of the ones that I have tried from this hatchery.
Sarah Johnson –
This was one of the only places I could find white Chanteclers. I really enjoy this breed for their hardiness in Michigan winters. Wanted to try the white variety since I have both partridge and buff.
I ordered 20 chicks and they shipped 23, all survived transit and I have yet to lose a single one. Very happy healthy chicks. Ended up with 12 hens and 11 roos as they only ship straight run for these guys. The roos are big and beautiful. Decent temperaments too, just feisty enough to be great flock protector too.
ayeduals –
I received one of these gals in my
Surprise box and she has been great to have around. She causes no problems, lays medium light brown eggs, is quiet and kind and even survived a Hawk attack I call her my big a$$ white birdie.
chrislongden77 –
I ordered this breed and Buff Orpington 2 springs ago. I am very pleased with them both. I live in an area that is hot in the summer and very cold and snowy in the winter. They have done well and actually lay better in the winter oddly enough. I cannot wait to order more of them this year to grow my flock. I have not had any of them go broody, which I am hoping for this year.
Louiclay –
Calm disposition, attractive conformation
Have had the Chantecler less than a year, so this review isn’t definitive, but…so far their behavior is mellow and they did well last summer, when big enough to forage outside. Two of our young hens are laying eggs, although we have no supplemental lighting at this time (and only 4 hours of daylight)…so I’m impressed.
Another ‘plus’: When handling the hens, or working within their pen, we have absolutely no problem with the rooster we kept. He’s attentive, but doesn’t appear threatened or defensive. For us, this is the usual sticking-point with keeping a rooster…but this chap is definitely on an even keel!
The Chantecler are bigger than I’d anticipated, and nice looking birds. Their close-cropped crown is great for our climate; plus their plumage is dense and protective.
All of ours survived the long trip after hatching, so I culled a few for the freezer in September, and they dressed-out nicely! I’d recommend this breed.
Djjwelch –
Love this breed!
These are great chickens. I purchased straight runs of a few breeds to try and of the 3 breeds I bought more of these survived than any other. They are great foragers and will lay through the winter without artificial light. When we harvested the extra roos the chanteclers were significantly larger than the dominiques or Delawares. I will be purchasing more in the spring. I wish Cackle had the buff and partridge varieties too!
Pete –
Beautiful hens
They are bigger then I thought they’re be and have an excellent temperament. Most of them started laying eggs at 4 months old. We have had no issues and couldn’t be happier with our purchase.
Jennifer –
Great show birds
We got 5 Chanteclers, 4 were males and 1 female. The female won awards at the county fair! They are the SMARTEST birds in the whole flock. They are a little unique and fun. Great free rangers that go in at night.
McKnight Family –
Majestic
These birds are truly regal! Enormous size and calm personality provides our flock with touch of snow–even in the hot summer! Excellent
Alexander –
Chantecler
I started keeping chickens last year for the hobby and the eggs. In my research of the different kinds of chicken the Chantecler stuck out as a chicken that met my needs. I ordered 5 last February and got one extra at the time of delivery in March. They were very energetic and healthy and have grown into attractive creatures that lay eggs no matter how cold and brutal the weather is. Will be ordering at least 20 chicks from cackle this year and greatly appreciate the option to buy my chicks without vaccinations.
Paul –
Great Website
Great website, plenty of excellent info,I will be ordering from you soon.
Ron –
Chanteclers are excellent for egg and meat production.
I received an order of Chanteclers from Cackle Hatchery about 2 years ago and to get some additional stock for breeding, I am soon placing an order for 15 more. Cackle is the only hatchery I would ever use because of many years of total satisfaction.
Mike California Sept 2014 –
Happy Customer
I ordered 55 chicks from there and received 59 all alive at the beginning of August. One died later but the rest are great. I will not order from another hatchery other than this one. I will recommend you to anyone that wants to order poultry. You are not only the cheapest but have fast shipping and great chicks. Thanks
Carrie New York May 2010 –
Attn:Libby
I wanted to let you know that our chicks arrived!! I was very impressed with the packaging and service from your company. Right now they are all doing well and we are the most excited.