Description
The Chantecler originated in the Quebec Province of Canada and is a dual-purpose chicken. The Chantecler is the first Canadian breed of chicken. Under the supervision of Brother Chatelain, the monks of the Cistercian Abbey in Oka, Quebec, sought to create a fowl of vigorous and rustic temperament that could resist the climatic conditions of Canada. The White Chantecler was introduced to the public in 1918 and admitted to the American Poultry Association Standard of Perfection in 1921. The breed is noted for having nearly no wattles and a small cushion comb appearing much like a small round button sitting low on the head. An excellent layer of brown eggs and a good winter layer. At 20 weeks, the average live weight for males are 7 pounds 8 ounces to 9 pounds. The breed is noted for being calm, gentle and personable. We used seed stock from Greg Oakes and John W Blehm in 2012 to start our breeding program. You will love these giant and friendly chickens.
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.