These little dalmation darlines are rare and a treasure to add to your flock. The Mottled Houdan is a feathered showstopper with a quirky personality and a sense of humor all its own. With their fancy head crests, 5 toes (instead of the usual 4!), and eye-catching black-and-white feathers, they’re as much a conversation starter as they are a backyard treasure.
Feather Colors: If you want a chicken that looks like it’s always dressed for a masquerade ball—this is the bird for you! A striking mix of inky black feathers dusted with snowy white spots, giving them a “polka-dot party” look. Their tall crests and little beards make them look like they’re always ready for the stage.
Egg Gifting:
Expect a generous gift of 3–4 medium white eggs per week. Not the heaviest layers, but certainly one of the most glamorous gift-givers in the coop.
Personality:
Houdans are sweet, quirky, and full of personality. They thrive in family flocks, love foraging, and are surprisingly gentle for such a dramatic-looking bird. You’ll often find them strutting like royalty, yet happily eating out of your hand.
History:
Originating from France, the Mottled Houdan has been adored for centuries. Named after the town of Houdan, they were once a farm favorite for both eggs and meat, but today they shine most as ornamental and companion birds, prized for their beauty and heritage charm.
Sexing Method: Vent sexing as a day-old is the most common method for this breed. Accuracy averages around 85–90%, which means there’s always a small chance of “surprise roosters.” The industry standard is to sell “female chicks” or pullets; even though 10–15% end up being accidental boys. Since many communities have ordinances against keeping roosters, we decide to be different!
While hatcheries and feedstores stop at the industry standard, we go further because we care. If your “female coverage” chick grows into a rooster, we will give that boy a free home and provide a store credit for the original purchase price with healthy return of the rooster. . This way, your family isn’t stuck with heartbreak or a city ordinance issue. For families who want zero risk of rooster surprises, we also offer DNA sexing services. DNA is the only truly accurate method, but is a bigger investment, costing about 3x more than a female-covered chick. The choice is yours. We’re here to make sure your flock is the perfect fit for your family.
Chick: Mottled Houdan
Scheduling – Order Pick-Up Commitment
Standard Pick-Up Times
Saturdays: 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Mondays: 5:00 PM – 6:30 PM
Book a Special accommodation appointment
Placing an order is your commitment to pick up your order based as described below:
Available Now Orders
Chickens (already hatched): Must be picked up within 6 days of purchase. Pick-up during standard times or by booking a special accommodation appointment.
Puppies & Kittens: “Go home” dates will be listed at purchase. You may also book an earlier pick-up appointment if available.
Feed & Supplies: Must be picked up within 1 year of purchase. Pick up at your convenience during standard pick-up times or book a special accommodation appointment.
Pre-Orders
A pre-order indicates the estimated month your animals will be ready for pick-up.
Once notified your order is ready, you must pick up within 6 days of notification (any time during the month it becomes available).
Notifications are sent via text to the number provided at checkout.
👉 At checkout, please verify that your phone number is accurate and that it can receive text messages.
DNA-Sexed Orders
DNA-sexed chicks must be picked up within 6 days of notification.
We are unable to extend free boarding.
If not picked up within 6 days, the order will be forfeited.
The DNA testing fee deposit is non-refundable, but store credit (minus the testing fee per bird) will be issued.
Order Abandonment
Placing an order is a commitment to being available for pick-up within the stated timeframe.
Refunds are not provided. Instead, store credit is issued for a future order.
Store credit is valid for up to 3 years from the date issued (per Colorado law).
Disclosure Statement (Colorado Law Compliance)
By placing an order, you acknowledge and agree to the following:
No Refund Policy: All sales are final. Refunds are not available for abandoned, forfeited, or canceled orders. Store credit may be issued as described above.
Store Credit Validity: Store credit is valid for up to three (3) years from the date of issuance, after which it may be considered abandoned property under Colorado law.
Customer Responsibility: Customers are responsible for timely pick-up within the stated windows (including the 1-year deadline for feed & supplies) and for providing accurate contact information. Please confirm at checkout that your phone number is correct and able to receive text messages.
Health & Welfare: Once animals or supplies are picked up, the customer assumes all responsibility for their current and future health and care.