American Bresse is a top-tier choice. Revered for its flavor, productivity, and heritage, this rare chicken breed brings exceptional value to homesteaders and backyard chicken keepers alike.
It is the U.S. counterpart to the famed French Bresse, long considered one of the finest meat chickens in the world. This American-adapted version was developed to thrive in a variety of climates while maintaining the breed’s signature characteristics. With snow-white plumage, bright red combs, and slate-blue legs, the American Bresse is as visually striking as it is practical.
As a dual-purpose chicken breed, it offers both high-quality meat and a steady supply of eggs. Hens typically lay 4–5 cream-colored eggs per week, making them a reliable choice for anyone building a self-sufficient flock. The meat is tender, juicy, and well-marbled—a trait that sets it apart from commercial broilers and has earned the breed its “gourmet” reputation.
These birds are also known for their calm temperament and easy handling. They’re ideal for both beginners and experienced poultry enthusiasts, thriving in free-range systems or well-managed backyard coops.
How to Take Care of American Bresse Chickens:
- Provide a clean, ventilated coop with 4–6 square feet per bird.
- Allow access to pasture or a secure outdoor run to support their active foraging behavior.
- Feed a high-quality diet tailored for meat birds, finishing with a special ration for flavor and fat development.
- Ensure constant access to clean water to support egg production and growth.
- Keep bedding dry and nesting boxes tidy to prevent illness.
- Watch for mites and other parasites, especially during warm months.
- Provide shade in summer and insulation in colder seasons for year-round comfort.
Special Notes on White American Bresse Eggs:
- Hens begin laying at around 5 to 6 months old.
- Eggs are medium to large, cream-colored, and laid consistently with proper nutrition and lighting.
- Offer 14–16 hours of daylight or supplemental lighting during winter months for steady laying.
- For hatching, collect and store fertile eggs pointy-end down at 55–65°F for no more than 7–10 days.
- Turn stored eggs 2–3 times daily to maintain viability.
- Incubate at 99.5°F in a forced-air incubator, keeping humidity at 40–50% early on and 65–70% during lockdown.
- Expect hatching by day 21—White American Bresse chicks are fast-growing and robust.
- Brood chicks at 95°F and reduce heat weekly by 5°F, feeding them a high-protein chick starter.
If you're serious about raising dual-purpose chickens that bring gourmet quality to your kitchen and consistency to your egg basket, the American Bresse deserves a place in your coop.
