Egyptian Fayoumis

Egyptian Fayoumis

Fayoumi is an Egyptian breed of chicken that derived from ancient jungle fowl and is believed to have been around during the days of the Egyptian Pharaohs. Though Fayoumi chickens have been raised along the Nile River for centuries, and have been in North America since 1940, these small, independent, amazing chickens are still relatively uncommon in the U.S. They are, however, arguably gaining popularity in the United States because of their uniqueness and potential value to scientists. Known for their exotic beauty, incredible resistance to disease, early maturity and unparalleled foraging skills, these birds are also fiercely independent and somewhat of a challenge to keep.

Appearance

Egyptian Fayoumis For Sale are quite small in size with large dark eyes and tails held high. With a silvery head, large single comb, onyx-dark eyes, and slim, black-speckled body, they are sometimes likened to a roadrunner with their forward jutting breast and neck and upright tails.  The skin color of Fayoumi chicken is typically slate blue and they have dark horn colored beaks. Hens have silver-white hue on their necks and heads with the rest of their body barred. Fayoumi roosters have plumage with silver-white on the head, neck, saddle and back, with the rest in a white and black barring.
Their large, bright, dark eyes are excellent at scanning the skies for predators–a trait which serves them well as independent birds that cover so much ground in daily foraging.

Eggs

Fayoumi are also one of the fastest maturing breeds. Cockerels start crowing at an unbelievable five or six weeks, and hens can begin laying eggs as early as 4 and a half or 5 months. Here’s what they look like as baby chicks.

This pretty breed has a unique appearance. They hold their tails upright–nearly vertical–and have especially long, graceful necks. They are decent layers of smallish, cream or tinted eggs.

This ancient breed has its origin in the Nile Valley. They are relatively new to the US, and still quite rare here. They are also one of the most early maturing of chicken breeds: hens can begin laying eggs as early as 4-1/2 or 5 months! Fayoumis are known to be naturally resistant to Marek’s Disease and to many other illnesses. However, they are normally fairly nervous in temperament, and can be feather pickers if they don’t have enough room to roam.

They can be territorial about their favorite nesting spots, and roosters are noisy. They are also fliers, so are not always the best choice for a backyard flock since they can and will clear most fences. With plenty of room, however, they can be a good choice for a small farm, since they are good foragers, economical eaters, independent, tough, aware of their surroundings and good at avoiding predators.