
The Egyptian Fayoumi rooster is a rarer breed, not less than in America. Originating in Egypt, this rooster has solely been within the states because the Forties, however there aren’t many round. Whereas stunning, this breed is usually a bit of labor to deal with, in order that they aren’t finest for novices. They’re additionally higher for these farms that permit free-ranging, because the birds dislike confinement. In case you are concerned about acquiring one, you’ll discover they’re decently good layers however aren’t nice for meat resulting from their small measurement.
For those who’re searching for an Egyptian Fayoumi rooster of your individual, right here’s what you want to know!
Fast Details about Egyptian Fayoumi Hen

Breed Title: | Egyptian Fayoumi |
Different title(s): | Egypt |
Makes use of: | Eggs |
Rooster (Male) Measurement: | 3–4 lbs |
Hen (Feminine) Measurement: | 2–3.5 lbs |
Colour: | Silver & black, silver & grey, silver & brown |
Lifespan: | 5–8 years |
Local weather Tolerance: | Sizzling & heat |
Care Degree: | Reasonable to knowledgeable |
Manufacturing: | ~150 eggs per yr |
Egyptian Fayoumi Hen Origins
The Egyptian Fayoumi originated in—you guessed it—Egypt, roughly 62 miles outdoors of Cairo. The breed is believed to have been an historical one, with many theorizing they happened within the early 1800s and have been both launched by a Turkish village or throughout the occupation of Napoleon. Nonetheless, the breed didn’t seem in America till the early Forties.
At the moment, the Dean of Agriculture at Iowa State College introduced Egyptian Fayoumi eggs again from Egypt to check them within the college’s poultry genetics program. Since then, the breed has grown in reputation within the States (though it’s nonetheless unusual to seek out them there). Additionally they nonetheless haven’t been acknowledged by the American Poultry Affiliation.
Egyptian Fayoumi Hen Traits
The Egyptian Fayoumi breed is an lively one, recognized for its robust flying and escape artistry. For those who deliver one in all these chickens residence, you’ll have to have a particularly excessive fence or maintain them enclosed someplace till they’re used to their new environment in order to forestall escape. You’ll additionally have to anticipate the chicken’s dislike of being dealt with. This breed will not be one to make a very good pet; whereas they’ll tolerate individuals if wanted, they very possible received’t allow you to pet them.
Regardless of their escape makes an attempt, the Egyptian Fayoumi does finest as a free-range rooster as they like their freedom and having area to roam about. Actually, letting them be free-range means they are going to be cheaper to maintain as they’ll get most of their meals from foraging. And as males are comparatively tolerant of one another, there shouldn’t be a lot combating amongst them as they go about their area.
These birds are additionally fairly vocal. Not solely will they often scream if captured by an individual, however they’ll additionally do their finest to let you realize if a predator is out and about.
Better of all, this breed is thought for being pretty disease-resistant!
Makes use of
The Egyptian Fayoumi breed is raised primarily for his or her egg-laying manufacturing. Hens develop faster than different breeds and are in a position to begin laying by 4 months outdated, with the common laying manufacturing being about 150 eggs a yr. Although on the smaller facet, the eggs are decrease in ldl cholesterol than is the norm, making them a bit more healthy. Due to their small measurement, the Egyptian Fayoumi isn’t actually raised for meat.
Look & Varieties
The Egyptian Fayoumi is a fantastic chicken that has white-silver feathers on the pinnacle and neck, with the remainder of the physique being black, gray, and infrequently brown. They begin life with brown heads and our bodies speckled with gray however develop their true colours as they age. Additionally they have giant, fluffy tails that stand practically vertical; between that and the ahead jutting breast, they give the impression of being much like roadrunners.
Their beaks and claws are the colour of horn, whereas their pores and skin is normally a slate blue. The breed has a six-pointed wattle that’s pink and medium-sized. They’ve giant, darkish eyes and superb eyesight that helps them catch predators on the prowl, enabling them to flee and keep protected.
The Egyptian Fayoumi can be on the smaller facet, solely weighing 2–4 kilos.
Inhabitants & Distribution
You’ll discover that the Egyptian Fayoumi is far more frequent in its homeland, Asia, and Europe than in america, so it could be tough to accumulate one. Although they aren’t as frequent within the U.S., in addition they aren’t listed on the Livestock Conservancy’s watch listing, so there are many them round elsewhere. You’ll additionally discover they do higher as free-range chickens than in confinement.
Are Egyptian Fayoumi Chickens Good for Small-Scale Farming?
The Egyptian Fayoumi in all probability isn’t the most effective for small-scale farming since they’re tougher to maintain than most chickens and thrive essentially the most after they have loads of area to roam about. Plus, they aren’t very family-friendly (although they aren’t aggressive; they only choose to not be dealt with). This rooster requires sufficient work that the pay-off is probably going not price it for small-scale farms.
Conclusion
The Egyptian Fayoumi rooster is attractive, however it’s additionally a good quantity of labor to maintain round. The breed is disease-resistant, which is able to save on vet payments, and they’re good layers. However they’re additionally not thrilled with having individuals round and are vulnerable to trying escape. The breed can be tougher to find in america.
Nonetheless, in the event you do determine to do this breed out, you’ll want to make sure they’ve loads of area to roam about—not solely will the birds be happier, however it is possible for you to to feed them much less as they’ll get most of what they want from foraging.
Featured Picture Credit score: Cory’s_chickens_09_-_Egyptian_Fayoumi_pullet_(28488787120)(Joe Mabel, Wikimedia Commons CC SA 2.0 Generic)