Houdan chickens are an old, French breed that have crests, muffs and beards. It is thought to have been bred from the Dorking, Crevecoeur and Polish breeds. The color varieties are green and black with white mottles, white and cuckoo. They have five toes and a V-shaped comb. They were originally a dual purpose breed, although now mainly kept for showing.

The hens can lay around 240 eggs per year. They do go broody, but they are rather heavy so should only sit on a small clutch of eggs. Houdans are docile and gentle in temperament and enjoy human company. They prefer a free range set up and are good foragers, although they can adapt to smaller enclosures. Shallow drinkers and feeders are required, so that the large crests do not get wet or dirty. Mature males weigh around 3.6 kg and the females 2.94 kg. Bantam sizes are available.