Frisian

The Frisian, or Friesian fowl, is an old light chicken from Friesland in the northern Netherlands, sometimes called Fries hoen in Dutch sources. It belongs to the agile European farmyard layer type: clean-legged, trim in body, quick on its feet and selected more for activity and egg production than for table size. Registry color names vary by country, and both large fowl and bantam forms may be encountered in heritage-poultry circles. Hens are generally white-egg layers, while males show the upright carriage and alertness typical of landrace-derived fowl from windy coastal country.

Frisians suit keepers who can give them space to range or a roomy covered run; they do less well as sedentary pen birds. Their light build makes them economical feeders and able foragers, but it also means fences and netting should be secure. Breeding flocks are often small outside the Netherlands, so unrelated stock, correct type and color consistency matter more than chasing unusual plumage labels. They tolerate cool weather well if housing is dry and draught-free.

Colors: Barred, Birchen, Black, Blue, Brown, Buff, Columbian, Crele, Cuckoo, Duckwing, Gold, Gold Laced, Laced, Lavender, Mille Fleur, Mottled, Partridge, Penciled, Porcelain, Red, Silver, Silver Laced, Spangled, Splash, Wheaten, White, Yellow