American Bresse in the USA: The “Wagyu of Chickens” Comes Home

The legendary Bresse chicken, often called the “queen of poultry,” has long been prized in France for its rich flavor, beautiful appearance, and premium meat quality. Fortunately, this remarkable breed has made its way to North America, where it has been adapted and is now known as the American Bresse.

American Bresse chickens have quickly grown in popularity among homesteaders, backyard poultry keepers, and small farms across the USA. Known for their excellent dual-purpose characteristics—exceptional meat and strong egg-laying capabilities—these birds are ideal for those seeking sustainability, flavor, and beauty all in one breed.

What Is the American Bresse?

The American Bresse is a direct descendant of the original French Bresse breed, which has long been regulated and raised under specific practices in France. While the French version is protected by origin laws, the American version maintains many of the same exceptional qualities while adapting to local climates and conditions.

Key Features:

Color Varieties: American Bresse come in white, black, blue, and splash varieties.

Appearance: They have white or colored plumage, blue/slate-colored legs, and a bright red comb—mirroring the French flag.

Size: Roosters reach 6–7 pounds, hens 4–5 pounds.

Temperament: Generally calm and curious, though some bloodlines may carry more assertive traits in roosters.

Lifespan: 5–8 years with proper care.

Why Choose American Bresse?

1. Superior Meat Quality

Often dubbed the “Wagyu of chicken,” American Bresse is prized for its well-marbled, juicy meat. Unlike fast-growing commercial breeds, Bresse chickens grow at a slower pace, allowing their muscle fibers to develop deeper flavor. When finished with a diet rich in milk and grains, the result is gourmet-quality meat with a buttery, rich texture.

2. Excellent Egg Production

Despite their reputation for meat, American Bresse are prolific layers. A typical hen can lay between 200 and 260 eggs per year—making them a true dual-purpose breed. Eggs are medium to large in size and cream to lightly tinted in color.

3. Great Foragers

American Bresse thrive on pasture. They are active, enthusiastic foragers who can supplement their diet with bugs, seeds, and greens. This not only lowers your feed bill but also enhances the nutritional profile of their eggs and meat.

4. Hardiness

Well-suited to both hot and cold climates, American Bresse chickens are hardy and adaptable. They do well in a wide range of environments, making them perfect for most areas of the USA.

Options for Getting Started

Whether you’re a first-time chicken keeper or an experienced homesteader, you have two main options for getting started with American Bresse: hatching eggs or buying day-old chicks.

Buying Hatching Bresse Eggs in the USA

Starting your flock from hatching Bresse eggs is a rewarding experience. Watching your chicks emerge and grow from day one provides a deep connection to your birds and their lifecycle.

Tips for Success:

Buy from a reputable breeder who specializes in American Bresse and uses quality breeding stock.

Use a reliable incubator with digital controls for temperature and humidity.

Maintain 99.5°F (forced-air) or 101.5°F (still-air) throughout incubation.

Humidity: Keep at 40–50% for the first 18 days, then raise to 65–70% during lockdown (days 18–21).

Egg turning: Eggs should be turned 3–5 times per day until day 18.

Expect a hatch rate of about 65–80% under good conditions. If you start with 12 hatching Bresse eggs, you can realistically expect 8–10 healthy chicks.

Hatching your own birds is often more affordable than buying chicks, especially if you already own an incubator. Plus, you’ll gain valuable hands-on experience in poultry breeding.

Buy Hatching bresse Eggs in USA

If incubation isn’t your thing or you’re looking to skip directly to the brooding stage, purchasing day-old American Bresse chicks is a great option. Many breeders and hatcheries across the USA now offer chicks that can be shipped nationwide.

Advantages:

Convenience: No need for incubators or hatch timing.

Reliability: Most hatcheries ship sexed and vaccinated chicks.

Time savings: You can begin raising your flock immediately.

Chicks generally cost between $10–$25 each, depending on breeder reputation, availability, and bloodline quality. Some breeders offer discounts for bulk purchases or local pickup.

Raising American Bresse Chicks

Whether you hatch or buy your chicks, they will need a warm, clean brooder setup for the first few weeks. Here’s what to prepare:

Brooder Checklist:

Heat Source: Use a heat lamp or brooder plate. Start at 95°F, reducing by 5°F each week.

Bedding: Pine shavings or straw—never cedar, as it can be toxic.

Feed: High-protein chick starter (20–22%) for the first 6–8 weeks.

Water: Clean, fresh water at all times. Add electrolytes the first few days to reduce stress.

Space: At least 0.5 square feet per chick to start, increasing as they grow.

Once they are fully feathered (around 4–6 weeks), you can begin transitioning them to a coop and, eventually, to pasture.

Finishing for Meat Production

To get the best flavor and texture from your American Bresse meat birds, it’s important to finish them properly:

Grow-out Period: Ideal processing age is 14–18 weeks.

Diet: In the final weeks, feed a balanced grain mix and supplement with milk (liquid or powdered) to mimic the French method. This enhances marbling and flavor.

Free-Range Access: Continue allowing them to forage for added nutrition and improved taste.

The result is a richly flavored bird with crisp skin, tender meat, and outstanding culinary potential.

Comparing American Bresse to Other Breeds

Feature American Bresse Cornish Cross Heritage Dual-Purpose

Growth Speed Medium-Fast Fast Slow

Meat Flavor Exceptional Mild Moderate

Egg Production 200–260/year Low Moderate–High

Foraging Ability Excellent Poor Good

Broodiness Rare None Occasional

Temperament Calm/Alert Passive Varies

American Bresse offers a great balance of meat quality and egg productivity, making it ideal for those seeking a self-sufficient flock.

What to Look for in a Breeder

When buying American Bresse chicks or hatching eggs, it’s essential to choose a trustworthy source. Here are some signs of a good breeder:

NPIP Certification: Ensures birds are tested for common poultry diseases.

Transparency: Willing to discuss genetics, bloodlines, and flock management.

Good Reviews: Positive feedback from past customers.

Clean Facility: Birds are healthy, alert, and well-cared for.

Avoid sellers who can’t answer basic questions or who sell “Bresse” birds without specifying they’re American Bresse. The original French breed cannot be legally sold under the Bresse name unless raised under French AOC guidelines.

Final Thoughts

The American bresse in USA is more than just another chicken breed—it’s a unique opportunity to raise gourmet-quality poultry on your own land. Whether you’re looking to start with day-old chicks or try your hand at hatching 12 Bresse eggs, this breed delivers incredible value, flavor, and beauty.

With the right setup, a little patience, and a passion for poultry, American Bresse chickens can be a rewarding and profitable addition to your homestead or farm.