Cou-Nu du Forez
The Cou-Nu du Forez is a French naked-neck chicken from the Forez area of central-eastern France, often linked with the Loire region. Its French name means naked neck of Forez, and the bare red neck is its main visual marker. Unlike many imported naked-neck utility strains, this is a regional heritage type selected as a dual-purpose farm bird. A single comb, broad body, and relatively plain working-bird shape are more important to the type than ornamental feathering.
The reduced neck feathering can help birds cope with heat and makes processing easier, but they still need shade, wind protection, and dry winter housing like any other chicken. Flocks are kept by smallholders and preservation breeders for eggs, meat, and genetic diversity, not for high-speed commercial production. When sourcing birds, ask whether they descend from Forez lines rather than generic naked-neck crosses. Breeding choices should favor strong legs and good fertility, while calm handling and the characteristic clean neck should be kept without sacrificing hardiness.
