Chantecler is a word that has its roots in Old French, meaning "sing bright." It refers to a rooster character in a French play by Edmond Rostand. The IPA phonetic transcription for chantecler is [ʃɑ̃təklɛʁ], with the "ch" sounding like "sh" and the "e" in the second syllable being silent. The "r" at the end is pronounced lightly, almost like a guttural "h." Although Chantecler is not commonly used in English, it is sometimes used to describe a rooster or as a name for poultry-related businesses.
Chantecler is a noun that refers to a breed of chicken, specifically the Chantecler chicken, which originated in Canada. It was developed in the early 20th century by crossing several other chicken breeds, including the White Leghorn, Rhode Island Red, and Plymouth Rock. The Chantecler breed was created with the intent of having a chicken that would thrive in the harsh Canadian climate, making it a hardy and cold-resistant bird.
The Chantecler chicken is known for its distinctive appearance and characteristics. It has a medium-sized body covered in dense feathers, usually in various shades of white. It possesses a small, compact comb and wattles to protect against frostbite, with yellow beak and legs. Roosters are typically around 7-8 pounds in weight, while hens reach about 5-6 pounds. This breed is also recognized for its calm nature and quiet disposition.
In addition to its physical attributes, the Chantecler chicken is valued for its egg-laying abilities. Hens are known to lay medium-sized, brown eggs, often quite consistently throughout the year, making them a popular choice for small-scale poultry farmers and backyard chicken enthusiasts.
Overall, the Chantecler chicken is a breed recognized for its resilience, productivity, and adaptability, particularly suited for thriving in cold climates.
The word "chantecler" comes from French and literally translates to "singing rooster". It is derived from the Old French words "chante" meaning "to sing" and "clair" meaning "clear" or "loud". The term Chantecler is best known as the name of the protagonist rooster in Edmond Rostand's play "Chantecler" (1910), which portrays the rooster's belief that his crowing causes the sun to rise.