Spitzhauben chickens originate within the Appenzell district of Switzerland. They’re due to this fact frequently referred to as Appenzeller Spitzhaubens. The Swiss phrase spitzhauben refers back to the breed’s crest of ahead curving feathers, which remind Appenzell citizens in their normal woman’s bonnets.
Close to Extinction
Consistent with The Farm animals Conservancy, Spitzhaubens were identified for the reason that sixteenth century, saved in native monasteries as low upkeep chickens which can be just right layers. Then again, via the top of International Conflict II the breed had just about develop into extinct.
In 1953 a German poultry breeder named Kurt Fischer got the 3 authentic sorts — black, golden spangled, and silver spangled. Via his breeding efforts, Fischer revived the breed from entire extinction.
Fischer then helped get Spitzhauben chickens authorised into the German poultry same old. The breed has since been identified via requirements in numerous different Eu nations.
Within the past due Fifties, a former German prisoner of struggle who have been detained in Alabama after which repatriated, returned to america with a couple of dozen silver spangled Spitzhauben eggs. Lengthy-time Alabama poultry breeder Albert McGraw hatched the eggs. The ensuing chickens had been the primary identified Spitzhaubens in america. To at the moment, silver spangled continues to be the preferred Spitzhauben selection.
In the meantime, more than a few breeders have since imported Spitzhaubens from Europe, expanding the gene pool of the silver spangled selection in North The usa and introducing different sorts. Regardless of those imports and next breeding efforts, Spitzhaubens stay fairly uncommon in america.
The American Poultry Affiliation does no longer but acknowledge the breed. The Appenzeller Spitzhauben Membership of The usa, then again, is operating to get the breed standardized.
Hardy Appenzeller Spitzhauben Chickens
Having come from the alpine area of Switzerland, close to the borders of Germany and Austria, the Spitzhauben is a chilly hardy breed. But it surely additionally tolerates heat, humid climate, making it an all local weather rooster.
This mid-size breed lays 150 to 180 medium to huge white-shell eggs in keeping with 12 months. It is likely one of the few breeds that naturally lay right through the darkish wintry weather months. The hens would possibly or would possibly not brood. Once they do, they make terrific moms.
Spitzhaubens have a tendency to be a bit of extra talkative than maximum different rooster breeds. They’re lively and alert, making them remarkable foragers.
They fly actually neatly and love to roost in timber. Preserving them confined calls for both an extremely tall fence or a coated run. Clipping their wings is an alternative choice, however makes them extra vulnerable to predation.
Spitzhaubens have a vibrant pink, V-shaped comb, blue-gray legs, and white earlobes and pores and skin. Roosters weigh about 4.5 kilos and hens weigh about 3.5 kilos.
Spitzhaubens at Cackle Hatchery®
Spitzhauben chickens in america diverge slightly somewhat from the unique breed. Maximum notable is their non-traditional crest. The feathers must be slightly sparse, stand upright, and curve towards the entrance, slightly than being spherical, complete, and curving towards the again.
Like different severe Spitzhauben breeders, Cackle Hatchery has been running to right kind this defect. Operating towards that development, Cackle Hatchery imported 3 silver spangled roosters in 2013 for its personal breeding program. The silver spangled Appenzeller Spitzhauben has silvery white feathers, every marked with a V-shape black spangle on the tip.
Cackle Hatchery additionally breeds golden spangled Appenzeller Spitzhaubens from basis inventory received in 2015 from Dick Dickerson, a member of the Appenzeller Spitzhauben Membership of The usa. The golden spangled selection has golden pink feathers, every finishing with a black V-shape spangle.
Since 2021, Cackle Hatchery has been breeding chamois spangled Appenzeller Spitzhaubens. This pastel selection has light golden buff plumage prompt via creamy white spangles.
Lately Cackle Hatchery is creating a pink spangled Appenzeller Spitzhauben. This selection is very similar to the golden spangled, except for that the background colour is deep pink slightly than golden. Additionally, the pink spangled is somewhat smaller than different sorts.
With such a lot to supply, it’s no surprise that heritage Appenzeller Spitzhauben chickens are garnering passion amongst severe poultry fanatics.
And that’s these days’s information from the Cackle Coop.