Appenzeller Spitzhauben is originally from Switzerland and is their national bird, but this chicken is very rare in the United States. It is loved for its gorgeous looks and the production of decent eggs.
The Appenzeller is most commonly found in the silver Spangled color variety, with Gold Spangled being closed. Black Appenzeller also exist but aren’t quite as common as their flashing siblings.
It is a very unusual forward-pointing crest with a v-shaped comb. These birds are well-adapted to life in the mountains. Please don’t keep them unless they can be allowed to roam freely throughout the day.
History
The early history of the Spitzhaubens is a mystery. It is an egg-producing chicken that is relatively short. Historically, their origin is believed to exist from the 1500s or 1600s.
They originated from the canton of Appenzeller in Switzerland. The breed went nearly extinct after World War II. They are found to have numerous colors within their breeding flock.
Appenzeller Spitzhauben is not yet acknowledged by the APA. The Appenzeller breed is firstly landed in the land of America. The initiative was a friend of Dr. Albert McGraw at the end of the 1950s.
The German brought some hatching eggs to the United States of America to gain citizenship. Appenzeller has two types of breeds.
The one is Spitzhauben, that’s means pointed bonnet, and the second one is the Barthuhner which means bearded hens.
Appearance
Appenzeller Spitzhauben is an active/alert and classy-looking breed. It has a well-round body, and its chest is tipped forward over the face. They have a well-spread tail with a full feather and reasonably hard, tight plumage. They have no beards or muffs.
Color
They have blue or dark grey legs, and the color of this breed’s feathers is a combination of white with black spots. The eyes of Appenzeller are dark brown and have a large nose. It is very similar to the Dalmatian.
Weight
Appenzeller Spitzhauben is a lightweight breed. The weight of the adult roosters is about 2 kg, and the hen’s weight is 1.6 kg.
Beak
They have a powerful beak with large deep nostrils and a fleshy knob at the front of the brim.
Size
They fall within the class of large fowl but are usually small-to-medium-sized chickens. They are very active foragers, and their lay size is relatively large eggs and usually in significant numbers. The breed is cold and hardy.
Crest and Comb
The most noticeable thing about this breed is their crest, the wild-looking bunch of feathers at the top of the head. The v-shaped comb is also known as horn combs or devil combs. These combs grow in front of their crest. They also shave medium-sized wattles.
Notable Distinctive Features
Appenzeller Spitzhauben is a very healthy bird, and they don’t have any specifical issues of hereditary. A very active breed capable of laying a good number of large amounts of white eggs.
Appenzeller Spitzhauben with a Dalmatian-like pattern on their features, curious eyes, and vivid personality.
Appenzeller Spitzhauben can lay eggs during the winter season. They can stand in any weather, especially on cold days. This breed is rare in most species. They are known as a high-range breed when it comes to eggs production. It makes them good egg layers.
The Appenzeller Spitzhauben is a unique breed and is recognized to be a low-maintenance chicken breed. They can look after themselves with an abundant source of bugs and insects.
They are healthy but make sure that they will not contract any diseases and illnesses from any other chicken and get vaccinated on time.
Appenzeller Spitzhauben provides them with high-quality poultry pellets with much protein and nutrients for proper health development.
Egg Facts
Appenzeller Spitzhauben is a perfect egg layer. They can produce eggs up to three to four in a week regardless of the weather and environment.
This breed can lay eggs annually, around 150 up to 180 eggs. The color of the egg is white. Appenzeller Spitzhauben is a small to medium-sized breed, but they can produce large eggs. It doesn’t disappoint in the egg production department.
The female Appenzeller Spitzhauben started laying eggs around five months old. These hens tend to be excellent mothers, and they are moderator broodies.
This breed will want to sit on its eggs throughout the day. Spitzhauben stopped lay eggs during the season of annual molt. They are good at motherhood and more attentive to their chicks.
Personality & Temperament
Appenzeller Spitzhauben is very good at climbing and suited for mountain life. They are friendly and quiet, but they can’t tolerate confinement.
Their behavior is not flighty and nervous. They are great foragers and will look after themselves and happily live when insects are plentiful. Appenzeller Spitzhaubens is such a little breed but does have prominent personalities.
Appenzeller Spitzhauben rooster is relaxed, with no aggression found in males than other breeds. They are friendly and will follow you around, begging to be patted to you and rubbed.
Make sure that they will be more familiar with you than reserved to give them space.
Appenzeller Spitzhauben is very noisy and chatting loudly. It can disturb and annoy your neighbors close by you.
This is a plus point for their owners who are getting love to know their chickens’ breed. They are outstanding in behavior with kids and enjoy their handling.
Summary
The Appenzeller Spitzhauben is a breed of Switzerland that originated in the Appenzell region. The species is ornamental.
They produce eggs in the cold season, and the eggs in large-size good numbers.
This breed does well in confinement and original flock. These birds do great foragers and will roost in trees.
The color of this breed is three. Appenzeller Spitzhauben is very friendliness. It would be best if you allowed them to free-range. If you give them a good environment, they will live a stress-free life.