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Appenzeller Spitzhauben Chicken Breed Info + Where to Buy

Modified: Feb 28, 2023 by Phil · This post may contain affiliate links ·

The Appenzeller Spitzhauben is the national chicken of Switzerland. They are used for white egg production.

An adorable Appenzeller Spitzhauben chicken walking on fallen leaves.

They were named after the “spitzhauben,” a ceremonial hat traditionally worn by Swiss women. Their crests stick up and point forward, resembling this type of hat.

Hens of this breed may or may not be broody. When they do go broody, they make excellent mothers.

Jump to:
  • How to Buy Online Appenzeller Spitzhauben Chickens
  • Appenzeller Spitzhauben Chicken Breed Quick Info
  • Origins of the Appenzeller Spitzhauben Chicken
  • Some Things to Know About the Appenzeller Spitzhauben Chicken
  • How Easy is it to Keep Appenzeller Spitzhauben Chickens?
  • Special Care and Considerations for Appenzeller Spitzhauben Chickens

How to Buy Online Appenzeller Spitzhauben Chickens

Cackle hatchery
The Best Hatchery to order from: Read reviews here.

Silver Spangled Appenzeller Spitzhauben Chicks As low as: $3.90 - Read reviews

Chamois Spangled Appenzeller Spitzhauben Chicks As low as: $17.90 - Read reviews

Golden Spangled Appenzeller Spitzhauben Chicks As low as: $17.90 - Read reviews

Appenzeller Spitzhauben Chicken Breed Quick Info

Appenzeller Spitzhauben Chicken Description

Appenzeller Spitzhauben Type/Size:Standard
Feather Color:Varies
Leg Type:Clean
Leg Color:Blue
Skin Color:White
Appenzeller Spitzhauben Ease of Raising/Keeping:Medium
Appenzeller Spitzhauben Special Care Needs:No
Is the Appenzeller Spitzhauben breed a common, rare, or protected breed of chicken?Rare, “threatened” status

Appenzeller Spitzhauben Use

MeatNo
EggsYes
Dual PurposeNo
Appenzeller Spitzhauben Temperament:Active, alert
Appenzeller Spitzhauben Ability/Likelihood to Free Range:Yes

Appenzeller Spitzhauben Egg Production

Egg ColorWhite
Egg SizeMedium-Large
Estimated Number of Eggs Per Year150-180
Likeliness to Brood Eggs/Raise ChicksMedium

Appenzeller Spitzhauben Meat Production

Dressed Weight MaleN/A
Dressed Weight FemaleN/A

Appenzeller Spitzhauben Climate Tolerance

HeatGood
ColdGood

Appenzeller Spitzhauben Age to Maturity

Number of Months to Reach Full Size5 Months
Number of Months to Start Egg Laying5 Months
Number of Weeks/Months to Reach Meat Harvest SizeN/A

Appenzeller Spitzhauben Size at Maturity

Male4 ½ lbs.
Female3 ½ lbs.

Origins of the Appenzeller Spitzhauben Chicken

Two adorable Appenzeller Spitzhauben hens near a car.

This breed originated in the Appenzell district of Switzerland in local monasteries during the 16th century.

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They may not exist if it weren’t for German breeder Kurt Fischer. Following World War 2, he brought all of the original varieties to Germany in 1953 (golden spangled, silver spangled, and black) and is responsible for bringing the breed back from the brink of extinction.

The silver-spangled variety was brought to the United States in the 1950s. Today, this is the most common color.

Some Things to Know About the Appenzeller Spitzhauben Chicken

An adorable Appenzeller Spitzhauben hen relaxing in a bush.

The Appenzeller Spitzhauben chicken is small, only reaching about 3 ½ - 4 ½ lbs. when fully grown.

They are characterized by their upright, forward-facing crest, which does not affect their vision. Their body should be long and rounded, with a long tail that sits at a high angle on their back.

They have a red V-shaped comb, white skin, and blue legs. You can find this breed in several varieties of plumage, including silver spangled, black, blue, golden spangled, or chamois spangled.

How Easy is it to Keep Appenzeller Spitzhauben Chickens?

An adorable Appenzeller Spitzhauben chicken in tall grass.

The Appenzeller Spitzhauben is an alert, active bird. Their personality is difficult to pinpoint, as it depends on the strain and individual chicken.

In general, these are not the best breed to keep as pets or for children because of their flightiness. This flighty nature also prevents them from doing well in confinement. They prefer to free-range when possible and are excellent foragers.

Be aware, though, that this breed will roost in trees if not stopped by a physical covering or trained to enter a coop every night.

Finally, these birds are tolerant of both hot and cold climates.

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Special Care and Considerations for Appenzeller Spitzhauben Chickens

There are two things to be aware of when caring for Appenzeller Spitzhauben: predators and flight.

Their small size makes them more vulnerable to predation than other breeds. Since they do best in a free-range setup, be sure to take precautions against aerial predators and those on the ground.

Their small frame also allows them to fly. You can cover their run to prevent them from flying off or roosting in trees.

Appenzeller Spitzhauben Chicken Breed Info pinerest image.

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