Appenzeller Spitzhauben

The Spitzhaubens are one of my favorite breeds! Very flashy, they are not afraid to "show off" their beauty. Roosters are very gentle toward kids. Very good white egg layers, and known to be a non broody breed however rare incidents do happen that they will brood and raise chicks successfully while others would brood but not want to raise chicks. I find the hens to be very gentle, not nervous in temperment or flighty. Very hardy in winter, rarely I have problems with frostbitten combs and wattles but it is to be expected. They don't mind the heat in the summer as long water (with electrolites) and shade is provided. Good range birds, forage for themselves quite well, and when free ranging, they would roost in trees if allowed.

There is much work to be done for the Spitzhaubens in the United States to correct the spangling, the "mohawk", it should NEVER be Polish top hat and feathers pointing forward. Legs should be slate, not blue or pale pinkish blue like I have seen in some Spitzes. Other colors are being developed.

Would I recommend this breed for a beginner? Yes I definately would!

Good Spitzhaubens can be hard to find in the USA. Most have a lot of Polish in them, but they are out there if you look hard enough. 

If you like white eggs from a neat looking rare breed, this is it! My husband just loves their unique look. It can be difficult to find good quality stock with the correct "headdress".

They are great foragers and always on the look out for danger. This can make them flighty. They are boldly marked with the striking black on white, so they are prone to predation from birds of prey.