Appenzeller Spitzhauben

neat breed. nice to look at. keeps you smiling, some are very friendly.

I have two Appenzeller Spitzhauben pullets. They have a cute little personality, and they love to talk to you. They like to free range, rather than being in a run. They are pretty, hardy small birds that lay a good supply of medium white eggs.

Back in the early 2000's I was in Appenzell Switzerland.  When I heard the chicken name, Appenzeller Sptizhauben, I had to get one.  Boy was I in for a treat!  What lovely birds.  I started with four...because of there "hair cuts", I named them John, Paul George and Ringo...Paul and George became Paula and Georgia!   John was the best rooster I ever had...affectionate and fiercely protective of his flock, including the turkeys in it.  Georgia and Paula, were so affectionate.  They would ride on my shoulder and jump up in my lap and loved to be petted.  I lived in Northern NY and they were good in both the extreme cold and the warmer temps.  Fun, lively and smart.  I moved and had to give them away, but as soon as I can get chickens again, they are the first to get!!!

I have just one. She has survived some dreadful predator attacks we've had around here (fox, weasel, raccoon, and hawk) and so I am glad she's skittish. We can't take our eyes off her. She often roams on her own.

On my list next year

Want to know more.....plz

I have 2 AS from a hatchery. They are very, very friendly little birds.They lay well for me and seem to always be chattering to anybody and everybody.

My son wanted these last year and so we ordered 2 for fun. They have been just that...lots of fun! One of them always wants to roost on the porch for a couple of hours and be carried to the coop every night! I finally got her to where I can call her to the coop...lol...

Very Nice birds!

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.