Pros: Beautiful, very good layers, calm, non flighty and gentle for kids, can handle confinement well (coop and run set up), good forager, frugal
Cons: Likes to roost in trees, free ranging
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!
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