Appenzeller Spitzhauben

The Appenzeller Spitzhauben is a light Swiss chicken from the Appenzell region, named for the pointed bonnet shape of its forward-swept crest. It is separate from the bearded Appenzeller Barthuhner and has a slimmer, more upright look, with a V-shaped horn comb, clean legs, blue or slate shanks, and a lively carriage. Silver spangled birds are the best known, though gold, chamois, black, and other varieties occur depending on country and breeder. Hens lay white-shelled eggs, and the breed was shaped as a hardy alpine farm fowl rather than a meat chicken.

These birds reward space and attentive management. They are active foragers, light in body, and often good flyers, so a roomy covered run or secure free-range setup is safer than a low backyard pen. The crest is not as heavy as in some ornamental breeds, but clear vision and parasite checks still matter. Breeders usually select for crest shape, correct comb, alert type, laying ability, and vigor, because the breed remains uncommon in many countries. People buying chicks should confirm the variety and source flock, especially where hatchery stock has been mixed or loosely labeled.

Colors: Barred, Birchen, Black, Blue, Brown, Buff, Chamois, Columbian, Crele, Cuckoo, Duckwing, Gold, Gold Laced, Gold Spangled, Laced, Lavender, Mille Fleur, Mottled, Partridge, Penciled, Porcelain, Red, Silver, Silver Laced, Silver Spangled, Spangled, Splash, Wheaten, White