Deutsches Reichshuhn
Deutsches Reichshuhn, or German Empire Chicken, is a German dual-purpose breed developed in the early twentieth century as a practical national farm chicken. It was intended to provide both eggs and meat while fitting German poultry standards, with a medium to sturdy body and several recognized color varieties. The breed has a deliberate utility-breed history rather than the older, looser background of a village landrace.
Modern keepers usually encounter Reichshühner through rare-breed and exhibition circles. The birds need normal large-fowl management: dry housing, adequate range, quality feed, and selection against weak bodies or poor laying. Breeders should keep the practical frame, color variety, and temperament together instead of narrowing attention to show details alone. Since the breed is not common, maintaining unrelated breeding lines and accurate flock records helps protect its future usefulness.
