Hamburg

The Hamburg is an old European chicken breed, long developed in Britain and continental Europe from light, active laying fowl. It is a trim bird with a rose comb, quick carriage, and some of the best-known patterned varieties in poultry showing, including silver spangled, golden spangled, silver penciled, and golden penciled. Hamburgs are primarily regarded as ornamental egg layers rather than heavy meat birds. Their bright markings and neat type make them easy to recognize in a mixed flock.

Hamburg chickens suit experienced small-flock keepers who enjoy alert, flighty, capable foragers. They do best with secure runs or well-fenced range, because they are active and can be good flyers. Breeders should select for crisp markings, correct comb shape, and steady laying without losing vigor. They are not the quietest backyard breed, but in the right setup they are efficient, beautiful layers with a long exhibition history.

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