About the Chamois Appenzeller Spitzhauben
The Appenzeller Spitzhauben is a distinctive light breed from Switzerland, immediately recognisable by its unusual forward-sweeping crest and V-shaped horn comb. The name Spitzhauben refers to the traditional pointed ceremonial headdress once worn by women of the Appenzell region, which the bird’s crest is said to resemble.
The Chamois variety has a warm golden-buff ground colour with contrasting creamy-white spangling. Appenzeller Spitzhaubens are lively, agile birds with strong natural foraging instincts and are best suited to owners who can give them plenty of room to explore.
History & Origin
The Appenzeller Spitzhauben originated in the Appenzell district of Switzerland, with its history traditionally traced back several centuries. The Rare Breeds Trust of Australia places its origins in the region’s monasteries during the 16th century.
The breed came close to extinction following the Second World War. German breeder Kurt Fischer imported birds representing the original black, golden spangled and silver spangled colours into Germany in 1953 and is credited with helping preserve the breed.
Appenzeller Spitzhaubens in Australia
The Appenzeller Spitzhauben is a relatively recent arrival in Australia. The Rare Breeds Trust of Australia records the breed as having been introduced into Australia in 2016.
Characteristics
Egg colour: White.
Egg size: Medium.
Average egg production: Approximately 200–250 eggs per year, averaging around 4–5 eggs per week across the year. Australian breed information notes that free-ranging birds can produce up to approximately 250 eggs annually.
Weekly egg figures are annual averages. Actual laying varies with age, season, daylight, nutrition and individual bird.
Day-old sexing: Appenzeller Spitzhaubens are not a sex-linked or autosexing breed, so males and females cannot be reliably distinguished by colour at hatch.
Temperament: Active, alert and lively. They are excellent foragers but can be flighty and are capable flyers. They generally do better with room to roam than in tight confinement and may choose to roost in trees if not accustomed to returning to a coop.
Broodiness: Low. Hens are rarely broody and are not generally relied upon as natural sitters or mothers.
Notable features: A distinctive forward-sweeping pointed crest, V-shaped horn comb and light, agile body. The Chamois variety has golden-buff plumage with creamy-white spangling.
Hardiness: Hardy and adaptable, with the Rare Breeds Trust of Australia describing the breed as tolerant of both heat and cold and capable of coping well with hot, humid conditions.
Rare Breed Status
The large Appenzeller Spitzhauben is currently classified as OF CONCERN by the Rare Breeds Trust of Australia. This category identifies breeds with low presence and/or low breeding flock ratios in Australia.
Current Availability
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