Golden Spitzhauben

Golden Spitzhauben

The Golden Spitzhauben Chicken is a rare and stunning breed that hails from the picturesque landscapes of Switzerland. Revered as Switzerland’s national bird, this breed is a true gem in the poultry world, admired for its eye-catching golden plumage. The Golden Spitzhauben, also known as the Golden Spangled Appenzeller Spitzhauben, is distinguished by its unique features, including cavernous nostrils, a distinctive horn-type comb, and a forward-pointing head crest, giving it an unmistakable appearance.

At The Chicken Coop Company, our dedicated breeders work tirelessly to enhance the beauty and health of this remarkable breed. By addressing common issues such as backward-facing crests and overly large cresting, we ensure that every Golden Spitzhauben chicken is a prime example of the breed’s elegance and charm.

Beyond their striking looks, Golden Spitzhauben chickens are highly valued for their practicality and versatility. They are prolific egg layers, producing between 220-280 small to medium-sized white eggs annually. The breed is also known for its manageable size, with roosters typically weighing around 5 pounds and hens around 4 pounds. While the Golden Spitzhauben has yet to receive recognition from the American Poultry Association, its rarity and distinct appeal make it a sought-after addition to any backyard flock. This breed is not only a visual delight but also a reliable and rewarding choice for poultry enthusiasts.

Ideal for:

• Ornamental Poultry Enthusiasts: The Golden Spitzhauben is a standout in any flock, prized for its unique appearance and distinctive crest. Its vibrant golden feathers and striking silhouette make it an excellent choice for those looking to add an eye-catching breed to their collection.
  
  
• Small Farms & Homesteads: This breed is well-suited to small farms or homesteads, where space is limited but a reliable layer of eggs is needed. Its friendly personality makes it great for family environments.
  
  
• Free-Range & Foraging Flocks: Known for their energetic and curious nature, Golden Spitzhaubens thrive in free-range environments where they can explore, forage, and stay active. Their ability to find food on their own makes them a good choice for homesteads looking for low-maintenance poultry.
  
  

Care Requirements:

• Space: Golden Spitzhaubens need plenty of room to roam and forage. A free-range setup is ideal for this active breed, as it allows them to express their natural foraging behaviors. They will also thrive in larger pens with space to move around.
  
  
• Feeding: A balanced diet of high-quality poultry feed, supplemented with vegetables, grains, and occasional protein sources like mealworms, will keep your Golden Spitzhaubens healthy. Fresh water should always be available.
  
  
• Shelter: These chickens require a well-ventilated, secure coop to protect them from the elements and predators. While they are hardy, they still need shelter from extreme weather conditions, particularly during the winter months. The coop should have clean bedding and ample space for roosting.

Are Spitzhauben chickens considered rare?
Yes, Spitzhauben chickens are quite rare in North America and are not officially recognized by the American Poultry Association or other breed registries. Among the varieties, the silver-spangled Spitzhauben is the most commonly found. The name "Spitzhauben," which translates to "pointed bonnet," refers to their distinctive V-shaped comb and feather crests seen in both males and females.

Are Spitzhauben chickens suitable for cold climates?
Spitzhauben chickens are known for their resilience in cold climates and can also tolerate warmer temperatures. They are excellent foragers with a strong instinct for free-ranging, staying alert to potential threats and quickly evading danger. Despite their agility in the open, they also adapt well to confined living conditions.

What color eggs do Spitzhauben chickens produce?
Spitzhauben hens, though small in size, are prolific layers, producing between 150 to 180 medium-to-large white eggs annually. They are consistent layers throughout the year and can even continue laying during the winter months, unlike many other breeds. These chickens are known to be broody and make excellent mothers. They are characterized by their bright red, V-shaped comb, blue legs, and white skin.

• Poultry Show Class: Not Applicable
  
• Weights – Hen—–4 lbs
  
• Rooster——5 lbs
  
• Pullet—3 lbs
  
• Cockerel—-4 lbs
  
• Purpose and Type – Egg Laying; Exhibition
  
• Egg Shell Color – White
  
• Egg Production – Good, approximately 220-280 eggs per year
  
• Egg Size: Small-Medium
  
• Temperament: Active/Flighty
  
• Fertility Percentage: 40-55%
  
• Broody: Variable
  
• Mating Ratio: 9 Females to 1 Male
  
• Roost Height: 4+ feet
  
• Country of Origin – Switzerland
  
• APA: No
  
• TLC: Watch Status, Considered a sustainable heritage chicken breed
  
• BREEDER FARM SOURCE: Poultry Breeding Farm developing our bloodline or strain of pure Gold Spitzhaubens.