Silver Spangled Hamburg

Silver Spangled Hamburg Chicken

The Silver Spangled Hamburg is a captivating breed that originated in the Netherlands, despite its name suggesting German roots. The spangled variety was carefully developed in England and was recognized by the American Standard of Perfection as early as 1874. Known for their striking appearance, these chickens are a perfect blend of beauty and utility. The Silver Spangled Hamburgs boast a symmetrical body, a graceful carriage, and a dazzling plumage pattern that has made them a favorite in poultry exhibitions.

Key features include a prominent rose comb and large, round white earlobes, which add to their distinctive look. These birds are highly active and excellent flyers, making them better suited for free-range environments rather than confinement. Their lively nature also means they require space to roam and explore, which helps keep them healthy and content. While they may not be the best choice for those seeking a docile, easily contained breed, their visual appeal and spirited character make them a rewarding addition to any flock.

Temperament:

• Active and Flighty: Silver Spangled Hamburgs are very energetic and active. They are often seen as flighty, meaning they can be quick to fly away if startled, so a secure fence is important to keep them in your yard.
  
  
• Independent: They tend to be more independent and less docile than some other breeds. While they’re not particularly aggressive, they can be skittish and prefer to roam around rather than stay close to humans.
  
  
• Not as Friendly: Compared to other breeds like the Faverolle, Hamburgs may not be as cuddly or easily handled. They’re more suited to owners who enjoy observing active, lively birds rather than wanting a lap chicken.

Egg Laying:

• Excellent Egg Producers: One of the major attractions of the Silver Spangled Hamburg is their ability to produce a high number of eggs. They are prolific layers, often laying about 4-5 eggs per week, which is impressive for such a small and active breed.
  
  
• Egg Size and Color: The eggs are typically small to medium in size and are white or off-white in color. The eggs are known to be flavorful and are prized by those who value fresh, high-quality eggs.
  
  
• Winter Laying: Hamburgs are known for their ability to lay well even in cooler weather, though egg production may slow down a little in winter.
  
  
  
  

Health and Care:

• Hardy: Silver Spangled Hamburgs are quite hardy and can thrive in various climates, although they do better in milder conditions rather than extreme cold due to their lightweight build.
  
  
• Flightiness and Space: Because they are active and like to roam, they need plenty of space to forage and explore. A large, secure yard with plenty of room for them to run and fly is ideal.
  
  
• Minimal Maintenance: They don’t require much special care aside from the usual chicken health needs—clean water, proper nutrition, and a safe environment. Their plumage is relatively low maintenance, and they generally don’t need as much grooming as some other breeds.
  
  

Are silver spangled Hamburgs good layers?
They are consistent layers, have a bright cheerfulness when foraging, and love a free range setting. The Hamburg is a very old breed of poultry.

What is a silver spangled rooster in Hamburg?
Silver Spangled Hamburg roosters have a graceful poise, with long, flowing tail feathers and white hackles. Hamburgs are small, active, and very good at flying. They excel in free range environments. This breed of chicken features rose combs topping their heads, and hens are non-sitters that lay 3-5 white eggs weekly.

What is a spangled chicken?
The Silver Spangled Hamburg has lustrous, greenish black spangles on silvery white plumage giving them a perky polk-a-dot look. With neat rose combs, white ear lobes, and leaden blue shanks and toes, these are excellent small chickens when it comes to both beauty and utility.

• Poultry Show Class: Continental Class
  
• Weights: Hen ——-4  lbs
  
• Rooster—-5 lb
  
• Pullet——-3 1/2 lbs
  
• Cockerel—4 lbs
  
• Purpose and Type: Egg Laying; Exhibition
  
• Egg Shell Color: White
  
• Egg Production: 200+ eggs per year (estimates only, see FAQ)
  
• Egg Size: Medium
  
• Temperament: Active/Flighty
  
• Fertility Percentage: 40-55%
  
• Broody: Variable
  
• Mating Ratio: 9 Females to 1 Male
  
• Roost Height: 2 to 4 feet
  
• Country of Origin: Holland
  
• APA: Yes, Recognized by American Standard of Perfection in 1874.
  
• TLC: Threatened status, Considered a sustainable heritage chicken breed.
  
• Breeder Farm Source: Poultry Breeding Farm has been developing our bloodline or strain of pure Silver Spangled Hamburg chickens since 1971.