Silver Spitzhauben

Silver Spitzhauben

The Silver Spitzhauben, imported into the U.S. in the 1950s, is a striking and hardy breed, favored for its unique appearance and reliable egg production. Despite their small size, these birds lay 150-180 medium-to-large white eggs annually, even in winter, making them a valuable addition to any flock.

Silver Spitzhaubens are known for their bright red V-shaped comb, blue legs, white skin, and distinctive silver spangled plumage with black markings. Roosters weigh around 4.5 pounds, while hens are about 3.5 pounds. Their feathered crest doesn't hinder their vision, keeping them alert and aware.

While not yet recognized by the American Poultry Association, this breed is recognized in the UK, and efforts are underway to establish a standard in the U.S.

Active and flighty, Silver Spitzhaubens are not well-suited for confinement and may require a covered run to prevent escape. They are vulnerable to predators due to their small size and should be trained to roost in a coop at night. Resilient to both heat and cold, they are versatile and can thrive in various climates.

Their temperament varies, with some birds being more docile and others more wild. They may not be ideal for families with young children due to their flightiness. In mixed flocks, their small size may lead to bullying, so providing ample space is important.

Overall, Silver Spitzhaubens are a unique and rewarding breed, best suited for free-range environments where they can express their natural behaviors. Their distinctive looks and excellent egg-laying capabilities make them a great choice for dedicated poultry keepers.

Appearance:

• Feather Color: The Silver Spitzhauben has a stunning appearance, characterized by its striking silver plumage with darker black markings around the wings and tail. The feathers have a glossy sheen, which adds to their beauty.
  
  
• Crest and Comb: One of the standout features of the Silver Spitzhauben is its prominent "V" shaped comb, which is upright and creates a distinct profile. The breed also has a unique crest of feathers that fans out from the top of its head, giving it a spiky, elegant look.
  
  
• Body Type: They have a slim and sleek body with a somewhat upright stance. Their long feathers, particularly around the neck and tail, give them an elegant and somewhat regal appearance. They are a medium-sized breed with a refined, graceful build.
  
  
• Tail: The tail of the Silver Spitzhauben is typically carried upright, like many other breeds in the Spitzhauben family, which adds to their poised and graceful appearance.
  
  

Temperament:

• Active and Alert: Silver Spitzhaubens are very active, energetic, and alert birds. They enjoy foraging and exploring, often staying busy and curious throughout the day. This makes them excellent free-range chickens but also means they need a secure enclosure to prevent them from flying off.
  
  
• Independent: These chickens tend to be more independent than some other breeds. They may not be as friendly or cuddly as others, but they are still not aggressive. They can be a bit skittish and prefer to roam around and explore their environment.
  
  
• Intelligent: Silver Spitzhaubens are known to be intelligent and inquisitive. They can learn to recognize their surroundings and are quick to adapt to new situations.
  
  

Egg Laying:

• Good Egg Layers: Silver Spitzhaubens are fairly consistent egg layers, although not as prolific as some other breeds. You can expect them to lay medium-sized white eggs, with production typically being about 3-4 eggs per week.
  
  
• Egg Quality: The eggs are often prized for their flavor and quality, making them a great option for those looking for fresh eggs.
  
  

Health and Care:

• Hardy: Silver Spitzhaubens are generally hardy and can withstand a variety of climates. However, because of their upright comb, they may be susceptible to frostbite in extreme cold temperatures. Providing shelter and protection during the winter months can help mitigate this risk.
  
  
• Minimal Maintenance: These chickens are relatively low-maintenance when it comes to grooming. Their feathers are typically easy to manage, though their crest may require occasional cleaning to avoid debris build-up.
  
  
• Space and Roaming: Due to their energetic nature, Silver Spitzhaubens require a lot of space to roam and forage. They do well in free-range settings but need a secure fence to keep them from flying away, as they are known to be good flyers.

Are Spitzhauben chickens considered rare?
Yes, Spitzhauben chickens are quite rare in North America. They are not officially recognized by the American Poultry Association or other major breed registries. The Silver-Spangled Spitzhauben is the most commonly found variety. This breed, known for its unique "pointed bonnet" appearance, features a distinctive V-shaped comb and feather crests on both males and females.

How well do Spitzhauben chickens handle cold weather?
Spitzhauben chickens are known for their cold hardiness and can also thrive in warmer climates. They are excellent at foraging and are well-suited for free-range environments, staying alert to potential dangers and moving quickly. However, they also adapt well to more confined living situations.

What color are the legs of an Appenzeller Spitzhauben?
Appenzeller Spitzhaubens come in Silver-Spangled, Gold-Spangled, and Black varieties. Regardless of their feather color, all varieties have blue legs and dark brown eyes.

What color eggs do Spitzhaubens lay?
Spitzhauben chickens are prolific layers of relatively large white eggs for their size. They are highly active foragers, and their fertility rates are generally very high.

Are Spitzhauben chickens friendly?
Yes, Spitzhauben chickens are known for their friendly and curious nature. They are not only visually striking but also great producers of an abundant number of white eggs.

• Poultry Show Class: Continental
  
• Weights: Hen — 4 lbs
  
• Rooster — 5 lbs
  
• Pullet — 3 1/2 lbs
  
• Cockerel — 4 1/2 lbs
  
• Purpose and Type: Ornamental, Egg Laying & Pet
  
• Egg Shell Color: White
  
• Egg Production: 150-200 eggs per year (estimates only)
  
• Egg Size: Medium
  
• Temperament: Active, Alert, and Flighty
  
• Gender Accuracy: 80-85%
  
• Fertility Percentage: 70-80%
  
• Broody: Non Setter
  
• Mating Ratio: 10 Females to 1 Male
  
• Roost Height: 4 to 6 feet
  
• Country of Origin: Switzerland
  
• APA: No
  
• TLC: No
  
• BREEDER FARM SOURCE: Poultry Breeding Farm has been developing our bloodline or strain of Silver Spitzhauben since the early 20th century.