Thüringer Barthuhn
Gallus gallus domesticus
✨ Wissenswertes
Thuringia is the geographical and cultural heart of Germany, known as the 'green heart' for its vast forests. The Thüringer Barthuhn is one of several Thuringian poultry breeds, and its beard was specifically bred to protect the bird's face from insects in the densely wooded Thuringian Forest — a functional feature disguised as an ornamental one.
A distinctive German breed from Thuringia in central Germany, most notable for its full beard and muffs — facial feathering that gives it an owl-like or whiskered appearance. The name 'Barthuhn' literally means 'beard chicken', and the breed was developed in the late 19th and early 20th centuries by Thuringian poultry fanciers who wanted a bearded breed to rival the crested and bearded breeds of neighbouring regions. The Thüringer Barthuhn is a medium-sized dual-purpose bird with a single comb, clean legs, and white eggs. It is calm, cold-hardy, and well-suited to free-range systems in central Germany. The breed declined after World War II but has been recovered by BDRG conservation breeders. Recognised by the EE Europastandard as a distinct German heritage breed.
🏷️ Rasse
Thüringer Barthuhn
💭 Temperament
Calm, docile, friendly, cold-hardy, good forager
📏 Größe
Medium (2.3-3.2 kg)
⏳ Lebenserwartung
5-8 years
🎨 Farben
White, black, cuckoo, partridge — several colour varieties
🌍 Herkunft
Germany — Thuringia; developed late 19th–early 20th century
🏠 Lebensraum
Free-range or enclosed run; beard requires dry housing to prevent damp matting
🍽️ Ernährung
Layer pellets; moderate forager, beard can restrict vision slightly
🎯 Zweck
Dual Purpose
🥚 Eifarbe
White
👑 Kammtyp
Single
🏅 EE-Klasse
Large Fowl