Appenzeller Barthühner
Gallus gallus domesticus
✨ Fun Fact
The Appenzeller Barthühner is so rare that in some years fewer than 500 pure breeding birds exist across all of Europe. It is listed on Swiss national rare breed registers as critically endangered.
The lesser-known sibling of the Spitzhauben, the Barthühner (Bearded Hen) is a compact, bearded Swiss breed from Appenzell with a rose comb rather than the Spitzhauben's V-comb and crest. Barthühners are calm and cold-hardy, better suited to enclosed keeping than the flighty Spitzhauben. An ancient conservation breed maintained almost exclusively in Switzerland and Germany, they are considered critically rare and efforts are ongoing to establish a stable breeding population.
🏷️ Breed
Appenzeller Barthühner
💭 Temperament
Calmer than Spitzhauben, active, cold-hardy, hardy
📏 Size
Medium (1.8-2.3 kg)
⏳ Lifespan
5-8 years
🎨 Colors
Black, blue, partridge
🌍 Origin
Switzerland — Appenzell canton; ancient breed
🏠 Habitat
Enclosed run or free-range; cold-hardy alpine breed
🍽️ Diet
Layer pellets; moderate to good forager
🎯 Purpose
Dual Purpose
🥚 Egg Colour
White
👑 Comb Type
Rose
🏅 EE Class
Large Fowl