Augsburger
Gallus gallus domesticus
✨ Fun Fact
The Augsburger's cup comb — called 'Schalenform' in German — is the only example of its anatomical type in the domestic chicken world. The comb genes controlling it are entirely distinct from single, rose, and pea comb genes, making the Augsburger a unique subject for avian genetic research. No other breed anywhere in the world shares this comb structure.
A rare and historically important German breed from the city of Augsburg in Bavaria, distinguished above all by its unique cup comb — a flat, bowl-shaped comb that lies horizontally on the head like a shallow dish, found in absolutely no other breed in the world. The Augsburger was developed in Augsburg during the 19th century and recognised by the BDRG (Bund Deutscher Rassegeflügelzüchter) and subsequently the EE Europastandard. A practical dual-purpose bird, it nearly vanished in the 20th century and is now maintained by dedicated German conservation breeders as a living example of unique poultry genetics.
🏷️ Breed
Augsburger
💭 Temperament
Calm, friendly, active, good forager, cold-hardy
📏 Size
Large (2.7-3.6 kg)
⏳ Lifespan
5-8 years
🎨 Colors
Black (most common); also white and blue
🌍 Origin
Germany — Augsburg, Bavaria; developed 19th century; BDRG recognised
🏠 Habitat
Free-range or enclosed run; well-adapted to Bavarian and central European conditions
🍽️ Diet
Layer pellets; good free-range forager on pasture and farmland
🎯 Purpose
Dual Purpose
🥚 Egg Colour
White
👑 Comb Type
Cup
🏅 EE Class
Large Fowl