Appenzeller Spitzhauben
Gallus gallus domesticus
✨ Fait Amusant
Appenzeller Spitzhaubens are one of the few domestic chicken breeds that naturally roost in trees rather than in coops — a behaviour retained from their mountain ancestors that helped them escape ground predators in the Alps.
Switzerland's national chicken breed, originating from the Appenzell canton and named for the pointed lace bonnets (Spitzhauben) traditionally worn by women there — the breed's forward-pointing crest resembling the bonnet shape. Spitzhaubens are agile, active mountain birds adapted to foraging in alpine terrain, with a V-comb that resists frostbite better than single combs at altitude. They lay white eggs reliably and are energetic, sometimes roost in trees, and are one of the rarest Swiss breeds.
🏷️ Race
Appenzeller Spitzhauben
💭 Tempérament
Active, alert, agile, flighty, independent, cold-hardy
📏 Taille
Medium (1.8-2.3 kg)
⏳ Espérance de vie
5-8 years
🎨 Couleurs
Silver-spangled (most common); also gold-spangled and black
🌍 Origine
Switzerland — Appenzell canton; documented from 17th century
🏠 Habitat
Free-range; adapted to alpine/mountain conditions and tree-roosting
🍽️ Alimentation
Layer pellets; excellent forager on alpine pasture and woodland
🎯 Usage
Egg
🥚 Couleur des œufs
White
👑 Type de crête
V-Shape
🏅 Classe EE
Large Fowl