Appenzeller Spitzhauben Bantam

The Appenzeller Spitzhauben Bantam is a medium-long, well-proportioned bantam, tapering slightly towards the tail, giving it an elegant outline. It is known for its graceful appearance and unique head adornments.

Key Features:

• Weight: Roosters typically weigh 1.5-1.8 lbs (700-800g), while hens are slightly lighter at 1.3-1.5 lbs (600-700g).
• Comb: A distinctive two-horned comb is a hallmark of the breed. It consists of two medium-sized, conical horns that stand almost upright or slightly V-shaped in the middle of the head. The comb is fine-textured and lively red.
• Crest: They possess a narrow, pointed or 'helmet-shaped' crest of pointed feathers, which is compact and stands upright or bends slightly forward, ideally not obstructing vision.
• Nostrils: The nostrils are large and open, situated prominently where the beak meets the head.
• Earlobes: The earlobes are medium-sized, oval, and pure white.
• Legs and Feet: The legs are clean (unfeathered), medium-long, slender, and slate-blue in color. They have four long toes.
• Temperament: Appenzeller Spitzhaubens are lively, active, and alert birds. They are excellent foragers and enjoy having space to roam. They can be somewhat flighty due to their active nature but are generally not aggressive.

Despite their ornamental appearance, Appenzeller Spitzhauben Bantams are good layers, providing a consistent supply of white eggs.

• Egg Production: Hens can lay approximately 150 medium-sized eggs per year.
• Egg Size & Color: They lay attractive white eggs, typically weighing around 1.4 oz (40g).
• Broodiness: While they are not known for being consistently broody, some hens may occasionally go broody.

Beyond the typical size differences, the appearance of the crest and comb is distinct between the sexes. Roosters are generally more upright and slightly larger. Their two-horned comb stands proudly. Their tails are well-developed and full, with elegant sickle feathers.

Hens tend to have a slightly less upright body carriage, with their tail carried at a somewhat lower angle. Their two-horned comb is present but less prominent, and their crest is often slightly larger and more rounded than the rooster's, standing upright.

Originating from the mountainous Appenzell region of Switzerland, the Spitzhauben is a very hardy breed. They are well-adapted to cold and thrive in varied weather conditions. Their tight feathering provides good insulation.

These active birds are best suited to environments where they have ample space to free-range or a large, secure run. Their excellent flying and climbing abilities mean that appropriate containment, such as covered runs or high fencing, is necessary if free-ranging is not an option. They require a dry, draft-free coop for protection, especially during harsh winters.

The Appenzeller Spitzhauben Bantam is recognized in a variety of striking colors, many of which feature distinctive spangling.

• Gold Spangled (gold-schwarzgetupft): A golden ground color with each feather tipped with a beetle-green black spangle.
• Silver Spangled (silber-schwarzgetupft): A silver-white ground color with beetle-green black spangles on each feather.
• Black (schwarz): A solid, glossy black plumage.
• Blue (rein blau): A uniform, medium slate-blue color without lacing.
• White (weiß): A pure white plumage.
• Chamois Spangled (chamois-getupft): A buff ground color with white spangles.
• Lemon Spangled (zitronenfarbig getupft): A lemon-yellow ground color with black spangles.

Other varieties mentioned for the large fowl, which may also exist in bantams, include Blue Spangled, Buff Spangled, Black Mottled, and Cuckoo.