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Appenzeller Chickens
Quirky Appenzeller Chickens For Sale
Introduction to Appenzeller Chickens
Appenzeller chickens are a lovely pure breed hen, they are a mid-sized bird, very pretty and confident. They are a hardy breed and love to forage, they can be kept in smaller areas but will need plenty of enrichment, they like to be out and about and are a busy little chicken. Safe to mix with most bantams and delicates and equally able to be with larger birds, they make for wonderful first time chickens.
Good With Most
This breed will be suited with most other breeds, however, some gentle breeds are not compatible with Hybrids or more aggressive breeds. Check the full breed guide for more information.
Chicken Buying Guide
Aloof But Friendly
This breed will be very inquisitive and friendly; however, they can seem a little aloof as they do not like being handled too much and will be self-sufficient, they prefer to chicken about doing their own thing.
200-250 Small/Medium White PA
This breed will lay up to 250 small to medium white coloured eggs per year, they are not known for being broody.
More About Appenzeller
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Character
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Suitability
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History
Character
The Appenzeller is a lovely breed of chicken, they are not only very pretty and unique looking with their funky crested hair do, but also have bags of character. They have a robust outlook and are very confident yet gentle and friendly. They may never be a lap chicken but will be calm and hand tameable with time once their trust is gained. They can be a little flighty if scared but otherwise are pretty bomb proof, they are hardy in the winter and a very good pure breed laying hen, they are perfect for first-time chicken keepers.
Suitability
These lovely mid-sized birds are fantastic for a back garden or a smaller set up as they don’t need a huge amount of room, however, they can get bored if in a small run for too long and will need to have some foraging time each day and lots of run enrichment. They are a busy little chicken and very clever, as such being confined can cause destructive behaviour such as feather pecking. Naturally inquisitive and friendly, they prefer to be in breed pairs or like company, they can be mixed in flocks of hybrids and smaller bantams. They like to perch and roost and would enjoy a home with open areas to explore and enjoy, they are naturally inquisitive and intelligent so will also enjoy following you about and being nosey, a lovely garden buddy and good all-round little chicken. They can manage a house with a ladder or ramp and do like to roost at night.
History
During the 1950’s when the Appenzeller breed faced extinction, it was a German breeder Kurt Fischer who helped ensure the breed survived. It wasn’t until the early 1970’s that the breed made its way over to England having originated in Switzerland by Mrs Pamela Jackson who first imported them in any great number after she had sourced hatching eggs in 1972. Its crest gives the breed its name and should always be medium sized and must point forward – Spitzhauben literally translates to pointed bonnet. They are a good laying hen and can lay up to 250 small to medium white eggs a year, their life expectancy is around 8 years.
