Welcome to the brooder at Brooke’s Acres
Available chickens/chicks and prices can be found here.
2027
Appenzeller Barthuhner Black-Red
Unsexed chicks only $10 each
Barnyard Mix – Unsexed
Unsexed chicks only $5 each
Will lay a variety of shades of green eggs
Breed Information
Appenzeller Barthuhner
Originating in the North-eastern Appenzell canton of Switzerland, the Appenzeller Barthuhner chickens are thought to have developed in the most remote parts of the country where temperatures were much lower during winter. It was a farmer in the region who created the breed to be able to lay large numbers of eggs on little additional feeding whilst being able to withstand the harsh weather conditions hence the rose comb and small beard covered wattles.
Its beard gives the breed its name – Barthuhner literally translates to ‘Bearded Hen’. Unlike most other bearded breeds the Barthuhner have small wattles that should be almost completely hidden by a full beard.
Never very popular in the UK the breed remains under the umbrella of the Rare Poultry Society since the collapse of the joint Spitzhauben and Barthuhner club in 2001. Currently it is believed that only a handful of Appenzeller Barthuhners are in the UK at present (I have been unable to find other keeps of the breed).
Uses: Exhibition. Utility: eggs.
Eggs: 190 – 220 white / cream.
Origin: Switzerland (Appenzell Canton).
Weight: Cock: 5 – 6.5lbs, Hen: 3 – 4lbs.
Colours: Black, Blue, Laced, Black-Red.
Useful to Know: A very active breed so is best suited to a system of free range as it is a superb forager. Unlike the other breed from the Appenzell canton the Barthuhner is not a flighty breed and is fairly calm. I personally find the breed to be friendly if handled regularly.
Only rooster issue I’ve ever had is mine doesn’t like new footwear and takes a few days to get used to new boots.
